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The curtain has fallen on the FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship 2016 with Blue Star Media represented throughout the entire event by a combination of myself, Pierre [Ploszajski] and Mike [Flynn].

It’s time to re-live an array of special plays, since this will be a tournament that I will remember mainly for two things.

Firstly the most athletic France team I can remember at U16 level or possibly most athletic team ever at this age group – PLUS ……some absolutely outstanding individual plays from start to finish. Here’s a selection:

There was some incredible long-range shooting by Russia like this from Veronika Pavliuchenko.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXqTOKTHuXJ/?taken-by=basketmedia365

……but coaches – just watch the #7 Kristine Kord on the edge of the paint who is bouncing up and down in celebration AWAY from the baseline where she needs to foul as Russia are losing. Very interesting observation away from the shot itself.

Then Russia went even further away from the hoop as Kord at least made amend with this…….

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXsbb_OHr7i/?taken-by=basketmedia365

Russia were playing for kicks……….quite literally [and we don’t mean nice sneakers] after a rare ejection in the women’s game! Anna Kuznetsova was kicked out and then banned for the team’s last game.

Hungary turned heads with their team-ball and smarts as they reached the Final for the first time in 41 years. Nora Wentzel impressed with beauties like this…..

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXlIQi1n69_/?taken-by=basketmedia365

France came out on top in the Final and throughout the competition, showed intelligence and athleticism – they were head and shoulders above – led by their captain!

And here is more of that athleticism….

They also made some big plays…..

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXdqVzdH5As/?taken-by=basketmedia365

Spain have totally dominated this event down the years and in recent times, but their reign ended in the Quarter-Finals by Italy!

Italy showed skills and intensity throughout, Ilaria Panzera standing out and making the All-Star Five as they took bronze. Caterina Gilli also caught the eye and as she is a 2002, she will be back!

Raquell Carrera looks like a long-term prospect in the paint at all levels for Spain and is a sensational shot blocker.

I also loved the very, very smart Helena Pueyo

Latvia made history by beating the other 2016 Finalist Germany. They reached the last Four for the first time!

Nika Muhl of Croatia led the competition with assists and steals, had everybody talking about her and surely came up with the best play of the competition….

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXiYlRqHRO9/?taken-by=basketmedia365

And if that wasn’t the Play Of The Tournament……then this is

Keep it locked to @basketmedia365 on twitter and also basketmedia365 on Instagram!

 

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Paul Nilsen lives and breathes women’s hoops. He’s is a freelance writer working for the sport’s world governing body FIBA where he pens a weekly ‘Women’s Basketball Worldwide Column’ - as well as providing daily content on major club competitions, international tournaments and the women’s youth game. He has an extensive network of contacts across the globe, including an array of elite play-callers and players. Also a qualified coach and referee, he is a big supporter of Blue Star Media and joined as a blogger during the fall of 2016.

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