Kiefer, Shiga Lakes make B1 return; Thirdy, San-En exit B.League playoffs

Shiga Lakes’ Kiefer Ravena. Photo from Japan B.League.Ravena brothers Kiefer and Thirdy had contrasting fortunes in the 2023-24 Japan B.League B1 and B2 playoffs.

The older Ravena and the Shiga Lakes are set to make their return into the league’s Division 1 after they defeated the Yamagata Wyverns, 97-74, during their B2 semifinals bout yesterday at the Shiga Daihatsu Arena.

Kiefer fired 13 points together with four assists, four steals, two rebounds, and one block for the B1-bound Shiga as he outlasted Roosevelt Adams and the Wyverns to set up a B2 Finals clash against the Koshigaya Alphas.

Yamagata’s Roosevelt Adams. Photo from Japan B.League.The former Terrafirma Dyip gunner, for his part, posted 17 markers, six boards, and a steal, but they are not set to face off against Altiri Chiba for the division’s bronze medal. 

Meanwhile, the younger Ravena bro and San-En NeoPhoenix were dealt with a 69-66 defeat by the Hiroshima Dragonflies.

San-En’s Thirdy Ravena. Photo from Japan B.League.Thirdy, like Kiefer, also scored 13 while contributing six rebounds, three steals, two rejections, and an assist, but their successful elimination round campaign went for naught as they are now eliminated from the playoffs.

On the other hand, Hiroshima is set to go up against Ray Parks Jr. and the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins in the semifinals.

Nagoya’s Ray Parks. Jr. Photo from Japan B.League.The former National University star had a five-point, one-assist game after seeing nine minutes of action in their 84-71 victory against the SeaHorses Mikawa at the Dolphins Arena and all of these proved to be of worth as they are now in the semis.