COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—After one week and the difficult evaluation of 32 invited athletes along with 114 applicant candidates, USA Basketball has announced the 12 person final roster for the 2019 U16 National Team.  The talented group will be led by Coach Mark Campbell (Union University / Tennessee) as they look to defend the US 2017 FIBA Americas Gold Medal June 16 – 22 in Puerto Aysen, Chile.  Monday morning saw the selection committee make a final cut to 18 finalists subsequently beginning two a day practices with Campbell and his staff.  Thursday’s announcement eliminated the final six hopefuls who came up just short of a goal they’ll no doubt be back to pursue again in the future.

The roster features six members of the 2021 class and six more graduating a year later in 22.  The average size sees the team as a whole standing at just a fraction over 6-1.  Lauren Betts (2022 – Centennial, Colorado) and Amari DeBerry (2021 – Buffalo, New York) stand at 6-7 and 6-5 respectively while the other end of the spectrum is highlighted by point guard Londynn Jones (2022 – Riverside, California) who checks in at 5-6.  Maryland and New York each have two representatives while eight other states can claim a new star on old glory.  Blue Star 30 can be proud of the 9 athletes of 12 who claim membership in the highly regarded program.

The point is solid and deep with the ultra-quick and consistent Jones (above) and easily one of most impressive performers of the trials, instinctual playmaker Olivia Miles (2021 – Phillipsburg, New Jersey).  KK Bransford (2022 – Cincinnati, Ohio) adds explosive physicality on a perimeter that also features versatile scorer Payton Verhulst (2021 – De Soto, Kansas) and the speed and ballskills of KiKi Rice (2022 – Bethesda, Maryland).  Adding even more versatility is 6-1 Sonia Citron (2021 – Scarsdale, New York) while Saylor Poffenbarger (2021 – Middletown, Maryland) brings size (6-2) with a deep and efficient skill set to the table as well giving Mark Campbell both options and depth.

Another of the trials top performers, Aaliyah More (2021 – Moore, Oklahoma) can effectively play a multitude of spots and roles making herself an impact player in the process.

The interior features size and athleticism plus some evolving games that are ready to make their mark. The potential contributions of Janiah Barker (2022 – Panama, City, Florida) and Timea Gardiner (2022 – Ogden, Utah) are extensive with both possessing size (6-3), agility and strength that pairs well with the ability to work around and away from the rim.  Betts and DeBerry (above) understand the role and expectations that come with their size and are producing with more and more consistency.  Advanced  and continued production will be critical for both in Puerto Aysen.  Below are head shots and action images of each roster member.  All Head Shots are courtesy of Garrett Ellwood/USA Basketball while the action images were captured by Blue Star Media.

To see  Blue star Media’s coverage from the start of the U16 trials, follow the links provided below.

https://bluestarmedia.org/usa-basketball-names-18-finalists/

https://bluestarmedia.org/the-first-cut-is-the-deepest/

https://bluestarmedia.org/watching-the-selection-process/

https://bluestarmedia.org/usa-basketball-next-generation/

https://bluestarmedia.org/2019-usa-basketball-u16-trials/

For more information on the 2019 FIBA Americas U16 Championships, follow the link below.

http://www.fiba.basketball/u16americas/women/2019