[stopandpop]

In their first game, the USA women just defeated Mali 85-64 in the FIBA U19 championship in Spain.

Talana Lepolo STARTED at point guard.  Played 19+ minutes, scored 6 points on 2/3 from 3-point land.  3 rebounds, 1 assist & 2 turnovers.  Her ball-handling under a lot pressure from the quick, athletic Mali guards was generally good.  Her 3 point stroke (when given space), looked great.  I'd like to see her drive the ball more rather than looking to pass, but overall a good performance.

[stopandpop]

In their first game, the USA women just defeated Mali 85-64 in the FIBA U19 championship in Spain.

Talana Lepolo STARTED at point guard.  Played 19+ minutes, scored 6 points on 2/3 from 3-point land.  3 rebounds, 1 assist & 2 turnovers.  Her ball-handling under a lot pressure from the quick, athletic Mali guards was generally good.  Her 3 point stroke (when given space), looked great.  I'd like to see her drive the ball more rather than looking to pass, but overall a good performance.

[crackpot]

I must admit, that assist from Lepolo to Rice made me cry a little.

Fun game to watch. Refs called every little thing, so basketballl was played an no one tried to maul another.

[crackpot]

I must admit, that assist from Lepolo to Rice made me cry a little.

Fun game to watch. Refs called every little thing, so basketballl was played an no one tried to maul another.

[stopandpop]

I must admit, that assist from Lepolo to Rice made me cry a little.

Fun game to watch. Refs called every little thing, so basketballl was played an no one tried to maul another.

USA defeated overmatched Germany today 100-46.  Lepolo played 24 minutes, scored 5 points 2/2 with a free throw.  She had 6 assists and no turnovers.  Her ball handling and defense excellent.

And yet I was disappointed in one part of her game.  Perhaps she was given instructions by her coaches to look for others, and she does that exceptionally well, but I thought Talana would use this international experience to improve her offense.  Her mindset continues to be (not just pass first), but pass second and third.  There were so many opportunities for her to drive the ball (she has a strong body and can absorb contact) and she did do this - and scored, but she remains reluctant, even when she's open.

For the Cardinal to be successful, a big key is for Lepolo to become more of an offensive threat.  That helps relieve defensive pressure on Jump, Demetre and even a bit on Brink.  It will be interesting to see whether Tara gives Talana more of a 'green light' to score.  Having another offense weapon (who is already a great assist maker and a great caretaker of the ball), in the lineup changes things for the better.
 

FYI- Kiki Rice 4 points 2/7.  UCLA teammate London Jones much more productive.  After 2 games, not impressed with Hilgado at all.

[stopandpop]

I must admit, that assist from Lepolo to Rice made me cry a little.

Fun game to watch. Refs called every little thing, so basketballl was played an no one tried to maul another.

USA defeated overmatched Germany today 100-46.  Lepolo played 24 minutes, scored 5 points 2/2 with a free throw.  She had 6 assists and no turnovers.  Her ball handling and defense excellent.

And yet I was disappointed in one part of her game.  Perhaps she was given instructions by her coaches to look for others, and she does that exceptionally well, but I thought Talana would use this international experience to improve her offense.  Her mindset continues to be (not just pass first), but pass second and third.  There were so many opportunities for her to drive the ball (she has a strong body and can absorb contact) and she did do this - and scored, but she remains reluctant, even when she's open.

For the Cardinal to be successful, a big key is for Lepolo to become more of an offensive threat.  That helps relieve defensive pressure on Jump, Demetre and even a bit on Brink.  It will be interesting to see whether Tara gives Talana more of a 'green light' to score.  Having another offense weapon (who is already a great assist maker and a great caretaker of the ball), in the lineup changes things for the better.
 

FYI- Kiki Rice 4 points 2/7.  UCLA teammate London Jones much more productive.  After 2 games, not impressed with Hilgado at all.

[BosCard]

I must admit, that assist from Lepolo to Rice made me cry a little.

Fun game to watch. Refs called every little thing, so basketballl was played an no one tried to maul another.

USA defeated overmatched Germany today 100-46.  Lepolo played 24 minutes, scored 5 points 2/2 with a free throw.  She had 6 assists and no turnovers.  Her ball handling and defense excellent.

And yet I was disappointed in one part of her game.  Perhaps she was given instructions by her coaches to look for others, and she does that exceptionally well, but I thought Talana would use this international experience to improve her offense.  Her mindset continues to be (not just pass first), but pass second and third.  There were so many opportunities for her to drive the ball (she has a strong body and can absorb contact) and she did do this - and scored, but she remains reluctant, even when she's open.

For the Cardinal to be successful, a big key is for Lepolo to become more of an offensive threat.  That helps relieve defensive pressure on Jump, Demetre and even a bit on Brink.  It will be interesting to see whether Tara gives Talana more of a 'green light' to score.  Having another offense weapon (who is already a great assist maker and a great caretaker of the ball), in the lineup changes things for the better.
 

FYI- Kiki Rice 4 points 2/7.  UCLA teammate London Jones much more productive.  After 2 games, not impressed with Hilgado at all.

Lepolo had the green light last year.  The coaches told her she needed to shoot more so the defenses weren’t playing 5 on 4.   I’m hopeful that we’ll see a more aggressive Lepolo with the Cardinal because there are less proven scorers on our team besides Brink/Jump than there are on the USA roster.  Plus I imagine the USA coaches like Lepolo’s true point guard play and maybe are emphasizing her passing because she’s starting.

[BosCard]

I must admit, that assist from Lepolo to Rice made me cry a little.

Fun game to watch. Refs called every little thing, so basketballl was played an no one tried to maul another.

USA defeated overmatched Germany today 100-46.  Lepolo played 24 minutes, scored 5 points 2/2 with a free throw.  She had 6 assists and no turnovers.  Her ball handling and defense excellent.

And yet I was disappointed in one part of her game.  Perhaps she was given instructions by her coaches to look for others, and she does that exceptionally well, but I thought Talana would use this international experience to improve her offense.  Her mindset continues to be (not just pass first), but pass second and third.  There were so many opportunities for her to drive the ball (she has a strong body and can absorb contact) and she did do this - and scored, but she remains reluctant, even when she's open.

For the Cardinal to be successful, a big key is for Lepolo to become more of an offensive threat.  That helps relieve defensive pressure on Jump, Demetre and even a bit on Brink.  It will be interesting to see whether Tara gives Talana more of a 'green light' to score.  Having another offense weapon (who is already a great assist maker and a great caretaker of the ball), in the lineup changes things for the better.
 

FYI- Kiki Rice 4 points 2/7.  UCLA teammate London Jones much more productive.  After 2 games, not impressed with Hilgado at all.

Lepolo had the green light last year.  The coaches told her she needed to shoot more so the defenses weren’t playing 5 on 4.   I’m hopeful that we’ll see a more aggressive Lepolo with the Cardinal because there are less proven scorers on our team besides Brink/Jump than there are on the USA roster.  Plus I imagine the USA coaches like Lepolo’s true point guard play and maybe are emphasizing her passing because she’s starting.

[MV72018]

I must admit, that assist from Lepolo to Rice made me cry a little.

Fun game to watch. Refs called every little thing, so basketballl was played an no one tried to maul another.

USA defeated overmatched Germany today 100-46.  Lepolo played 24 minutes, scored 5 points 2/2 with a free throw.  She had 6 assists and no turnovers.  Her ball handling and defense excellent.

And yet I was disappointed in one part of her game.  Perhaps she was given instructions by her coaches to look for others, and she does that exceptionally well, but I thought Talana would use this international experience to improve her offense.  Her mindset continues to be (not just pass first), but pass second and third.  There were so many opportunities for her to drive the ball (she has a strong body and can absorb contact) and she did do this - and scored, but she remains reluctant, even when she's open.

For the Cardinal to be successful, a big key is for Lepolo to become more of an offensive threat.  That helps relieve defensive pressure on Jump, Demetre and even a bit on Brink.  It will be interesting to see whether Tara gives Talana more of a 'green light' to score.  Having another offense weapon (who is already a great assist maker and a great caretaker of the ball), in the lineup changes things for the better.
 

FYI- Kiki Rice 4 points 2/7.  UCLA teammate London Jones much more productive.  After 2 games, not impressed with Hilgado at all.

Question: is it a matter of Tara giving Lepolo a "green light to score" or a matter of Lepolo being inherently disinclined to shoot much? In how many games last did she take 10 or more shots? It may be that getting the green light to shoot more is not enough. She may need to alter her mindset.

[MV72018]

I must admit, that assist from Lepolo to Rice made me cry a little.

Fun game to watch. Refs called every little thing, so basketballl was played an no one tried to maul another.

USA defeated overmatched Germany today 100-46.  Lepolo played 24 minutes, scored 5 points 2/2 with a free throw.  She had 6 assists and no turnovers.  Her ball handling and defense excellent.

And yet I was disappointed in one part of her game.  Perhaps she was given instructions by her coaches to look for others, and she does that exceptionally well, but I thought Talana would use this international experience to improve her offense.  Her mindset continues to be (not just pass first), but pass second and third.  There were so many opportunities for her to drive the ball (she has a strong body and can absorb contact) and she did do this - and scored, but she remains reluctant, even when she's open.

For the Cardinal to be successful, a big key is for Lepolo to become more of an offensive threat.  That helps relieve defensive pressure on Jump, Demetre and even a bit on Brink.  It will be interesting to see whether Tara gives Talana more of a 'green light' to score.  Having another offense weapon (who is already a great assist maker and a great caretaker of the ball), in the lineup changes things for the better.
 

FYI- Kiki Rice 4 points 2/7.  UCLA teammate London Jones much more productive.  After 2 games, not impressed with Hilgado at all.

Question: is it a matter of Tara giving Lepolo a "green light to score" or a matter of Lepolo being inherently disinclined to shoot much? In how many games last did she take 10 or more shots? It may be that getting the green light to shoot more is not enough. She may need to alter her mindset.

[mbdude]

USA v Germany | Full Basketball Game | FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023 - Bing video

[mbdude]

USA v Germany | Full Basketball Game | FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023 - Bing video

[BosCard]

I must admit, that assist from Lepolo to Rice made me cry a little.

Fun game to watch. Refs called every little thing, so basketballl was played an no one tried to maul another.

USA defeated overmatched Germany today 100-46.  Lepolo played 24 minutes, scored 5 points 2/2 with a free throw.  She had 6 assists and no turnovers.  Her ball handling and defense excellent.

And yet I was disappointed in one part of her game.  Perhaps she was given instructions by her coaches to look for others, and she does that exceptionally well, but I thought Talana would use this international experience to improve her offense.  Her mindset continues to be (not just pass first), but pass second and third.  There were so many opportunities for her to drive the ball (she has a strong body and can absorb contact) and she did do this - and scored, but she remains reluctant, even when she's open.

For the Cardinal to be successful, a big key is for Lepolo to become more of an offensive threat.  That helps relieve defensive pressure on Jump, Demetre and even a bit on Brink.  It will be interesting to see whether Tara gives Talana more of a 'green light' to score.  Having another offense weapon (who is already a great assist maker and a great caretaker of the ball), in the lineup changes things for the better.
 

FYI- Kiki Rice 4 points 2/7.  UCLA teammate London Jones much more productive.  After 2 games, not impressed with Hilgado at all.

Question: is it a matter of Tara giving Lepolo a "green light to score" or a matter of Lepolo being inherently disinclined to shoot much? In how many games last did she take 10 or more shots? It may be that getting the green light to shoot more is not enough. She may need to alter her mindset.

I am confident that Lepolo knows she needs to be more aggressive and look for her own shot more on next year’s Cardinal team.  I don’t know if that is her role on this USA team with so many scorers like Rice, Jones and McMahon hunting for their own shot.

[BosCard]

I must admit, that assist from Lepolo to Rice made me cry a little.

Fun game to watch. Refs called every little thing, so basketballl was played an no one tried to maul another.

USA defeated overmatched Germany today 100-46.  Lepolo played 24 minutes, scored 5 points 2/2 with a free throw.  She had 6 assists and no turnovers.  Her ball handling and defense excellent.

And yet I was disappointed in one part of her game.  Perhaps she was given instructions by her coaches to look for others, and she does that exceptionally well, but I thought Talana would use this international experience to improve her offense.  Her mindset continues to be (not just pass first), but pass second and third.  There were so many opportunities for her to drive the ball (she has a strong body and can absorb contact) and she did do this - and scored, but she remains reluctant, even when she's open.

For the Cardinal to be successful, a big key is for Lepolo to become more of an offensive threat.  That helps relieve defensive pressure on Jump, Demetre and even a bit on Brink.  It will be interesting to see whether Tara gives Talana more of a 'green light' to score.  Having another offense weapon (who is already a great assist maker and a great caretaker of the ball), in the lineup changes things for the better.
 

FYI- Kiki Rice 4 points 2/7.  UCLA teammate London Jones much more productive.  After 2 games, not impressed with Hilgado at all.

Question: is it a matter of Tara giving Lepolo a "green light to score" or a matter of Lepolo being inherently disinclined to shoot much? In how many games last did she take 10 or more shots? It may be that getting the green light to shoot more is not enough. She may need to alter her mindset.

I am confident that Lepolo knows she needs to be more aggressive and look for her own shot more on next year’s Cardinal team.  I don’t know if that is her role on this USA team with so many scorers like Rice, Jones and McMahon hunting for their own shot.

[stopandpop]

I must admit, that assist from Lepolo to Rice made me cry a little.

Fun game to watch. Refs called every little thing, so basketballl was played an no one tried to maul another.

USA defeated overmatched Germany today 100-46.  Lepolo played 24 minutes, scored 5 points 2/2 with a free throw.  She had 6 assists and no turnovers.  Her ball handling and defense excellent.

And yet I was disappointed in one part of her game.  Perhaps she was given instructions by her coaches to look for others, and she does that exceptionally well, but I thought Talana would use this international experience to improve her offense.  Her mindset continues to be (not just pass first), but pass second and third.  There were so many opportunities for her to drive the ball (she has a strong body and can absorb contact) and she did do this - and scored, but she remains reluctant, even when she's open.

For the Cardinal to be successful, a big key is for Lepolo to become more of an offensive threat.  That helps relieve defensive pressure on Jump, Demetre and even a bit on Brink.  It will be interesting to see whether Tara gives Talana more of a 'green light' to score.  Having another offense weapon (who is already a great assist maker and a great caretaker of the ball), in the lineup changes things for the better.
 

FYI- Kiki Rice 4 points 2/7.  UCLA teammate London Jones much more productive.  After 2 games, not impressed with Hilgado at all.

Question: is it a matter of Tara giving Lepolo a "green light to score" or a matter of Lepolo being inherently disinclined to shoot much? In how many games last did she take 10 or more shots? It may be that getting the green light to shoot more is not enough. She may need to alter her mindset.

I am confident that Lepolo knows she needs to be more aggressive and look for her own shot more on next year’s Cardinal team.  I don’t know if that is her role on this USA team with so many scorers like Rice, Jones and McMahon hunting for their own shot.

You are correct in suggesting that her role on the USA team might be passing and setting up her teammates to score, but I'm not sure I agree with your comment that Lepolo knows she needs to be more aggressive.  I HOPE she knows and she is quite capable of doing it.  Does she have the confidence and will Tara encourage her to be more of a scorer?  I don't think any of us will know the answer until that first game.  I'm rooting for her.

[stopandpop]

I must admit, that assist from Lepolo to Rice made me cry a little.

Fun game to watch. Refs called every little thing, so basketballl was played an no one tried to maul another.

USA defeated overmatched Germany today 100-46.  Lepolo played 24 minutes, scored 5 points 2/2 with a free throw.  She had 6 assists and no turnovers.  Her ball handling and defense excellent.

And yet I was disappointed in one part of her game.  Perhaps she was given instructions by her coaches to look for others, and she does that exceptionally well, but I thought Talana would use this international experience to improve her offense.  Her mindset continues to be (not just pass first), but pass second and third.  There were so many opportunities for her to drive the ball (she has a strong body and can absorb contact) and she did do this - and scored, but she remains reluctant, even when she's open.

For the Cardinal to be successful, a big key is for Lepolo to become more of an offensive threat.  That helps relieve defensive pressure on Jump, Demetre and even a bit on Brink.  It will be interesting to see whether Tara gives Talana more of a 'green light' to score.  Having another offense weapon (who is already a great assist maker and a great caretaker of the ball), in the lineup changes things for the better.
 

FYI- Kiki Rice 4 points 2/7.  UCLA teammate London Jones much more productive.  After 2 games, not impressed with Hilgado at all.

Question: is it a matter of Tara giving Lepolo a "green light to score" or a matter of Lepolo being inherently disinclined to shoot much? In how many games last did she take 10 or more shots? It may be that getting the green light to shoot more is not enough. She may need to alter her mindset.

I am confident that Lepolo knows she needs to be more aggressive and look for her own shot more on next year’s Cardinal team.  I don’t know if that is her role on this USA team with so many scorers like Rice, Jones and McMahon hunting for their own shot.

You are correct in suggesting that her role on the USA team might be passing and setting up her teammates to score, but I'm not sure I agree with your comment that Lepolo knows she needs to be more aggressive.  I HOPE she knows and she is quite capable of doing it.  Does she have the confidence and will Tara encourage her to be more of a scorer?  I don't think any of us will know the answer until that first game.  I'm rooting for her.

[cardfan77]

I too am hoping for a more aggressive and offensive Lepolo. The issue with the team last year is that they relied heavily on Jones, Brink and Jump. As a freshman PG, I too would be hesitant to look for my own shots. With Jones graduating, Lepolo needs to score 10-15 points per game.

[cardfan77]

I too am hoping for a more aggressive and offensive Lepolo. The issue with the team last year is that they relied heavily on Jones, Brink and Jump. As a freshman PG, I too would be hesitant to look for my own shots. With Jones graduating, Lepolo needs to score 10-15 points per game.

[stopandpop]

I too am hoping for a more aggressive and offensive Lepolo. The issue with the team last year is that they relied heavily on Jones, Brink and Jump. As a freshman PG, I too would be hesitant to look for my own shots. With Jones graduating, Lepolo needs to score 10-15 points per game.

Very early in today's game against Chinese Taipai I saw a different, more aggressive Lepolo; driving to the hoop, getting fouled and making 2 free throws, almost hitting a 3-pointer and scoring on a nifty mid-range jumper- a shot I had never seen her try before.  All of this in just a couple of minutes.  About 4 minutes into the game, Lepolo and the other starters went to the bench (Taipai was clearly overmatched) and the 2nd. unit played for the rest of the first quarter.

When Lepolo came back in (2nd. quarter), she mysteriously stopped being aggressive, preferring to pass, deferring to others (to score).  Yes, she made some assists and a couple of steals, but also committed 3 turnovers.  

Hopefully she can reclaim that aggressiveness in USA's next game against Argentina.

[stopandpop]

I too am hoping for a more aggressive and offensive Lepolo. The issue with the team last year is that they relied heavily on Jones, Brink and Jump. As a freshman PG, I too would be hesitant to look for my own shots. With Jones graduating, Lepolo needs to score 10-15 points per game.

Very early in today's game against Chinese Taipai I saw a different, more aggressive Lepolo; driving to the hoop, getting fouled and making 2 free throws, almost hitting a 3-pointer and scoring on a nifty mid-range jumper- a shot I had never seen her try before.  All of this in just a couple of minutes.  About 4 minutes into the game, Lepolo and the other starters went to the bench (Taipai was clearly overmatched) and the 2nd. unit played for the rest of the first quarter.

When Lepolo came back in (2nd. quarter), she mysteriously stopped being aggressive, preferring to pass, deferring to others (to score).  Yes, she made some assists and a couple of steals, but also committed 3 turnovers.  

Hopefully she can reclaim that aggressiveness in USA's next game against Argentina.

[stopandpop]

USA thrashed a vastly overmatched Argentina today.

Lepolo- 14 1/2 min. 0/1 shooting, 0 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 2 pf's, 1 turnover, 3 steals against a vastly inferior opponent.  Every other USA player scored 7 or more points.

Not looking for her shot; no aggressiveness on offense.  I'm just reporting facts.

[stopandpop]

USA thrashed a vastly overmatched Argentina today.

Lepolo- 14 1/2 min. 0/1 shooting, 0 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 2 pf's, 1 turnover, 3 steals against a vastly inferior opponent.  Every other USA player scored 7 or more points.

Not looking for her shot; no aggressiveness on offense.  I'm just reporting facts.

[Card10Fan]

I’m not worried about Lepolo. Her role with USA basketball is to run the team as the starting point guard. She wouldn’t be playing the minutes she’s playing nor starting if the coaches were unhappy with what she is doing on the court. 

Joyce Edward has been impressive. She’s still in high school. She’s planning to narrow her list down to 5 and take visits this fall. Academics are a priority. I assume we’ll be in the mix with Duke, Notre Dame, and her homestate Gamecocks.

[Card10Fan]

I’m not worried about Lepolo. Her role with USA basketball is to run the team as the starting point guard. She wouldn’t be playing the minutes she’s playing nor starting if the coaches were unhappy with what she is doing on the court. 

Joyce Edward has been impressive. She’s still in high school. She’s planning to narrow her list down to 5 and take visits this fall. Academics are a priority. I assume we’ll be in the mix with Duke, Notre Dame, and her homestate Gamecocks.

[stopandpop]

I’m not worried about Lepolo. Her role with USA basketball is to run the team as the starting point guard. She wouldn’t be playing the minutes she’s playing nor starting if the coaches were unhappy with what she is doing on the court. 

Joyce Edward has been impressive. She’s still in high school. She’s planning to narrow her list down to 5 and take visits this fall. Academics are a priority. I assume we’ll be in the mix with Duke, Notre Dame, and her homestate Gamecocks.

Today's contest against overmatched Argentina was an embarrassing route 112-36.  To tell you had bad Argentina was, Cal Poly SLO would beat them by 30.   Every USA player scored at least 7 points, especially subs except Lepolo.  Her line: 14:30 min. 0/1 shooting. 0 points. 1 reb. 2 assists, 2 personal fouls, 1 turnover and 3 steals.  Everyone who suited up played more minutes than Talana.

I would find it odd if USA coaches had told her - just pass, play defense and don't look to shoot, not with everyone else shooting and scoring like they did in a game that got out of hand very early.

I am a Talana fan and hope springs eternal.  Yet, there were many times when driving lanes became available or when she deferred to a teammate when Talana actually had more space (and a better shot), not just for 3's, but taking a few steps and a shooting a mid-range jumper (like she did once and so effortlessly in the previous game).

Talana will, once again, be our starting point guard, clearly our best ball handler, will probably do a better job getting the ball to CB and other in a more timely fashion and again play decent defense.  Those are all positive qualities.  Perhaps during Fall practice, Tara will encourage her to become more offensive minded, which gives us another threat.  However if TV simply wants Lepolo to continue play-making and not an uptick in scoring, then Stanford is back to 4 against 5 when we have the ball.  Not the best recipe for a top-3 or even top-4 PAC-12 record.

As a side bar, Kiki Rice did not score a basket today and got all 9 of her points at the free throw line.  So far, she has under-performed significantly in this tournament.

[stopandpop]

I’m not worried about Lepolo. Her role with USA basketball is to run the team as the starting point guard. She wouldn’t be playing the minutes she’s playing nor starting if the coaches were unhappy with what she is doing on the court. 

Joyce Edward has been impressive. She’s still in high school. She’s planning to narrow her list down to 5 and take visits this fall. Academics are a priority. I assume we’ll be in the mix with Duke, Notre Dame, and her homestate Gamecocks.

Today's contest against overmatched Argentina was an embarrassing route 112-36.  To tell you had bad Argentina was, Cal Poly SLO would beat them by 30.   Every USA player scored at least 7 points, especially subs except Lepolo.  Her line: 14:30 min. 0/1 shooting. 0 points. 1 reb. 2 assists, 2 personal fouls, 1 turnover and 3 steals.  Everyone who suited up played more minutes than Talana.

I would find it odd if USA coaches had told her - just pass, play defense and don't look to shoot, not with everyone else shooting and scoring like they did in a game that got out of hand very early.

I am a Talana fan and hope springs eternal.  Yet, there were many times when driving lanes became available or when she deferred to a teammate when Talana actually had more space (and a better shot), not just for 3's, but taking a few steps and a shooting a mid-range jumper (like she did once and so effortlessly in the previous game).

Talana will, once again, be our starting point guard, clearly our best ball handler, will probably do a better job getting the ball to CB and other in a more timely fashion and again play decent defense.  Those are all positive qualities.  Perhaps during Fall practice, Tara will encourage her to become more offensive minded, which gives us another threat.  However if TV simply wants Lepolo to continue play-making and not an uptick in scoring, then Stanford is back to 4 against 5 when we have the ball.  Not the best recipe for a top-3 or even top-4 PAC-12 record.

As a side bar, Kiki Rice did not score a basket today and got all 9 of her points at the free throw line.  So far, she has under-performed significantly in this tournament.

[joemontes]

Impressive QF thrashing of Czech Republic by the USA, 121-61.

Back-up PG and incoming Notre Dame freshman HIDALGO led the frenetic USA offense/defense 
with 16 pts, 13 assists and 4 steals EFF=26. That after a 12 pts, 5 assists and 8 steals EFF=22
performance vs overmatched Argentina (112-36) in the Round of 16.
She has decisively outplayed sarting PG LEPOLO who had 2 underwhelming performances
vs Argentina (0 pt, 2 assists, 3 steals) and vs Czech Rep (1 pt, 1 assist, 1 steal)

I'm totally impressed with 6'2 Joyce EDWARDS who tallied 23 pts, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks EFF-33
vs Czech Republic.  She really is a smooth and lethal offensive operator inside the paint, 
the best hands I've ever seen for a HS player

After 5 games, EDWARDS and HIDALGO leads Team USA:

EDWARDS: 
15.2 points/game (tied for 12th overall in tourney), but 2nd overall with 33.8 pts/40mins
69.8 FG% (1st overall in tourney)
EFF=19.2

HIDALGO: 
5.8 assist/game (2nd overall in tourney), but 1st overall with 12.3 assists/40mins
3.8 steals/game (3rd overall in tourney), but 1st overall with 8.1 steals/40mins

[joemontes]

Impressive QF thrashing of Czech Republic by the USA, 121-61.

Back-up PG and incoming Notre Dame freshman HIDALGO led the frenetic USA offense/defense 
with 16 pts, 13 assists and 4 steals EFF=26. That after a 12 pts, 5 assists and 8 steals EFF=22
performance vs overmatched Argentina (112-36) in the Round of 16.
She has decisively outplayed sarting PG LEPOLO who had 2 underwhelming performances
vs Argentina (0 pt, 2 assists, 3 steals) and vs Czech Rep (1 pt, 1 assist, 1 steal)

I'm totally impressed with 6'2 Joyce EDWARDS who tallied 23 pts, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks EFF-33
vs Czech Republic.  She really is a smooth and lethal offensive operator inside the paint, 
the best hands I've ever seen for a HS player

After 5 games, EDWARDS and HIDALGO leads Team USA:

EDWARDS: 
15.2 points/game (tied for 12th overall in tourney), but 2nd overall with 33.8 pts/40mins
69.8 FG% (1st overall in tourney)
EFF=19.2

HIDALGO: 
5.8 assist/game (2nd overall in tourney), but 1st overall with 12.3 assists/40mins
3.8 steals/game (3rd overall in tourney), but 1st overall with 8.1 steals/40mins

[stopandpop]

Impressive QF thrashing of Czech Republic by the USA, 121-61.

Back-up PG and incoming Notre Dame freshman HIDALGO led the frenetic USA offense/defense 
with 16 pts, 13 assists and 4 steals EFF=26. That after a 12 pts, 5 assists and 8 steals EFF=22
performance vs overmatched Argentina (112-36) in the Round of 16.
She has decisively outplayed sarting PG LEPOLO who had 2 underwhelming performances
vs Argentina (0 pt, 2 assists, 3 steals) and vs Czech Rep (1 pt, 1 assist, 1 steal)

I'm totally impressed with 6'2 Joyce EDWARDS who tallied 23 pts, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks EFF-33
vs Czech Republic.  She really is a smooth and lethal offensive operator inside the paint, 
the best hands I've ever seen for a HS player

After 5 games, EDWARDS and HIDALGO leads Team USA:

EDWARDS: 
15.2 points/game (tied for 12th overall in tourney), but 2nd overall with 33.8 pts/40mins
69.8 FG% (1st overall in tourney)
EFF=19.2

HIDALGO: 
5.8 assist/game (2nd overall in tourney), but 1st overall with 12.3 assists/40mins
3.8 steals/game (3rd overall in tourney), but 1st overall with 8.1 steals/40mins

Did not see USA's victory over France today, but noticed Talana shot 4 times and was 2 for 2 from 3 (6 points), with only 1 turnover, 5 assists and 2 steals.  One of her better outings it would seem.

One can easily see, watching the games, that there are several USA guards more athletic and offensively skilled than Talana, but that is not the point.  With encouragement from TV, it would be great if we could get 7-10 points from her every game, shooting the 3 with confidence, driving the ball when she has a good angle to the basket and if she finds herself open, take that little midrange shot which she is capable of doing.  Along with the ball-handling, assists and solid defense, Stanford gains another weapon.

[stopandpop]

Impressive QF thrashing of Czech Republic by the USA, 121-61.

Back-up PG and incoming Notre Dame freshman HIDALGO led the frenetic USA offense/defense 
with 16 pts, 13 assists and 4 steals EFF=26. That after a 12 pts, 5 assists and 8 steals EFF=22
performance vs overmatched Argentina (112-36) in the Round of 16.
She has decisively outplayed sarting PG LEPOLO who had 2 underwhelming performances
vs Argentina (0 pt, 2 assists, 3 steals) and vs Czech Rep (1 pt, 1 assist, 1 steal)

I'm totally impressed with 6'2 Joyce EDWARDS who tallied 23 pts, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks EFF-33
vs Czech Republic.  She really is a smooth and lethal offensive operator inside the paint, 
the best hands I've ever seen for a HS player

After 5 games, EDWARDS and HIDALGO leads Team USA:

EDWARDS: 
15.2 points/game (tied for 12th overall in tourney), but 2nd overall with 33.8 pts/40mins
69.8 FG% (1st overall in tourney)
EFF=19.2

HIDALGO: 
5.8 assist/game (2nd overall in tourney), but 1st overall with 12.3 assists/40mins
3.8 steals/game (3rd overall in tourney), but 1st overall with 8.1 steals/40mins

Did not see USA's victory over France today, but noticed Talana shot 4 times and was 2 for 2 from 3 (6 points), with only 1 turnover, 5 assists and 2 steals.  One of her better outings it would seem.

One can easily see, watching the games, that there are several USA guards more athletic and offensively skilled than Talana, but that is not the point.  With encouragement from TV, it would be great if we could get 7-10 points from her every game, shooting the 3 with confidence, driving the ball when she has a good angle to the basket and if she finds herself open, take that little midrange shot which she is capable of doing.  Along with the ball-handling, assists and solid defense, Stanford gains another weapon.

[joemontes]

Impressive QF thrashing of Czech Republic by the USA, 121-61.

Back-up PG and incoming Notre Dame freshman HIDALGO led the frenetic USA offense/defense 
with 16 pts, 13 assists and 4 steals EFF=26. That after a 12 pts, 5 assists and 8 steals EFF=22
performance vs overmatched Argentina (112-36) in the Round of 16.
She has decisively outplayed sarting PG LEPOLO who had 2 underwhelming performances
vs Argentina (0 pt, 2 assists, 3 steals) and vs Czech Rep (1 pt, 1 assist, 1 steal)

I'm totally impressed with 6'2 Joyce EDWARDS who tallied 23 pts, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks EFF-33
vs Czech Republic.  She really is a smooth and lethal offensive operator inside the paint, 
the best hands I've ever seen for a HS player

After 5 games, EDWARDS and HIDALGO leads Team USA:

EDWARDS: 
15.2 points/game (tied for 12th overall in tourney), but 2nd overall with 33.8 pts/40mins
69.8 FG% (1st overall in tourney)
EFF=19.2

HIDALGO: 
5.8 assist/game (2nd overall in tourney), but 1st overall with 12.3 assists/40mins
3.8 steals/game (3rd overall in tourney), but 1st overall with 8.1 steals/40mins

Did not see USA's victory over France today, but noticed Talana shot 4 times and was 2 for 2 from 3 (6 points), with only 1 turnover, 5 assists and 2 steals.  One of her better outings it would seem.

One can easily see, watching the games, that there are several USA guards more athletic and offensively skilled than Talana, but that is not the point.  With encouragement from TV, it would be great if we could get 7-10 points from her every game, shooting the 3 with confidence, driving the ball when she has a good angle to the basket and if she finds herself open, take that little midrange shot which she is capable of doing.  Along with the ball-handling, assists and solid defense, Stanford gains another weapon.

Definitely one of LEPOLO's better games.  She had more assists (5 vs 2) and steals (2 vs 0) 
than HIDALGO in that semifinals win over France.

I agree that it will be a big plus if she can average 7 to 8 ppg for Stanford,
with the duo of BRINK and JUMP leading the offensive charge with a combined 
30 to 35 ppg, while the trio of IRIAFEN, DEMETRE and BOSGANA hopefully 
contributing a combined 25 to 30 ppg.

---

As far as predicting the finals match-up between USA and Spain,
I'd go with USA winning by 15 points. Spain will have to overcome
the defensive pressure of the USA if they are to have any chance
of making this a tight ballgame. Having watched most of the Youtube
games of Spain, France and Canada, these three teams are quite
evenly matched (especially after watching France's squeaker of 
a semifinal win over Canada, which was 69-68 with less than a minute
remaining), and with USA's 23-point thrashing of France, 
that's where I base my relatively conservative prediction 
of a 15-point win by the USA over Spain.

[joemontes]

Impressive QF thrashing of Czech Republic by the USA, 121-61.

Back-up PG and incoming Notre Dame freshman HIDALGO led the frenetic USA offense/defense 
with 16 pts, 13 assists and 4 steals EFF=26. That after a 12 pts, 5 assists and 8 steals EFF=22
performance vs overmatched Argentina (112-36) in the Round of 16.
She has decisively outplayed sarting PG LEPOLO who had 2 underwhelming performances
vs Argentina (0 pt, 2 assists, 3 steals) and vs Czech Rep (1 pt, 1 assist, 1 steal)

I'm totally impressed with 6'2 Joyce EDWARDS who tallied 23 pts, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks EFF-33
vs Czech Republic.  She really is a smooth and lethal offensive operator inside the paint, 
the best hands I've ever seen for a HS player

After 5 games, EDWARDS and HIDALGO leads Team USA:

EDWARDS: 
15.2 points/game (tied for 12th overall in tourney), but 2nd overall with 33.8 pts/40mins
69.8 FG% (1st overall in tourney)
EFF=19.2

HIDALGO: 
5.8 assist/game (2nd overall in tourney), but 1st overall with 12.3 assists/40mins
3.8 steals/game (3rd overall in tourney), but 1st overall with 8.1 steals/40mins

Did not see USA's victory over France today, but noticed Talana shot 4 times and was 2 for 2 from 3 (6 points), with only 1 turnover, 5 assists and 2 steals.  One of her better outings it would seem.

One can easily see, watching the games, that there are several USA guards more athletic and offensively skilled than Talana, but that is not the point.  With encouragement from TV, it would be great if we could get 7-10 points from her every game, shooting the 3 with confidence, driving the ball when she has a good angle to the basket and if she finds herself open, take that little midrange shot which she is capable of doing.  Along with the ball-handling, assists and solid defense, Stanford gains another weapon.

Definitely one of LEPOLO's better games.  She had more assists (5 vs 2) and steals (2 vs 0) 
than HIDALGO in that semifinals win over France.

I agree that it will be a big plus if she can average 7 to 8 ppg for Stanford,
with the duo of BRINK and JUMP leading the offensive charge with a combined 
30 to 35 ppg, while the trio of IRIAFEN, DEMETRE and BOSGANA hopefully 
contributing a combined 25 to 30 ppg.

---

As far as predicting the finals match-up between USA and Spain,
I'd go with USA winning by 15 points. Spain will have to overcome
the defensive pressure of the USA if they are to have any chance
of making this a tight ballgame. Having watched most of the Youtube
games of Spain, France and Canada, these three teams are quite
evenly matched (especially after watching France's squeaker of 
a semifinal win over Canada, which was 69-68 with less than a minute
remaining), and with USA's 23-point thrashing of France, 
that's where I base my relatively conservative prediction 
of a 15-point win by the USA over Spain.

[M T]

If you want to see the boxscores (or, apparently, videos of the games, but I didn't try them), go to
  https://www.fiba.basketball/world/u19wom...3/team/USA

I don't think focusing on the common stats (pts, assists, etc) is appropriate because they don't capture the real effectiveness of the player toward the goal of the game (to score more points than the opponent).  I still believe +/- per minute (or per 40 minutes) is the best overall stat to show effectiveness.  It has its flaws however (effect of other players) but I think it is still the best.

In a blowout, the goal of winning may not be the coach's goal.  The coach may wish to work on one aspect or another for the team or  for individuals, or may simply want to give experience to those that don't start.

By this measure, the game against France was Leopolo's worst game.  Further concern is that her two worst games were the two closest.

Here are the time played, +/-, and +/- per 40 minutes.

USA 85  Mali 66

  Hidalgo  17:56  +/- 15   +/- per 40 min  33.5
  Leopolo  19:19  +/-  4    +/- per 40 min   8.3


USA 100  Germany 46
 Hidalgo  14:28  +/- 14      +/- per 40 min  38.7
 Leopolo  24:26  +/- 38      +/- per 40 min  62.2

USA 112 Taipei 49

 Hidalgo  16:30  +/-  35      +/- per 40 min 84.9
 Leopolo  16:43  +/-  11      +/- per 40 min 26.3


USA 112 - Argentina 36
 Hidalgo  23:44  +/- 48     +/- per 40 min 80.9
 Leopolo  14:39  +/- 25     +/- per 40 min 68.3


USA 121  Czech Republic 61
 Hidalgo  21:56  +/- 52        +/- per 40 min 94.8
 Leopolo  14:49  +/- 5         +/- per 40 min 13.5


USA 80  France 57
  Hidalgo 21:30 +/- 23        +/- per 40 min  42.8
  Leopolo 18:30 +/- 0          +/- per 40 min  0

[M T]

If you want to see the boxscores (or, apparently, videos of the games, but I didn't try them), go to
  https://www.fiba.basketball/world/u19wom...3/team/USA

I don't think focusing on the common stats (pts, assists, etc) is appropriate because they don't capture the real effectiveness of the player toward the goal of the game (to score more points than the opponent).  I still believe +/- per minute (or per 40 minutes) is the best overall stat to show effectiveness.  It has its flaws however (effect of other players) but I think it is still the best.

In a blowout, the goal of winning may not be the coach's goal.  The coach may wish to work on one aspect or another for the team or  for individuals, or may simply want to give experience to those that don't start.

By this measure, the game against France was Leopolo's worst game.  Further concern is that her two worst games were the two closest.

Here are the time played, +/-, and +/- per 40 minutes.

USA 85  Mali 66

  Hidalgo  17:56  +/- 15   +/- per 40 min  33.5
  Leopolo  19:19  +/-  4    +/- per 40 min   8.3


USA 100  Germany 46
 Hidalgo  14:28  +/- 14      +/- per 40 min  38.7
 Leopolo  24:26  +/- 38      +/- per 40 min  62.2

USA 112 Taipei 49

 Hidalgo  16:30  +/-  35      +/- per 40 min 84.9
 Leopolo  16:43  +/-  11      +/- per 40 min 26.3


USA 112 - Argentina 36
 Hidalgo  23:44  +/- 48     +/- per 40 min 80.9
 Leopolo  14:39  +/- 25     +/- per 40 min 68.3


USA 121  Czech Republic 61
 Hidalgo  21:56  +/- 52        +/- per 40 min 94.8
 Leopolo  14:49  +/- 5         +/- per 40 min 13.5


USA 80  France 57
  Hidalgo 21:30 +/- 23        +/- per 40 min  42.8
  Leopolo 18:30 +/- 0          +/- per 40 min  0

[stopandpop]

If you want to see the boxscores (or, apparently, videos of the games, but I didn't try them), go to
  https://www.fiba.basketball/world/u19wom...3/team/USA

I don't think focusing on the common stats (pts, assists, etc) is appropriate because they don't capture the real effectiveness of the player toward the goal of the game (to score more points than the opponent).  I still believe +/- per minute (or per 40 minutes) is the best overall stat to show effectiveness.  It has its flaws however (effect of other players) but I think it is still the best.

In a blowout, the goal of winning may not be the coach's goal.  The coach may wish to work on one aspect or another for the team or  for individuals, or may simply want to give experience to those that don't start.

By this measure, the game against France was Leopolo's worst game.  Further concern is that her two worst games were the two closest.

Here are the time played, +/-, and +/- per 40 minutes.

USA 85  Mali 66

  Hidalgo  17:56  +/- 15   +/- per 40 min  33.5
  Leopolo  19:19  +/-  4    +/- per 40 min   8.3


USA 100  Germany 46
 Hidalgo  14:28  +/- 14      +/- per 40 min  38.7
 Leopolo  24:26  +/- 38      +/- per 40 min  62.2

USA 112 Taipei 49

 Hidalgo  16:30  +/-  35      +/- per 40 min 84.9
 Leopolo  16:43  +/-  11      +/- per 40 min 26.3


USA 112 - Argentina 36
 Hidalgo  23:44  +/- 48     +/- per 40 min 80.9
 Leopolo  14:39  +/- 25     +/- per 40 min 68.3


USA 121  Czech Republic 61
 Hidalgo  21:56  +/- 52        +/- per 40 min 94.8
 Leopolo  14:49  +/- 5         +/- per 40 min 13.5


USA 80  France 57
  Hidalgo 21:30 +/- 23        +/- per 40 min  42.8
  Leopolo 18:30 +/- 0          +/- per 40 min  0

What a great championship game between team USA and Spain in front of a boisterous crowd in Madrid.  USA wins by 3 in the final seconds when Spain could not get off a decent 3-point shot.  Edwards and Hidgaldo were superb and both made the All-Tournament Team. Spain has a great team, played us tooth and nail.  Lepolo was a bit overmatched in this game, but she played her best and overall, this was a good experience for her. Martinez from Spain was MVP.  She would be an All-American if she had gone to college in the States. 

I thought Kiki would have performed better, but Spain did a great job on her.

GO USA!

[stopandpop]

If you want to see the boxscores (or, apparently, videos of the games, but I didn't try them), go to
  https://www.fiba.basketball/world/u19wom...3/team/USA

I don't think focusing on the common stats (pts, assists, etc) is appropriate because they don't capture the real effectiveness of the player toward the goal of the game (to score more points than the opponent).  I still believe +/- per minute (or per 40 minutes) is the best overall stat to show effectiveness.  It has its flaws however (effect of other players) but I think it is still the best.

In a blowout, the goal of winning may not be the coach's goal.  The coach may wish to work on one aspect or another for the team or  for individuals, or may simply want to give experience to those that don't start.

By this measure, the game against France was Leopolo's worst game.  Further concern is that her two worst games were the two closest.

Here are the time played, +/-, and +/- per 40 minutes.

USA 85  Mali 66

  Hidalgo  17:56  +/- 15   +/- per 40 min  33.5
  Leopolo  19:19  +/-  4    +/- per 40 min   8.3


USA 100  Germany 46
 Hidalgo  14:28  +/- 14      +/- per 40 min  38.7
 Leopolo  24:26  +/- 38      +/- per 40 min  62.2

USA 112 Taipei 49

 Hidalgo  16:30  +/-  35      +/- per 40 min 84.9
 Leopolo  16:43  +/-  11      +/- per 40 min 26.3


USA 112 - Argentina 36
 Hidalgo  23:44  +/- 48     +/- per 40 min 80.9
 Leopolo  14:39  +/- 25     +/- per 40 min 68.3


USA 121  Czech Republic 61
 Hidalgo  21:56  +/- 52        +/- per 40 min 94.8
 Leopolo  14:49  +/- 5         +/- per 40 min 13.5


USA 80  France 57
  Hidalgo 21:30 +/- 23        +/- per 40 min  42.8
  Leopolo 18:30 +/- 0          +/- per 40 min  0

What a great championship game between team USA and Spain in front of a boisterous crowd in Madrid.  USA wins by 3 in the final seconds when Spain could not get off a decent 3-point shot.  Edwards and Hidgaldo were superb and both made the All-Tournament Team. Spain has a great team, played us tooth and nail.  Lepolo was a bit overmatched in this game, but she played her best and overall, this was a good experience for her. Martinez from Spain was MVP.  She would be an All-American if she had gone to college in the States. 

I thought Kiki would have performed better, but Spain did a great job on her.

GO USA!

[joemontes]

If you want to see the boxscores (or, apparently, videos of the games, but I didn't try them), go to
  https://www.fiba.basketball/world/u19wom...3/team/USA

I don't think focusing on the common stats (pts, assists, etc) is appropriate because they don't capture the real effectiveness of the player toward the goal of the game (to score more points than the opponent).  I still believe +/- per minute (or per 40 minutes) is the best overall stat to show effectiveness.  It has its flaws however (effect of other players) but I think it is still the best.

In a blowout, the goal of winning may not be the coach's goal.  The coach may wish to work on one aspect or another for the team or  for individuals, or may simply want to give experience to those that don't start.

By this measure, the game against France was Leopolo's worst game.  Further concern is that her two worst games were the two closest.

Here are the time played, +/-, and +/- per 40 minutes.

USA 85  Mali 66

  Hidalgo  17:56  +/- 15   +/- per 40 min  33.5
  Leopolo  19:19  +/-  4    +/- per 40 min   8.3


USA 100  Germany 46
 Hidalgo  14:28  +/- 14      +/- per 40 min  38.7
 Leopolo  24:26  +/- 38      +/- per 40 min  62.2

USA 112 Taipei 49

 Hidalgo  16:30  +/-  35      +/- per 40 min 84.9
 Leopolo  16:43  +/-  11      +/- per 40 min 26.3


USA 112 - Argentina 36
 Hidalgo  23:44  +/- 48     +/- per 40 min 80.9
 Leopolo  14:39  +/- 25     +/- per 40 min 68.3


USA 121  Czech Republic 61
 Hidalgo  21:56  +/- 52        +/- per 40 min 94.8
 Leopolo  14:49  +/- 5         +/- per 40 min 13.5


USA 80  France 57
  Hidalgo 21:30 +/- 23        +/- per 40 min  42.8
  Leopolo 18:30 +/- 0          +/- per 40 min  0

What a great championship game between team USA and Spain in front of a boisterous crowd in Madrid.  USA wins by 3 in the final seconds when Spain could not get off a decent 3-point shot.  Edwards and Hidgaldo were superb and both made the All-Tournament Team. Spain has a great team, played us tooth and nail.  Lepolo was a bit overmatched in this game, but she played her best and overall, this was a good experience for her. Martinez from Spain was MVP.  She would be an All-American if she had gone to college in the States. 

I thought Kiki would have performed better, but Spain did a great job on her.

GO USA!

Gutsy win by Team USA and once again crowned as U19 world champions, Team USA's 3rd straight
and 9th over the last 10 editions.

Plus Team USA did this without USA's top two (2) U19 wing players (interchangeable Class of 2023 
#1 and #2 overall Juju WATKINS and Mikayla WILLIAMS) and top U19 PG (Class of 2024 
#3 overall Jaloni CAMBRIDGE) who all opted not to participate at the U19 selection trials

[joemontes]

If you want to see the boxscores (or, apparently, videos of the games, but I didn't try them), go to
  https://www.fiba.basketball/world/u19wom...3/team/USA

I don't think focusing on the common stats (pts, assists, etc) is appropriate because they don't capture the real effectiveness of the player toward the goal of the game (to score more points than the opponent).  I still believe +/- per minute (or per 40 minutes) is the best overall stat to show effectiveness.  It has its flaws however (effect of other players) but I think it is still the best.

In a blowout, the goal of winning may not be the coach's goal.  The coach may wish to work on one aspect or another for the team or  for individuals, or may simply want to give experience to those that don't start.

By this measure, the game against France was Leopolo's worst game.  Further concern is that her two worst games were the two closest.

Here are the time played, +/-, and +/- per 40 minutes.

USA 85  Mali 66

  Hidalgo  17:56  +/- 15   +/- per 40 min  33.5
  Leopolo  19:19  +/-  4    +/- per 40 min   8.3


USA 100  Germany 46
 Hidalgo  14:28  +/- 14      +/- per 40 min  38.7
 Leopolo  24:26  +/- 38      +/- per 40 min  62.2

USA 112 Taipei 49

 Hidalgo  16:30  +/-  35      +/- per 40 min 84.9
 Leopolo  16:43  +/-  11      +/- per 40 min 26.3


USA 112 - Argentina 36
 Hidalgo  23:44  +/- 48     +/- per 40 min 80.9
 Leopolo  14:39  +/- 25     +/- per 40 min 68.3


USA 121  Czech Republic 61
 Hidalgo  21:56  +/- 52        +/- per 40 min 94.8
 Leopolo  14:49  +/- 5         +/- per 40 min 13.5


USA 80  France 57
  Hidalgo 21:30 +/- 23        +/- per 40 min  42.8
  Leopolo 18:30 +/- 0          +/- per 40 min  0

What a great championship game between team USA and Spain in front of a boisterous crowd in Madrid.  USA wins by 3 in the final seconds when Spain could not get off a decent 3-point shot.  Edwards and Hidgaldo were superb and both made the All-Tournament Team. Spain has a great team, played us tooth and nail.  Lepolo was a bit overmatched in this game, but she played her best and overall, this was a good experience for her. Martinez from Spain was MVP.  She would be an All-American if she had gone to college in the States. 

I thought Kiki would have performed better, but Spain did a great job on her.

GO USA!

Gutsy win by Team USA and once again crowned as U19 world champions, Team USA's 3rd straight
and 9th over the last 10 editions.

Plus Team USA did this without USA's top two (2) U19 wing players (interchangeable Class of 2023 
#1 and #2 overall Juju WATKINS and Mikayla WILLIAMS) and top U19 PG (Class of 2024 
#3 overall Jaloni CAMBRIDGE) who all opted not to participate at the U19 selection trials