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Gems retain youth international basketball tournament in Fougères
During the youth international basketball tournament Dean Kinsman’s "GEMS" played with a lot of energy and maturity as they went undefeated it. They also made a lot of new friends in France. The “Gems” matched the record of the 2000 squad by winning the youth international tournament in Fougères. In their second game against Turkey, Australia went on a first-period blitz to lead (24-7). By the interval they led comfortably (34-17). Turkey came out in the second half more determined and matched their opponents basket for basket but were not able to make up the deficit of the first half. Australia ran out winners with four players in double digits: Stephanie Cumming 12 points, Tess Madgen and Gretel Tippett with 11 apiece and Rosie Moult with 10 points. Tugce Canitez with 10 points was the only player from Turkey in double digits. In their final match Australia faced Lithuania. In a similar fashion to their game against Turkey they opened a significant lead (15-2) during the first period. Australia’s main occupation during the second period was to keep the ball away from the Lithuanian duo Aurime Rinkeviciute and Giedre Paugaite. Without these two players the Lithuanian team were not able to do much offensively in the first half of the game. Hence Australia went into the interval leading (28-15). By the end of the third period Australia took full advantage of the confusion of their opponents to stretch their advantage to (47-25). Lithuania finally found their way to the basket in the final period. However they left it far too late to trouble the girls from down under who held on to win comfortably (58-44). In terms of shooting statistics both teams did not shoot well. Australia went 24-of-63 from the field but hit 5-of-10 from the land of many, while Lithuania managed 12-of-50 from the field, which included 3-of-10 from beyond the arc. All the same Australia’s team play was interesting to watch. Rachel Jarry was the only player in double digits with 12 points. But nine other players scored as well so none of the players were really under pressure for scoring. A special mention Kerryn Harrington, who did not score did an excellent job in guarding Rinkeviciute and deserved her title of MVP. She was joined in the all star team Rachel Jarry. For Lithuania Egle Siksniute top scored with 10 points. The rest of the news from the youth international basketball tournament
Turkey bounced back from their defeat against Lithuania to beat Romania (81-56) to clinch second place in the tournament. Romania started the match aggressively and led (20-19) after the first period. Turkey then went on the rampage in the second quarter (21-7) and ended the game as a contest. By the end of the third period they were leading (67-43). Lithuania’s only victory was against Romanian on day 2 (79-62). Rinkeviciute finished with 30 points including 5-of-9 from the arc and was supported by Paugaite who scored 23 points. Leading (68-40) going into the final period, Lithuania dropped their intensity and Romania attempted a comeback with Alina Chivu (18 points) leading the way. In the absence of the 2007 champions, France, it can be said that Australia defended their title from 2000. Australia will be at the FIBA World Championship in 2009. Some players, if not all, will be on display. The other members of the all star team are: Rinkeviciute and Paugaite from Lithuania and Duygu Firat from Turkey.
Youth international basketball news from Fougères day 1 Return to youth international basketball index picture credit: Fougères Basket International Féminin organisers Date created: 29 June 2008
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