Elders of Israel won a double whammy to confirm their status as the team to beat in Tauranga City Basketball's summer league.
Up against Tauranga City under-19s, Elders took advantage of some poor transition defence and looked good on the fast break to lead 42-24 at halftime. The second halfcontinued Elders' dominance with their size resulting in a favourable rebounding advantage to win 84-60.
It was great to see Alex Schipper back on court for the under-19s after his horrific accident last year.
In their second game of the day against A & J Demoltion, the Elders controlled the tempo well and were again surprisingly successful with a transition game against younger opposition which saw them up 34-28 at halftime.
The second half saw Elders utilise more zone defence and A & J attempted to counter this with perimeter three-point shots. But it was a ploy that limited their offensive rebounding and ability to get to the freethrow line.
Elders continued on to a 69-52 win and are now definitely the team to beat this season. Against Bay Bombers A & J Demolition were successful with their full court pressure defence to win 64-42 while Bay Bombers downed Tauranga under-19 by four points.
