Cristina SindacBasketball

Matthew C. Perry, Japan

Last week: Played an important leadership role in pacing the Samurai to their first Japan Basketball League victory over E.J. King in two seasons and their first triumph over Yokota in school history on Saturday.

Sindac, a junior point and shooting guard, scored 17 points, pulled down 14 rebounds and recorded 11 steals and 11 assists as the Samurai rebounded from a 33-18 loss Friday to Yokota to beat the Panthers 38-36 after trailing at halftime 19-13. Earlier Saturday, Perry topped E.J. King for the first time in three tries this season 41-30.

“She … not only handles the ball, but … is strong under the boards as well. She plays hard on both ends of the court, offensively and defensively,” said Samurai coach Nikki Flick. “She is a team player whether she is on the court or cheering from the side. She is a great athlete, student and person.”

Jason RodriguezWrestling

Yokota, Japan

Last week: Earned Outstanding Wrestler honors by winning the 122-pound weight class and helping the Panthers capture the championship of the first Department of Defense Dependents Schools-Japan tournament at Capps Gym, Yokota High School, Yokota Air Base, Japan.

Rodriguez, a sophomore, outwrestled three opponents to grab gold-medal honors, his third championship in a Japan in-season tournament. Yokota won the DODDS-Japan title three days after clinching its first Kanto Plain Association of Secondary Schools regular-season championship in 22 years.

“He dominates every wrestler out there,” said coach Brian Kitts of Rodriguez, who has beaten every wrestler he’s faced this season but one and has just four losses. “He’s fluid in his moves. He can chain his moves. That’s the mark of an outstanding wrestler.”

— Selected by Stars and Stripes staff

Migrated