Derrick LangBasketball

Robert D. Edgren, Japan

Last week: Averaged 23.5 points in two DODDS-Japan Basketball League games at Yokota, where the Eagles won for the first time in coach Andre Thibert’s six seasons.

Lang, a junior, scored 16 points as Edgren topped the Panthers 43-39 on Saturday. On Friday, Yokota survived 58-51 but Lang still made the biggest noise, scoring 31 points, a season high for the Eagles, who improved to 4-8, winning four of their last six games. They stand fifth in the JBL at 3-8.

With three Eagles starters sidelined by injuries, Lang “has had to step up and provide offensive and defensive leadership,” Thibert said. “He is an excellent offensive and defensive player. His competitive spirit will definitely be an asset to the team as we gear up” for February’s Far East Class AA tournament at Seoul American High School.

Lauryn ThomasBasketball

Yokota, Japan

Last week:

Last week: Averaged 15 points, 8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 3.3 steals as the Panthers swept a DODDS-Japan Basketball League two-game series at Robert D. Edgren High School at Misawa Air Base.

Thomas, a sophomore transfer in her first year on Yokota’s varsity, scored 16 points in Friday’s 62-37 triumph, then totalled 14 points as the Panthers survived a third-quarter scare before pulling away for a 57-47 victory at the Eagles’ nest. Yokota improved to 10-1 and is second in the JBL at 6-1.

Coach Ric Cabral lists Thomas’ position number as “15” because “she can play and has played all (five) positions. She is very intelligent, highly motivated and an unselfish ballplayer. Her one fault is that she is unselfish. What a fault. She is an impact player with all the great qualities that surround a rising star.”

— Selected by Stars and Stripes staff

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