Elizabeth PowellBasketball

Zama American, Japan

Last week:Week of Dec. 15-21: Paced the Trojans to a Japan-best 8-2 record. A seven-game winning streak has propelled Zama to the top of the DODDS-Japan League (5-1) and the Kanto Plain Association of Secondary Schools (6-1).

Powell, a senior, scored 16 points in Zama’s 51-35 victory Dec. 16 at St. Maur International, then added 17 as the Trojans won 39-33 on Dec. 17 at Kinnick.

"She is probably one of the most gung-ho players we’ve had at Zama," coach Veronica Jones said. "We’ve had some talented players; she has a basketball heart. Any time there’s an opportunity to play, she takes it. She just loves basketball, and it shows."

Tajh KirbyBasketball

Yokota, Japan

Week of Dec. 15-21: Earned Most Valuable Player honors and led the Panthers to their first championship in the New Year Classic tournament on Dec. 20-21 at Fleet Gym, Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan.

Kirby, a junior transfer from Florida, averaged 11.5 points, six assists and four steals per game as the Panthers, off to a school-best 16-0 start, won all of its seven games in the Classic, including a 46-38 triumph over American School In Japan in the championship game.

"He’s the glue that keeps us together," coach Paul Ettl said of Kirby. "To have somebody come in with his abilities, is very fortunate."

— Selected by Stars and Stripes staff

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