November 5, 2018
The new format Korean League kicked off last week with last year’s champion Woori Bank remaining the team to beat. This season the Korean League decided to cap their foreign players to just one per team. In it’s most recent years each team fielded two foreigners. Foreigners suiting up this season are, Cheyenne Parker for KEB Hana Bank, Aisha Sutherland for Samsung, Shekinna Stricklen for Shinhan Bank S-Birds, Kayla Thornton for KB Stars, Damiris Dantas for OK Savings Bank and Krystal Thomas for Woori Bank. Thomas and Parker are the only two players without Korean League experience. KB Stars were the only team that selected a guard in this year’s draft. They were able to do so because they have 6’5” Korean League star post player Ji-su Park who made her WNBA debut last season for the Las Vegas Aces. There is one game everyday except for Tuesdays. The season will run from November 3rd through March 29th.
November 3, 2018
Woori Bank vs. Shinhan Bank 70-45
The season opener began with the defending champs Woori Bank taking on Shinhan Bank. Woori picked up where the left off thrashing Shinhan by 25 points. Shinhan kept the first half close, holding Woori to just eight points in the second quarter and headed into the half down by only six points. But in the third Woori Bank turned up their defense and held Shinhan to four points for the quarter. Shinhan Bank only scored 13 points in the second half which lead to their demise. Krystal Thomas led the way for Woori with a double double of 21 points and 16 rebounds. Park Hye-jin finished with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists in the win. Shekinna Stricklen lead the way for the S-Birds finishing with 15 points and 4 rebounds. No other player scored in double figures for Shinhan. PHOTOS
November 4, 2018
KB stars, who lost in the finals last season began their 2018-19 campaign at home against Samsung. Narrowly escaping with a five point win, KB found themselves down by 11 points at the half. The second half was a different story as KB held Samsung to a measly 6 points in the third quarter and 7 in the fourth. It was their defense that held Sutherland to just 2 points for the game on 1-6 shooting. Thornton was unstoppable finishing with 30 points and 14 rebounds. Park Ji-su was held to only four points but pulled down 10 rebounds for the winners. Kimberly Robinson led the way for Samsung with 15 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. PHOTOS
November 5, 2018
OK Savings Bank vs. KEB Hana 89-85
Ok Savings Bank are the new owners of former cellar dwellers Winnus KDB who started the season on a high note with a win at home against KEB Hana. Savings Bank controlled the first half taking a ten point lead into halftime. KEB fought back cutting their deficit to just one point after an explosive 29 point third quarter. Hana kept it close but were unable to steal the win on the road. Damiris Dantas led the way with 26 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Three other players scored in double figures for OK Savings. Parker led the way with 20 points and 8 rebounds for Hana who saw five players score in double figures. PHOTOS
Standings
- Woori Bank 1-0
- KB Stars 1-0
- Ok Savings 1-0
- Samsung 0-1
- Shinhan 0-1
- KEB Hana 0-1