Eurobasket.com All-Latvian League Awards 2016 - Jun 7, 2016
Eurobasket.com All-Latvian League 1st Team 2016
Jeromanovs
Mitchell
Mejeris
Berzins
Aleksejevs
Finals MVP: Kwamain Mitchell (178-PG-89) of Valmiera Player of the Year: Arturs Berzins (204-PF-88) of Valmiera Guard of the Year: Edgars Jeromanovs (186-PG-86) of Jurmala Forward of the Year: Arturs Berzins (204-PF-88) of Valmiera Center of the Year: Jurijs Aleksejevs (202-C-85) of Valka/Valga Import Player of the Year: Kwamain Mitchell (178-PG-89) of Valmiera Domestic Player of the Year: Arturs Berzins (204-PF-88) of Valmiera Defensive Player of the Year: Carl Hipp (206-C-89) of Barons Riga Coach of the Year: Roberts Stelmahers of Valmiera
Valmiera celebrated the first ever LBL title. They knocked down VEF Riga in the decisive seventh game of the championship series to conquer the trophy. The hosts were ahead by 1 point but lost the second period ending it with a 2-point deficit before their 24-9 run, which allowed them to win the game. Valmiera shot 27 for 36 from the free-throw line, while VEF Riga only scored eleven points from the stripe. VEF Riga was plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a quality performance for the former international forward Aigars Skele (192-92) who led the winners and scored 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. American point guard Kwamain Mitchell (178-89, college: St.Louis) accounted for 13 points and 7 assists for the winning side. American swingman Josh Bostic (196-87, college: Findlay, OH) came up with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and international center Martins Meiers (208-91) added 12 points respectively for VEF Riga in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Top scorers: Valmiera: A.Skele 14+6reb+4ast, M.Laksa 13+3reb, K.Mitchell 13+2reb+7ast, J.Kaufmanis 9, A.Berzins 9+8reb+1ast, A.Skele 8+1reb VEF Riga: J.Bostic 19+7reb+4ast, M.Meiers 12+4reb+1ast, I.Jakovics 8+1reb+2ast, J.Berzins 6+4reb+1ast, M.Mejeris 4+9reb, G.Rubio 4+3reb
Ventspils clinched the LBL Bronze medals. They nipped Liepaja/Triobets in the decisive fifth game of the seriers. The guests trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 32-26 charge, which allowed them to win the game. 38 personal fouls committed by Liepaja/Triobet helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for American-Bulgarian point guard Willie Deane (188-80, college: Purdue, agency: Higher Vision Sports) who led his team to a victory scoring 25 points. Forward Maris Gulbis (200-85, agency: Players Group) helped adding 21 points. At the losing side American guard Kris Richard (196-89, college: Tulane) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists and Toms Leimanis (188-94) scored 13 points and 4 assists. Five Liepaja/Triobet players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Top scorers: Ventspils: W.Deane 25+3reb+2ast, M.Gulbis 21+2reb+2ast, D.Pitts 16+1reb+3ast, A.Grazulis 9+8reb+3ast, A.Selakovs 8+3reb, R.Lomazs 8+3reb+2ast Liepaja/Triobet: K.Richard 22+13reb+5ast, G.Antrops 14+2reb, J.Antrops 14+3reb, T.Leimanis 13+2reb+4ast, K.Cavars 12+5reb, M.Sokolovs 6+2reb+5ast
Team LBL wins All Star Game, Zanis Peiners named MVP - Feb 14, 2016
Team LBL-Foreigners 125:102 (29:26, 58:52, 93:78)
Team LBL won the All Star Game in Liepaja as they overcame Foreigners 125:102. The local players opened the game with a 29-26 lead and increased to 6 points at the halftime. The third period was decisive in the game as LBL pushed the tempo for good and reached 93:78 lead after thirty minutes of the game. Zanis Peiners (203-F/G-90) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and was named MVP of the game. Karlis Apsitis (200-F-92) notched 16 points and Andrew Smith (206-F-92, college: Liberty) delivered 15. Julius Brooks erupted with 34 points in the losing effort, while Modestas Kumpys (191-G-91, agency: Octagon Europe) notched 23. Tyler Larson (190-G-91, college: S.Dakota) collected 17 points and 20 boards, while Alan Wiggins (206-F-85, college: USF) nailed 16. Kristaps Dargais (198-G-90) ('Barons/LDz') won the Dunk Contest.
Latvian League All-Star Game Rosters - Feb 13, 2016
Stelmahers
