If they had been awarded the title of Outstanding Player of the Playoffs so far - Joe Ragland would have won it for sure.
In six games so far, the Hapoel Holon coordinator has scored an average of 22.8 points per game at 55.8% for 3, 56.2% for 2 and 84.6% from the penalty line.
He also delivered 6.2 assists and averaged a total of 25.3 index points.
Within a week, he scored 70 points in two games in the arena, and is the main reason why Hapoel Jerusalem, the leader of the regular league, finished its way.
The Purples' only loss so far in the playoffs was the only game in which Ragland was stopped by less than 10 points, when Holon lost at home to the Jerusalemites.
In the same game he scored 7 points in bad percentages, and finished with more assists than losses.
"We have a tough team with a good defense," says Ragland in a special interview with "Israel Today" after the great series against Hapoel Jerusalem and before the fascinating playoff final series against Bnei Herzliya, at the end of which the champion will be crowned.
"It feels good to play this way and find a way to beat a strong team like Jerusalem. We recovered nicely from the loss at home and did our part."
Joe Ragland and Chris Bab.
Close relationship off the floor, Photo: Alan Schieber
How do you explain your tremendous ability in the semi-final against Jerusalem?
"A team that reaches the final finds its way to win in every game. My goal is to do what it takes for the team to win. In those two games the team needed me to get caught, so that's what I did."
You seem to enjoy playing in a hostile atmosphere, with the crowd against you.
Now you have one or two games outside against Herzliya.
If you want to win the championship you will have to win there at least once.
"In my team in colleges we were called fighters, and for two years we lost maybe one away game. The coach mentally prepared us to deal with all kinds of situations and know how to get yourself to the maximum on every court, and I take that with me. It's hard to get us out of our quiet and our way."
Ragland.
Led Holon to the final,
How do you see the chances for the final against Herzliya?
"Everything is on the table. No one expected us or Herzliya to reach the final, but we are both here despite all the predictions. Both teams are capable of winning and winning the title. We will have to be better, and as we know how to do, find the right way to win."
Ragland vs. Rivers.
Wants the title, Photo: Danny Maron
The loss to Herzliya in the Cup semi-final is still on your mind?
"No, I do not think about it because it does not really matter at the moment. These are two different teams that are in good shape and focused on their goal. All I care about now is how we find the right way to beat them."
Hapoel Holon has won the championship only once in history.
Do you want to make a big achievement for the club and also for you personally and win the title?
"It's definitely what we want and aim for. We need to win the first game and then be focused on the game after that as well to achieve our goal throughout the season. I'm sure we will be ready."
Ragland.
Will continue in the purple uniform for another two years ?, Photo: Danny Maron
Holon wants you to stay and the fans love you and will be happy for you to continue.
"I really only think now about the current season and how to beat Bnei Herzliya and win the championship."
Yaakov Meir, also on Twitter - @ yakovmeir1
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