Local Hoops: Hapoel Jerusalem wins its first trophy of the season

Hapoel defeats Ironi Nahariya 84-69 in the final of the preseason Winner Cup at Malha Arena.

By ALLON SINAI
hapoel jerusalem wins cup 224.88 (photo credit: Channel 10)
hapoel jerusalem wins cup 224.88
(photo credit: Channel 10)
The BSL season will get underway in just nine days time, but for Hapoel Jerusalem even that is too far away. Hapoel defeated Ironi Nahariya 84-69 in the final of the preseason Winner Cup at Malha Arena on Thursday night with a performance every Jerusalem fan will be hoping is a sign of things to come. Jerusalem trailed by 16 points after 10 minutes, but controlled the remainder of the encounter to claim a comfortable win. "The players displayed a lot of character and maturity tonight, but we've still got to continue to work hard as we want to improve," Hapoel coach Guy Goodes said. Timmy Bowers, Yuval Naimi and Omar Sneed were all superb for the Reds, who will be full of confidence ahead of their season opener at Ironi Ashkelon next weekend. Bowers led Hapoel with 27 points and just as importantly teamed-up perfectly in the backcourt with Yuval Naimi. The 23-year-old Naimi, who scored 17 points, grew-up at Jerusalem, but is only now finally on the roster of the senior team and already looks to be one of the side's main players. Sneed scored 21 points and grabbed six rebounds and dominated Nahariya with his post-up play. Aaron McGhee scored 14 points for Nahariya, with Ron Lewis and Greg Brunner adding 12 points each. Nahariya's streaking offense was unstoppable in the first period and a Brunner basket capped a 21-3 run, giving Ya'acov Jino's team a 26-8 lead. After allowing 26 points in the first 10 minutes and ending the first quarter 16 points down (26-10), Jerusalem knew it had to tighten its defense immediately if it had any intention of closing the deficit. Goodes' team did exactly that and by limiting Nahariya to 13 points in the second period closed to within four points by the break. Hapoel scored the final 12 points of the quarter, with Sneed's basket to end the half putting the score at 39-35. The first three minutes of the second half belonged to Nahariya, with McGhee's three-point move opening a nine point gap (46-37). Hapoel would, however, score six three-pointers in the final six minutes of the third period to take its first lead of the night. Nahariya couldn't buy a basket at the start of the fourth period and it wasn't long before Hapoel wrapped up the win. An 8-0 run opened a 67-56 lead and Sharon Sasson's three with four minutes to play gave the team an unassailable 14-point margin (74-60) and the Winner Cup. Earlier in the day, Hapoel Galil/Gilboa claimed third position in the competition, defeating Bnei Hasharon 82-79. Brian Roberts led Oded Katash's team with 22 points, with Elishay Kadir adding 19 points. Meir Tapiro and Ori Itzhaki each scored 17 points for Bnei Hasharon.