Upper Galilee Survives as Netanya and Raanana Drop to the National League

After a dramatic final round on Wednesday night, the relegation picture in Israel’s top division became clear. Elitzur Netanya beat Maccabi Raanana 77-89, but both teams still fell to the National League because Hapoel Galil Elyon defeated Ironi Ness Ziona 65-76. Ness Ziona had already secured survival several rounds earlier, and Galil Elyon’s win kept it in the top flight.

Netanya and Raanana entered knowing only a win could keep their hopes alive, and the early going was tight. The game turned in the second quarter, when the hosts went on a 15-29 run to build a 33-50 halftime lead. Maurice Kemp dominated the first half with 20 points on 80% shooting, while Raanana coughed up 14 turnovers in the opening 20 minutes.

Raanana fought back after the break, cutting the deficit into single digits behind big threes from Ron Cohen, but Netanya kept control entering the fourth quarter and held on comfortably. Coach Ilan Amr’s team finished with an impressive win, though it was not enough because Galil Elyon also won.

In Ness Ziona, Galil Elyon opened slowly in a low-scoring first quarter, but the teams were tied 40-40 at halftime after the visitors won the second quarter 31-27. The Reds pulled away in the second half and built a double-digit lead late. Israeli players led the way, especially Roi Prizki, who scored 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a heroic performance that kept his team in the Premier League. The result also carried emotional weight after the death of Raz Adam less than a month ago, with the club rallying together to complete its mission.