Galil Elyon Season Summary: “Mixed Disappointment with Great Pride”
The Israeli basketball team Hapoel Galil Elyon concluded its season with a loss against Hapoel Beer Sheva, finishing with a score of 77-64 in a matchup for the ninth and tenth places during the playoffs. This defeat marked Galil Elyon’s final game of the season, making it the first team in the Israeli Premier League to wrap up its campaign.
Season Expectations and Outcomes
At the beginning of the season, Galil Elyon set ambitious goals, aiming for a playoff spot. However, consecutive losses to Beer Sheva cut their aspirations short. “The loss in the final league round denied us the home-court advantage in the playoffs. Had we finished higher, we would have placed seventh,” the team expressed, underscoring the disappointing end to what they had hoped would be a promising campaign.
Game Analysis
Coach Goni Yizraeli reflected on the recent match, noting, “We knew it would be an aggressive game because Beer Sheva is a very aggressive team. We struggled to shoot from the perimeter, making only two three-point shots. Alongside losing the rebounding battle, that cost us the game.”
Player Reactions
Team captain Lior Carrera expressed his disappointment, stating, “This is not how we wanted to end the season. There were moments when it seemed we might not even reach this stage, but it’s still frustrating. I don’t believe we are any less skilled than Beer Sheva. In both games against them, there were times we led, but ultimately, a small run by them decided the matches.”
Pride Amidst Challenges
Despite the disappointment, Yizraeli emphasized his pride in the team’s resilience. “I am disappointed as a competitive person, but I am also very proud of what we’ve achieved. We competed without a home venue during the first half of the season and played without our fans, with a limited budget and only three foreign players. Despite the challenges, we managed to contend for a playoff position, and I am very proud of the players for that.”
Homecoming Significance
The team’s return to its home venue in April was significant, as they won four out of five home games. “If we had started the season in Kfar Blum, we would be in a different place altogether,” the team stated, reflecting on how critical home games were to their performance.
Looking Ahead
Chairman Tamir Abrahams reflected on the season, acknowledging the external challenges faced, particularly due to regional conflicts. “When calm returned to the north, we successfully brought the team back to Kfar Blum, which immediately reflected in our home games where we won four out of five, including a victory over Hapoel Jerusalem.”
Abrahams concluded, “Yes, we dreamed of the playoffs in the last week, but the true victory is our return home, where we can feel our fans and bring back smiles to the residents of the Galilee. We are proud of the players and staff for never giving up this season. We’ll take a moment to breathe and start planning for next season, which will be a challenging summer.”
Future Plans
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Goni Yizraeli remains on contract for two more years and will work alongside his assistant, Avishi Gordon, to rebuild the team. Given the tumultuous start to the season, no long-term contracts were signed with players, and discussions about the team’s lineup for next season are ongoing, focusing particularly on Shahar Amir and Tomer Asayag, who have options for the next season.
In summary, Hapoel Galil Elyon reflects on a season marked by resilience amidst adversity, driven by a commitment to growth and striving for success in the future