Hapoel Holon survived another thriller yesterday (Saturday) in a game full of upheavals in which it came out with the upper hand after 94:101 over BS.
The team led almost throughout the game, ran away several times to a double digit number and knew how to stop its opponent’s turnaround attempts on the way to a 2:3 balance. In the absence of the ill Chris Johnson, Hayden Dalton and Freddie Bourdion stood out. Marvin Jones was good as usual, but the X Factor was a sublime idiom.
Meshav scored 17 points, a record in the league, with 4 of 7 three-pointers. He admitted at the end: “I feel that I am more prepared this year for the opportunities that I get, I am here to do what I can and help the team. I felt that I had more responsibility than usual when Joe Ragland went out with five fouls, glad I was there.”
His coach, Guy Goudes, was flattered: “He is consistent, both in defense and scores like a big man. His role is bigger than it was last year. A high-quality and diverse Mezhev, this is excellent for him.”
Another Israeli, Shawn Dawson, played 25 minutes and finished with 3 for 3 shots for two points. Goodes also commented on this: “Dawson is going through a difficult time and he helped the team with the little things like blocks and rebounds. He brings a desire to succeed and that is important.”
The team’s players went on several days off, at the end of which Chris Johnson will return to training. Eric Green should announce in the coming days if he stays with the team, when there is optimism in the team around that the player will stay. Both sides hope to finish the negotiations and confirm his stay, with Green himself saying he wants to stay with the team.
Chairman Eitan Lenziano commented: “The gaps are small. Both sides want him to stay, hope it ends the way everyone wants.” On the other hand, the status of Kenny Kadji, who played two minutes last night, is uncertain. Kadji is unable to fit in, and a decision on his matter will be made soon. Kadji’s departure is on the agenda.