Tiffani WrightGirls basketball

Zama American, Japan

Last week: Put on a dominating inside performance, averaging 35.5 points and 23.5 rebounds per game as the Trojans swept a pair of Japan Basketball League games against Matthew C. Perry at Iwakuni Marine Corps Air Station.

The senior center scored 38 points and grabbed 32 rebounds in Zama’s 61-37 win Saturday over the Samurai, hours after posting 33 points and 15 rebounds as the Trojans clubbed Perry 54-28. Wright also shot 23-for-33 from the foul line in helping the Trojans to a 6-0 mark to start the season — their best start since 2000-01.

Coach Veronica Jones credited the play of her guards for getting the ball to Wright in the right spots. “She has so much help, players who are willing to utilize her. They recognize her strength,” Jones said. “She got so many offensive rebounds, putback after putback and most times there would be three people on her. She was dominating, determined.”

Travis EkmarkBoys basketball

Nile C. Kinnick, Japan

Last week: Nearly averaged a triple-double in points, rebounds and assists, helping lead the Red Devils to two victories over Robert D. Edgren in Japan Basketball League action.

The senior swingman scored 26 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out six assists in Saturday’s 70-45 Kinnick victory over the Eagles at Yokohama International School. On Friday, Ekmark recorded 26 points, 18 rebounds and seven assists as the Red Devils outdistanced Edgren 80-51. Ekmark also totalled seven blocked shots in the two games.

“Travis is a true team player and unselfish,” coach Nathan Brewster said. “He has an uncanny ability to see the floor and hit the open man, sometimes when the man doesn’t even know he’s open. His attitude is always coachable on the court and off and he is continually working to improve. I know that he will excel in whatever he does in the future.”

— Selected by Stars and Stripes staff

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