French youth international basketball investment is looking good

France have invested a lot in youth international basketball. The U20 women's team came back with six medals in this category.

Alain Jardel was appointed as head coach early in the year and spent four months watching players in the various leagues in France before announcing his 19-player training roster.

Despite injuries to certain players he has been able to select a squad of 12 players that have been very competitive and complementary.

In the semi-final match against Latvia, France did not waste time in getting on the score sheet.

Mélanie Plust pushed Elina Babkina into fouling her to open her account from the free-throw line.

Latvia committed too many fouls early and France led by 10 points (16-4) after only four minutes of play.

With Latvia struggling France stretched their lead (26-8) by the end of the first period.

France slowed down offensively during the second quarter as Latvia picked up.

Alain Jardel continued to turn his bench as he went into the interval ahead (38-22).

France gave the impression of cruising as they went 25 points clear (56-31) with five minutes remaining in the third period.

Latvia started to take risks. With Babkina scoring regularly they reduced their deficit to 13 points by the end of the third period (44-57).

Latvia continued to bring the score down. With seven minutes to play France led (60-50).

Plust and Doriane Tahane (left) stepped up offensively for France. They put an end to the Latvian comeback with 6 quick points.

Latvia were unable to stop Plust (24 points) as France went on to win (72-58).

Spain are going for a grand slam with Abalde, Nicolls and Torrens

Tamara Abalde, Laura Nicolls and Alba Torrens are three players from the 1989 Spanish youth basketball international programme that have won everything for Spain.

They also played for the senior team in the 2008 Olympic games and were also members of the 2009 EuroBasket Women bronze medallist roster.

The three players have been the centre of their progress to the final.

Torrens scored 9 points for Spain as they lead (25-15) at the end of the first quarter against Russia.

Russia were handicapped early with Daria Ezhova picking up three fouls and fell further behind by the interval (26-41).

Abalde and Torrens scored the first 4 points of the third period as Spain continued to control the mathch.

Russia have players such as Nadezda Grishaeva, Aleksandr Kovalev and Natalia Vieru and Russia scored 7 quick points that forced the Spanish head coach to call for a time-out.

Spain regained control and went on a 9-0 run but then suffered a 9-0 reversal as the pendulum changed directions.

Spain went into the final period leading (56-42) thanks to a last score by Nicolls.

The final quarter was rather technical as both coaches were forced to turn there bench due to foul problems too key players.

In the end Spain experience saw them hold of Russia and qualify for the final (67-55).