Upper Galilee Stays Up as Netanya and Ra'anana Drop to the National League

After a dramatic final round on Wednesday night, the relegated teams from Israel’s top basketball league were decided. Elitzur Netanya beat Maccabi Ra'anana 77-89, but both clubs were still sent down because Hapoel Galil Elyon defeated Ironi Ness Ziona 65-76 at the same time. Ness Ziona had already secured safety in earlier rounds, so the key result was in the northern matchup.

Netanya and Ra'anana entered their game knowing they had to win to keep any chance of staying in the Premier League alive. The first quarter was close, with Morris Camp and Joaquin Schuchman standing out, but Netanya took control in the second period with a 15-29 run and led 33-50 at halftime. Camp was outstanding in the first half with 20 points on 80% shooting, while Ra'anana committed 14 turnovers before the break.

Ra'anana rallied after halftime and cut the margin to single digits behind big three-pointers from Ron Cohen, but Netanya kept enough of a cushion heading into the decisive fourth quarter. Coach Ilan Amr’s team closed strongly and won comfortably, though the result was not enough because Galil Elyon also won.

In Ness Ziona, Galil Elyon started slowly in a low-scoring first quarter, when the two teams combined for only 21 points. The sides improved in the second quarter, and the visitors led 31-27 in the period and entered halftime tied 40-40. In the second half, the red team pulled away to a double-digit lead. Israeli players led by Idan Avshalom were praised, especially guard Roy Prizki, who finished with 18 points and nine rebounds and was described as having sealed the team’s survival. The article also noted the emotional context of the death of Raz Adam less than a month earlier, saying the team stayed united and completed the mission.