Misawa All Stars take on Aomori Wats

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jordyn Fetter
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  An exhibition basketball game between the Misawa All Stars and Aomori Wats took place at the Misawa Air Base Potter Fitness Center, Sept. 6.

These games are part of a program initiated to provide both teams with an advantage through scrimmaging before their upcoming season. 

Players from Misawa AB, Kadena AB, Japan, and Hachinohe University merged to form the Misawa All Stars team to compete against the Basketball Japanese League professional team based out of Aomori.

Because the Aomori Wats' location is in Northern Japan, the three-year-old team has little opportunity to practice against other league teams, said Eugene Davis Scott, 35th Operations Group executive officer for the commander.

"These games provide a great opportunity to exchange knowledge between athletes and continue to build on our U.S.-Japanese relationship," said Scott.

The Aomori Wats competed to gain exposure against American teams, while the Misawa Jets played to experience professional basketball.

"We can bring these opportunities to both teams here through these exhibition games," said Scott.

Through friendly competition and swapping of skills, the teams were able to bond beyond the occasional festival or event, said Staff Sgt. Marcus Hollins, Misawa Jets coach and 35th Medical Support Squadron NCO in charge of pharmacy support.

The Aomori Wats won with a score of 81-69. It was a turn-around from the previous game's score of 74-70, championed by the Misawa Jets. Both teams encourage the base to come out for the next exhibition game of the season set Sept. 26.

"Basketball unites everybody with one common ground." said Hollins. "This brings our bond even closer."