While all eyes have been transfixed on the action at the #FIBAU17 in Minsk, the next generation of Spanish athletes have been showing their skills en-route to the top of the podium at an U15 Friendship Tournament in Nice, France. (Photo – FEB)
Spain competed against Greece and Italy – as well as their hosts, neighbors and fellow women’s powerhouse program France, at the event. After intensive preparation in Iscar, play-caller Elena Lahoz worked with the 2003 generation to deliver gold in a triumph that suggests Spain has no intention of giving up their label as the most powerful European nation in women’s youth basketball.
They tipped off their campaign in Nice with an eye-catching 59-31 victory against Greece and the Spaniards were even more powerful and rampant the following day when they tore Italy apart by 93-27 as Claudia Soriano impressed with 16 points.
The Champions then completed a hat-trick of wins by going 3-0 with a much harder fought battle against France as they ground out a 71-62 victory. Marta Morales was the game-winner with a sizzling display as she erupted for a massive 26 points, also contributing 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Claudia Soriano and Anna Prim provided the cameos after sharing 22 points.
Meanwhile Eloise Pavrette was super for France as she went 7 of 9 from the field for her 17 points. She was one of the best players by some distance, having racked up 13 points (an amazing 6 of 7) and 13 rebounds in a 75-38 success for her country against Italy. France finished second after they also beat Greece 63-51.
Italy took third after pipping Greece 60-58 in a thrilling contest as they held on for victory after a late rescue bid from their opponents. It was Sara Ronchi who stood out, completing a fine double-double of 24 points and 10 boards, as well as 4 steals and 2 blocks. Greece were led by captain, Danai Papadopoulou who poured in 22 points and pulled down 9 rebounds.
While Greece didn’t win a game, they did have arguably the standout individual display of the tournament, after Eleni Bosgana went off for 28 points (10 of 15) and added 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals in the loss to France.
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