2016 Non-Men's Olympic International Basketball

[awhom111]

Even if there are no global implications, the U20 championships are the most prestigious youth tournaments in Europe and players are always expected to show up. The two women's tournaments started on Saturday. Teams are split into two divisions with the worst teams in Division A getting relegated to next summer's Division B and the top Division B teams getting promoted to next summer's Division A. The lower division is being played in Podgorica, Montenegro while the top teams visit Matosinhos, Portugal. Angela Salvadores is recovering from injury and is not playing for Spain and it looks like they could have used her as they try to defend their title won by a different set of players last year.

I will not do daily recaps, but here are some stats links for some of the players with ties to the United States in the tournament:

Division A:

A:

Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Tamara Brcina, Buffalo: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/2016/Tamara-BRCINA

Poland:
None

Portugal:
Carolina Bernardeco, Old Dominion: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/...ina-BERNARDECO
Chelsea Guimaraes, Georgia Tech: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/...lsea-GUIMARAES
Maria Kostourkova, Washington State: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/...ia-KOSTOURKOVA

Spain:
Maria Conde, Florida State: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/...CONDE-ALCOLADO
Helena Orts, Fairfield: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/2016/Helena-ORTS
Laura Quevedo, ex-Miami: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/2016/Laura-QUEVEDO
Laia Flores, South Florida: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/...a-FLORES-COSTA
Iho Lopez, signed with Florida State: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/2016/Iho-LOPEZ-TOBI

B:

Germany:
Sarah Stock, Fairfield: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/2016/Sarah-STOCK
Paulina Korner, Columbia: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/...a-Maria-KÖRNER
Emma Stach, Gonzaga: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/...mma-Lina-STACH

Italy:
None

Serbia:
Julijana Vojinovic, Duquesne: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/...jana-VOJINOVIC
Jovana Nogic, Providence: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/2016/Jovana-NOGIC

Sweden:
Linnea Rosendahl, Mercer: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/...innea-ROSENDAL
Amanda Kantzy, Colorado State: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/2016/Amanda-KANTZY

C:

France:
None

Greece:
Christiana Gerostergiou, Maine: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/...a-GEROSTERGIOU
Pinelopi Pavlopoulou, Washington State: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/...pi-PAVLOPOULOU
Eleanna Christanaki, Florida: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/...na-CHRISTINAKI
Maria Fasoula, Boston College: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/...nouela-FASOULA

Latvia:
Paula Strautmane, Quinnipiac: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/...ula-STRAUTMANE
Kate Kreslina, Fordham: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/2016/Kate-KRESLINA

Netherlands:
Laura Cornelius, Miami: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/...aura-CORNELIUS
Emese Hof, Miami: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/2016/Emese-HOF

D:

Belgium:
Julie Allemand, draft pick: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/2016/Julie-ALLEMAND
Eline Maesschalck, Drexel: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20women/...CHALCK-CORNAND

Russia:
None

Slovakia:
None

Turkey:
None

Division B:

A:

Czech Republic:
Tereza Kracikova, Drexel: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20bwomen...reza-KRACIKOVA
Hana Vesela, Michigan State: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20bwomen/2016/Hana-VESELA

Hungary:
Eniko Kuttor, Duquesne: http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/3aac5b74...a-7ef03d095419

Ukraine:
None

B:

Belarus:
None

Bulgaria:
Iva Georgieva, Salt Lake (JC): http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/3aac5b74...5-fc13f1f810fe
Borislava Hristova, Washington State: http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/3aac5b74...f-adc2e7310b7a

Croatia:
Lucija Bilic, Southern Idaho (JC): http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/3aac5b74...9-c4dfc6b6271a
Anita Kelava, signed with Maine: http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/3aac5b74...6-0601d27949a2
Tihana Stojsavljevic, signed with Maine: http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/3aac5b74...0-af77479037b9

Romania:
Kincso Kelemen, Colorado State: http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/3aac5b74...b-1edc82abc141

C:

Great Britain:
Jessica Davies, Lipscomb: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20bwomen...Jessica-DAVIES
Kennedy Leonard, Colorado: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20bwomen...ennedy-LEONARD
Samantha Clement, Cornell: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20bwomen...a-Gwyn-CLEMENT

Israel:
Yarden Danan, Weber State: http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/3aac5b74...9-68bcc1d2c5af

Lithuania:
None

D:

Ireland:
None

Montenegro:
Milena Bajic, Memphis: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20bwomen/2016/Milena-BAJIC

Slovenia:
None

[awhom111]

The USA U18 Girl's team will try to do what the U17 could not and win the title in the Americas. Their tournament starts on Wednesday in Chile against Guatemala and they can be seen here live at 6:00pm ET or on replay:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfDHoNR-WP4

[awhom111]

The United States U18 Women's Team had the expected start in Valdivia, Chile as they walloped Guatemala 117-32. In the win, TCU-bound Amber Ramirez had 14 points, Oregon-bound Ruthy Hebard had 12 points and 8 rebounds, and Harvard-bound Jeannie Boehm had 10 points and 9 rebounds.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics

Their next game's link has not been posted, but will be at 6:00pm ET against Brazil on Thursday.

In the other Group A game, Brazil beat Venezuela 68-50 as North Carolina high school player Izabela Leite had 11 points and 7 assists.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics

Group B started the tournament as Canada beat Mexico 87-56. In the win, incoming North Carolina State player Aislinn Konig had 19 points and incoming Stanford player Mikaela Brewer had 11 points. Valeria Tapia, who attends high school in Texas, had 14 points in the loss. The hosts closed the day, but lost 88-74 to Puerto Rico. In the win, Syracuse commit Nikki Oppenheimer had 23 points, Connecticut high schooler Angelique Rodriguez had 22 points and 7 rebounds, and incoming Stony Brook player Giolibeth Perez had 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Boxscores:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics

Here are some of the other players that have ties to the states in the United States (not counting players with ties to just Puerto Rico):

Brazil:
Maria Paula Albiero, Neuse Baptist Christian (North Carolina)
Izabela Nicoletti, Neuse Baptist Christian (North Carolina)
Izabel De Angelo, Carolina Waves (AAU)

Canada:
Mikaela Brewer, signed with Stanford
Halle Bovell, signed with Duquesne
Kendra Van Leeuwen, signed with Wisconsin
Aislinn Konig, signed with North Carolina State

Chile:
Vanessa Medina, Wasatch Academy (Utah)

Mexico:
Valeria Tapia, St. Joseph's Academy (Texas)

Puerto Rico:
Veronica Cancio, Winter Park (Florida)
Talia Roldan, Griffith (Indiana)
Giolibeth Perez, Ferguson (Florida), signed with Stony Brook
Angelique Rodriguez, Capital Prep (Connecticut)
Yari Martinez, Doral Academy Prep (Florida)
Nicolette Oppenheimer, Montini Catholic (Illinois), committed to Syracuse
India Pagan, Marine Science Magnet (Connecticut)

The Men's U18 team roster was finalized ahead of their tournament next week:
http://www.usab.com/news-events/news...eam-named.aspx
http://www.usab.com/mens/u18/roster.aspx

[awhom111]

The United States U18 Women's team knew that they would have their biggest challenge of the group stage against Brazil, but handled it well and won 80-59. Incoming Baylor player Lauren Cox had 13 points and incoming South Carolina player Tyasha Harris had 10 points.
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics

The next game will be against Venezuela at 1:30pm ET on Friday. FIBA has not placed the link on YouTube yet.

In the other Group A game, Venezuela beat Guatemala 82-57.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics

Group B play started with an exciting game in the second game of the day as Puerto Rico edged Mexico 72-71 and virtually clinched their intended position. Players who play in the 50 states were key on both sides again as Valeria Tapia was valiant again in a loss with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. India Pagan had 20 points and 11 rebounds, Giolibeth Perez had 17 points and 9 assists, Nikki Oppenheimer had 14 points, and Angelique Rodriguez had 11 points. Canada eased past the hosts 88-39 to ensure that they and Puerto Rico would qualify and advance. Incoming Stanford player Mikaela Brewer had 22 points in the win.
Boxscores:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics

[awhom111]

The United States U18 Women's Team finished the group stage of the tournament with a 110-52 win over Venezuela. Harvard-bound Jeannie Boehm had an extremely efficient 20 points and 9 rebounds, incoming TCU player Amber Ramirez had 18 points and 6 assists, and future Baylor player Lauren Cox had 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics

In the other Group A game, Brazil eased to a 109-43 win over Guatemala. Two North Carolina high school teammates had good games as Maria Paula Albiero had 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists and Izabela Leite had 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics
Standings: United States 3-0, Brazil 2-1, Venezuela 1-2, Guatemala 0-3

In Group B, Canada took the top spot by beating Puerto Rico 69-47. A couple of future ACC players had good games as incoming North Carolina State player Aislinn Konig had 16 points and 9 rebounds and Syracuse commit Nikki Oppenheimer had 14 points. Mexico beat the hosts to stay out of last place. Utah prepster Vanessa Medina had her best game for Chile with 10 points, but it was not enough.
Boxscores:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics
Standings: Canada 3-0, Puerto Rico 2-1, Mexico 1-2, Chile 0-3

The United States will play at 6:00pm ET on Saturday, but FIBA has not posted the YouTube links yet.

Semifinals:
United States vs Puerto Rico
Canada vs Brazil

5th Place Playoffs:
Mexico vs Guatemala
Venezuela vs Chile

[awhom111]

It was a battle of two teams of Americans at the U18 level, with the United States beating Puerto Rico 104-36. In the win, future Woman of Troy Valerie Higgins had 11 points and 6 rebounds and incoming Baylor player Lauren Cox had 10 points and 13 rebounds. In the loss, Connecticut prepster Angelique Rodriguez had 15 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics

The final will be at 8:15pm ET on Sunday with the YouTube link not ready yet.

The other semifinal ended up being quite the thriller as Canada needed a dominant fourth quarter to come back and beat Brazil 58-52.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics

Earlier in the day, teams tried to avoid last place as Mexico beat Guatemala 65-38. Chile got their first win for the home fans as they beat Venezuela 54-49.
Boxscores:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics

Final day schedule:
7th Place: Venezuela vs Guatemala
5th Place: Chile vs Mexico
3rd Place: Puerto Rico vs Brazil
1st Place: United States vs Canada

[awhom111]

After an even first quarter, the United States U18 Women's team ran past Canada to win the championship 109-62. Tyasha Harris had 18 points as she heads to South Carolina, incoming Baylor player Lauren Cox had 15 points and 9 rebounds, Oregon-bound Ruthy Hebard had 11 points and 7 rebounds, and future TCU player Amber Ramirez had 10 points. In the loss, incoming Stanford player Mikaela Brewer had 16 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics

Earlier in the team, it was a battle to avoid last place as Venezuela beat Guatemala for 77-64. Mexico left the hosts empty-handed by beating them 85-51 for fifth place. The battle for the last medal was a good one with Brazil edging Puerto Rico 70-64. Izabela Leite had 16 points and 8 rebounds in the win as she is still a highly-regarded recruit. Angelique Rodriguez had 28 points and 6 rebounds in the loss as she still has her senior year of high school while Giolibeth Perez had 16 points and 7 assists as she heads to Stony Brook.
Boxscores:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18wome...ore_statistics

Final Standings:
United States
Canada
Brazil
Puerto Rico
Mexico
Chile
Venezuela
Guatemala

The qualification process for the 2018 version of the tournament is well under way as the Caribbean countries determined qualifiers for the 2017 Centrobasket U17 tournaments with their U16 tournaments in Georgetown, Guyana. The Girl's tournament finished on Saturday with the Bahamas beating Suriname. The British Virgin Islands will also join them next summer after beating Antigua and Barbuda 44-38 as players start their dream of perhaps making the 2019 U19 World Championship.

Final Standings:
Bahamas
Suriname
British Virgin Islands
Antigua and Barbuda
Barbados
Trinidad and Tobago
Guyana

The Boy's tournament was played first and the Bahamas beat the hosts 84-57 last Saturday. Jamaica grabbed a spot for next summer as well after beating Barbados 66-58. Both tournaments had their share of countries that have not had much representation at the senior level recently with Dominica being one of the notable teams to put forward a squad at this level.

Final Standings:
Bahamas
Guyana
Jamaica
Barbados
Suriname
Antigua and Barbuda
British Virgin Islands
Aruba
Trinidad and Tobago
Dominica

Another youth championship concluded on Sunday as both divisions of the U20 European Women's Championships finished. The final was quite thrilling as Italy nearly came back to beat Spain before losing to the defending champions and winners of five of the last six tournaments 71-69 in Matosinhos, Portugal. The exciting action was at the bottom of the standings as the last three teams would be sent down to Division B next summer to be replaced by the top three teams in Podgorica, Montenegro. Germany and Slovakia already had their fates sealed with heartbreaking losses on Saturday. Turkey won an emotional 67-65 game over Greece to take the last survival spot with the lucky thirteenth place. The final in Division B was anti-climatic as Slovenia beat Lithuania 62-45 after both teams had done the hard work on Saturday to move up next summer. The game for the last place was also quite intense as Hungary just managed to get past the Czech Republic 50-49. Ireland finished at the bottom, but at least they showed up, which is more than can be said about a number of other countries.

Final Standings:

Division A:
Spain
Italy
Russia
Serbia
Belgium
France
Latvia
Poland
Netherlands
Portugal
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sweden
Turkey
Greece
Slovakia
Germany

Division B:
Slovenia
Lithuania
Hungary
Czech Republic
Great Britain
Montenegro
Croatia
Romania
Ukraine
Israel
Belarus
Bulgaria
Ireland

[awhom111]

The USA U18 Men's team starts their Americas Championship against Puerto Rico on Tuesday and can be seen here at 1:30pm ET or on replay:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srmvpWPUjBA

With the US Virgin Islands also in the group, Chile probably wonders if they were stuck in the wrong group, although I supposed their flag colors match the American flag.

The European U20 Men's tournaments started over the weekend with Division A in Helsinki, Finland and Division B in Chalkida, Greece.

Here are some of the players in the tournament with ties to the United States:

Division A:

A:

Germany:
Jonas Grof, ex-Lee Academy (Maine): http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/Jonas-GROF

Hungary:
Marko Krivacevic, Miami Dade (JC): http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/Marko-KRIVACEVIC

Lithuania:
Edvinas Rupkus, Skidmore (DIII): http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/Edvinas-RUPKUS

Turkey:
Omer Yurtseven, signed with North Carolina State: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/Omer-YURTSEVEN

B:

Finland:
Tomas Murphy, Northfield Mount Hermon (Massachusetts): http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/Tomas-MURPHY
Lauri Markkanen, signed with Arizona: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/Lauri-MARKKANEN
Samuli Nieminen, signed with Stephen F. Austin: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/Samuli-NIEMINEN

France:
Sylvain Francisco, Liberty Christian Preparatory (Florida): http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/Sylvain-FRANCISCO

Israel:
None

Spain:
Yankuba Sima, St. John's: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/Yankuba-SIMA
Francisco Alonso, UNC Greensboro: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/Francisco-ALONSO
Jaume Sorolla, Sunrise Christian Academy (Kansas) and signed with Valparaiso: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/Jaume-SOROLLA

C:

Latvia:
Rendijs Feikners, Impact Academy (Florida): http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/Rendijs-FEIKNERS
Rudy Stradnieks, Southern Illinois: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/Rüdolfs-STRADNIEKS

Serbia:
None

Slovenia:
None

Ukraine:
Illia Antonenko, Sheridan (JC): http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/Illia-ANTONENKO
Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, Kansas: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/...lav-MYKHAILIUK

D:

Belgium:
Thomas Akyazili, Colorado: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/Thomas-AKYAZILI

Czech Republic:
None

Italy:
Federico Mussini, St. John's: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/Federico-MUSSINI

Sweden:
Sheriff Drammeh, Hawaii: http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/Sheriff-DRAMMEH
Ludvig Swanstrom, Taft (Connecticut): http://www.fiba.com/europe/u20/2016/Ludvig-SVANSTROM

Division B:

A:

Armenia:
Matt Madoian, Johnson and Wales (DIII): http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...c-d8b3085ba0a1
Steven Enoch, UConn: http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...c-936973920327

Georgia:
None

Macedonia:
None

Montenegro:
Daniel Kalezic, Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Tennessee): http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...6-49711fed1da6

Portugal:
Francisco Amiel, Colgate: http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...5-db95bf639570
Diogo Brito, Mountain Mission (Virginia) and signed with Utah State: http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...a-0327bd60f309

B:

Belarus:
None

Estonia:
Ivo Van Tamm, IMG Academy (Florida): http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...c-7f66637339e4

Iceland:
Jon Axel Gudmundsson, signed with Davidson: http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...8-5d30cc6f562f
Kristinn Palsson, Marist: http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...1-0f2673a03c47

Poland:
Marcel Ponitka, ex-Monteverde Academy (Florida): http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...7-b301b1b12a2c
Dominik Olejniczak, Drake and transferring to Ole Miss: http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...1-b6f64ad602d3
Jakub Niziol, Howard (JC) and transferring to Cal Poly: http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...0-54ce4c8b161c
Maciej Bender, Mountain Mission (Virginia) and signed with West Virginia: http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...1-1e6de32a49e7

Russia:
None

C:

Albania:
None

Great Britain:
Earl Russell, Western Wyoming (JC): http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...7-cdc20527cf45
Kyle Carey, signed with Northern Colorado: http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...6-7527bd37840a
Pharroh Gordon, Saint Rose (DII), http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...5-8f0be59fd35c
Josh Steel, Duquesne: http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...1-38579622b936
Kingsley Nwagboso : Connors State (JC) http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...6-21b75ed3031a
Fraser Malcolm, Black Hills State (DII): http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...0-8c0c303bc86f
Callum Lawson, Western Wyoming (JC): http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...d-5b8bfa11e71c
Sam Idowu, St. Peters: http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...9-ef8b6e61dcd9

Greece:
Georgios Tsalmpouris, ex-Iowa State
Kostas Antetokounmpo, Dominican (Wisconsin) and committed to Dayton: http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...a-1f492fd00f15

Ireland:
Stephen O'Hanlon, Trinity-Pawling (New York) : http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...4-46b7021a35b3
Charlie Coombes, Southeastern Oklahoma State (DII) http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...d-d7c90b9a9f81
Jordan Blount, Spire Institute (Ohio) and signed with Illinois-Chicago: http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...d-57b7ca744502

Kosovo:
None

Netherlands:
Steve Bleeker, Harcum (JC): http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...3-a5e7fd9b16c1
Mark Laros, Mineral Area (JC): http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...9-d2eed5e50c3c

D:

Bosnia and Herzegovina:
None

Bulgaria:
Alex Ouandie, Cuesta (JC): http://www.fiba.com/en/Page/f0fb822c...1-1a9627de5ed4

Croatia:
None

Romania:
None

Slovakia:
None

[awhom111]

The USA U18 Men's team started off with a win in Valdivia, Chile as they beat Puerto Rico 103-70. Michael Porter had a good game post-commitment with 20 points, Jarrett Allen got an early start to life under Shaka Smart with 18 points and 8 rebounds, Mohamed Bamba had 14 points, the other future Washington player Markelle Fultz had 14 points, and Matt Coleman had 10 points. All of the Puerto Ricans are American citizens of course, but a number of them have direct ties to schools with the states. Illinois high schooler Christian Negron led them with 23 points and 13 rebounds, California high schooler Ethan Thompson had 13 points and 8 rebounds, and Texas high schooler Jhivan Jackson had 10 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics

The next game will be against the US Virgin Islands on Wednesday at 3:45pm ET and can be seen live or on replay here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS9BygvlFpc

In the other Group B game, the hosts closed out the night by beating the US Virgin Islands 68-45.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics

In Group A, Canada pulled away from Argentina to win 92-58. A number of the players prepping in the United States had good games as Lindell Wigginton had 21 points, Nickeil Walker had 17 points, and O'Shae Brissett had 11 points and 7 rebounds. Brazil beat the Dominican Republic 74-58. In the loss, West Virginia high schooler Danny Vitiello had 14 points, Florida high schooler Lionel Figueroa had 13 points and 6 rebounds, and New York high schooler Jose Perez had 11 points and 7 rebounds.
Boxscores:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics

As near as I can tell, these are the players with ties to the 50 states (not counting those that only have ties to Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands):

Canada:
Lindell Wigginton, Oak Hill Academy (Virginia)
Abu Kigab, Prolific Prep (California)
Nathan Darling, DeMatha Catholic (Maryland) and committed to UAB
Nickeil Walker, Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Tennessee) and committed to Virginia Tech
Shai Alexander, Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Tennessee) and committed to Florida
Josip Vrankic, Wasatch Academy (Utah)
O'Shae Brissett, Findlay Prep (Nevada)

Dominican Republic:
Ishmael Waldron, North Hills (Pennsylvannia)
Jose Perez, Wings Academy (New York)
Lionel Figueroa, West Oaks Academy (Florida)
Anderson Mirambeaux, Redemption Christian Academy (Massachusetts)
Victor Pena, Eastern (DIII)
Daniel Vitiello, Teays Valley Christian (West Virginia)

Puerto Rico:
Jorge Pacheco, Deep Run (Virginia) and signed with Liberty
Ethan Thompson, Bishop Montgomery (California)
Jesus Cruz, La Salle (Florida)
Leandro Allende, Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory (Florida) and committed to Citadel
Ricardo Erans, Junction City (Kansas) and signed with Benedictine (NAIA)
Jhivan Jackson, Trinity (Texas)
Christian Negron, Larkin (Illinois)
Nicholas Washington, South Kent (Connecticut)
Marlon Hargis, St. Augustine Preparatory (New Jersey)

US Virgin Islands:
Jakhiebo Joseph, Scotland Performance Institute (Pennsylvannia)
Joshua Charlery, Oviedo (Florida)
James Kelbert, Leland (California) and committed to Pomona (DIII)
Nicolas Claxton, Legacy Charter (South Carolina)
Malcolm Farrington, Fort Pierce Central (Florida)
Earl Baker, Oviedo (Florida)
Jahmiah Simmons, Pace (Florida) and signed with Arkansas State

[awhom111]

The United States U18 Men's team continued battling other teams of Americans as they beat the US Virgin Islands 107-63. Michael Porter led the team in scoring again with 20 points and 6 rebounds as another future Washington player Markelle Fultz had 11 points. Among uncommitted players, P.J. Washington had 19 points and Hamidou Diallo had 14 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics

The last game of the group stage against Chile can be seen here at 8:15pm ET on Thursday or on replay:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wMQxD9vaAs

In the other Group B game, Chile nearly finished sealing up all the World Championship bids, but the hosts let Puerto Rico seize control in the fourth quarter to win 70-60. In the win, Florida high schooler Jesus Cruz and Texas high schooler Jhivan Jackson had 15 points each, California high schooler Ethan Thompson had 12 points and 7 rebounds, and Florida high schooler Leandro Allende, who is heading to the Citadel, had 10 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics

Group A play started the day as Canada beat the Dominican Republic 87-74. In the win, Nevada prepster O'Shae Brissett had 23 points and 12 rebounds, Virginia Tech commit Nickeil Walker had 19 points and 7 rebounds, Florida commit Shai Alexander had 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 steals, and Virginia prepster Lindell Wigginton had 11 points. In the loss, Florida high schooler Lionel Figueroa had 22 points. Brazil edged Argentina 54-51 to ensure that both victors will move on to the semifinals and the U19 World Championship next summer.
Boxscores:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics

[awhom111]

The USA U18 Men's team had a rather uninspired start against the hosts, but eventually took care of business in the second half, beating Chile 70-50. Kevin Huerter led the team in scoring with 14 points with his future head coach looking on as Markelle Fultz had to play a lot of minutes to collect 11 points and 8 rebounds and Matt Coleman added 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics

In the other Group B game, Puerto Rico struggled early against the US Virgin Islands, but eventually pulled away for the 85-61 win to put themselves in solid position for the next round. In the win, California high schooler Ethan Thompson had 24 points and 11 rebounds, Texas high schooler Jhivan Jackson had 15 points and 8 rebounds, Virginia high schooler and Liberty signee Jorge Pacheco had 15 points, and Illinois high schooler Christian Negron had 13 points and 11 rebounds. In the loss, Florida high schooler Michael Farrington had 17 points and 6 rebounds, Florida high schooler and Arkansas State signee Jahmiah Simmons had 10 points and 12 rebounds, and South Carolina high schooler Nicolas Claxton had 10 points and 6 rebounds.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics
Standings: United States 3-0, Puerto Rico 2-1, Chile 1-2, US Virgin Islands 0-3

In Group A, the first game of the day was for the top spot in the group and it was close for a while before Canada took control in the second half and beat Brazil 74-58. In the win, Nevada prepster O'Shae Barrett had 19 points and Tennessee high school teammates Nickeil Walker and Shai Alexander, who are committed to Virginia Tech and Florida respectively, had 14 points and 11 points and 12 assists. Argentina beat the Dominican Republic 79-75 with a solid quarter to avoid last place. In the loss, New York high schooler Jose Perez had 21 points and West Virginia high schooler Danny Vitiello and Florida high schooler Lionel Figueroa had 13 points each.
Boxscores:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics
Standings: Canada 3-0, Brazil 2-1, Argentina 1-2, Dominican Republic 0-3

Friday's games:

5th Place Playoffs:
Argentina vs US Virgin Islands
Chile vs Dominican Republic

Semifinals:
Canada vs Puerto Rico
United vs Brazil, 8:15pm ET, YouTube link pending

[awhom111]

YouTube link for tonight's U18 game at 8:15pm ET:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6U6Ad3ka6s

[awhom111]

The United States U18 Men's team returned to their usual rhythm in the semifinals as they beat Brazil 88-48. Michael Porter was back to leading the team in scoring with 17 points as Markelle Fultz had another good game with 10 points, 11 assists, and 6 steals with the Washington pipeline looking to continue for two more years. Jarrett Allen had 14 points and 10 rebounds for his current and future coach and Trae Young had his most productive game with 11 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics

In the other semifinal, Canada took the lead early on Puerto Rico and won 83-66. In the win, Virginia prepster Lindell Wigginton had 22 points, Nevada prepster O'Shae Brissett had 18 points and 8 rebounds, and Tennessee high schooler and Virginia Tech commit Nickeil Walker had 12 points and 7 rebounds. In the loss, Texas high schooler Jhivan Jackson had 15 points, Florida high schooler Jesus Cruz had 13 points, and Illinois high schooler Christian Negron had 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics

Earlier in the day, the consolation bracket games were played. Argentina beat the US Virgin Islands 91-79. In the loss, Jahmiah Simmons, who signed with Arkansas State while in high school in Florida, had 22 points and 16 rebounds and South Carolina high schooler Nicolas Claxton had 17 points and 8 rebounds. Chile held off the Dominican Republic as California high schooler and Colorado State commit Felipe Haase had 10 points and 7 rebounds. In the loss, Florida high schooler Lionel Figueroa had 25 points and 15 rebounds, Massachusetts high schooler Anderson Mirambeaux had 14 points and 7 rebounds, and West Virginia high schooler Danny Vitiello had 13 points.
Boxscores:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics

Final Day Schedule:
7th Place: US Virgin Islands vs Dominican Republic
5th Place: Argentina vs Chile
3rd Place: Puerto Rico vs Brazil
1st Place: Canada vs United States, 8:15pm ET, YouTube link pending

While the picture is clearing up for the U19 World Championship next summer with two more continents starting their tournaments on Friday, it became less clear on other fronts. The Division A tournament for Europe was scheduled for Samsun, Turkey in a week, but due to conditions in the country, has been postponed indefinitely. Meanwhile, the Asia U18 tournament started in Tehran, Iran while the Africa U18 tournament started in Kigali, Rwanda.

Eric Boateng has been named in the preliminary squad as Great Britain prepares for qualifiers to next summer's EuroBasket. Ben Gordon is also on the list, which is a surprise, but of course Luol Deng is not.
http://www.gbbasketball.com/news/3974.php#.V5KGYLfr3mg

[awhom111]

Link for U18 final at 8:15pm ET tonight:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-L_k5nIS2M

[awhom111]

The USA U18 Men's team got everything they could handle from Canada for almost all of the game, but scored enough late to win 99-84. The Lorenzo Romar recruiting coups continued to lead the way as Markelle Fultz had 23 points and Michael Porter had 15 points and 8 rebounds. P.J. Washington finished a solid tournament with 19 points, Hamidou Diallo had 14 points and 6 rebounds, and Jarrett Allen had 10 points and 8 rebounds as he gets ready for more Shaka Smart coaching. In the loss, Tennessee high schooler Virginia Tech commit Nickeil Walker had 25 points, California prepster Abu Kigab had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Nevada prepster O'Shae Brissett had 11 points and 7 rebounds.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics

Earlier in the day, the US Virgin Islands avoided last place by beating the Dominican Republic 77-63. In the win, South Carolina high schooler Nicolas Claxton had 17 points and 7 rebounds, Florida high schooler Jahmiah Simmons, who is Arkansas State-bound, had 16 points and 16 rebounds, California high schooler James Kelbert, who is DIII-bound had 15 points, and Florida high schooler Malcolm Farrington had 14 points. In the loss, New York high schooler Jose Perez had 15 points and 10 rebounds, Pennsylvannia high schooler Ishmael Waldron had 13 points, and West Virginia high schooler Danny Vitiello had 10 points.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics

Argentina beat Chile 73-68 although California high schooler and Colorado State commit Felipe Braase had 18 points and 6 rebounds for the hosts.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics

Brazil edged Puerto Rico 59-58 for the Bronze Medal. In the loss, Florida high schooler Leandro Allende, who is headed to the Citadel, had 15 points and Illinois high schooler Christian Negron had 14 points and 23 rebounds.
Boxscore:
http://www.fiba.com/americas/u18/201...ore_statistics

Final Standings:
United States
Canada
Brazil
Puerto Rico
Argentina
Chile
US Virgin Islands
Dominican Republic

[awhom111]

The two European U20 Men's Championships finished today. Division A play concluded with Spain beating Lithuania 68-55. The other compelling action happened at the other end of the standings as France stays in the division for next summer after beating Belgium 79-70. Finland, which ran out of steam after putting on several impressive displays for the home fans with Arizona-bound Lauri Markkanen leading the way, and Hungary were already headed down a division after losses on Saturday.

Final Standings:
Spain
Lithuania
Turkey
Germany
Italy
Latvia
Czech Republic
Ukraine
Slovenia
Sweden
Serbia
Israel
France
Belgium
Finland
Hungary

The Division B finishes were wild. Montenegro beat Iceland 78-76 in overtime to win. Both teams had sealed their spots in next summer's Division A tournament with shocking upset wins on Saturday. The left hosts Greece and Croatia playing for the last spots and the home team prevailed 73-67 in a back and forth game.

Final Standings:
Montenegro
Iceland
Greece
Croatia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Poland
Great Britain
Georgia
Russia
Romania
Portugal
Ireland
Belarus
Macedonia
Netherlands
Slovakia
Armenia
Bulgaria
Estonia
Kosovo
Albania

[awhom111]

Elizabeth Williams got the start for the USA Select team and had 4 points in 14 minutes as they nearly beat the full Olympic team before falling 88-84.
http://www.usab.com/news-events/live...lect-team.aspx

Hungry Select team? Geno motivational trick? Veterans still getting in the flow? It is hard to know now, but there are several other exhibitions coming up for them against other countries.

[awhom111]

Geno and his crew had their first exhibition against another country, beating France 84-62. The game was even in the first half, but the superior offensive firepower of the United States helped them build a big lead.
http://www.usab.com/news-events/live...vs-france.aspx

[awhom111]

Both Olympic teams had exhibitions. The Women's team put the clamps on Canada early and won 83-43:
http://www.usab.com/news-events/live...vs-canada.aspx

Geno had the chance to coach against one of his current players and will do so again when the teams head to Rio.

[awhom111]

It was the last exhibition for the Women's Olympic team as their offense could not be stopped by medal contenders Australia in a 104-89 win.
http://www.usab.com/news-events/live...australia.aspx

The European U18 Division A Championship was supposed to start this weekend, but it was going to be played in Turkey so it has been postponed indefinitely. Division B is still holding their tournament as 24 teams compete in Skopje, Macedonia for future placement.

The other continents did complete their qualification for the U19 World Championship to be held in Egypt next summer.

In Kigali in Rwanda, Angola beat Egypt 86-82 behind their start duo at Monteverde Academy to win the title. They had already qualified by beating Tunisia on Saturday. Egypt qualifies as hosts, so Mali grabbed the other berth after winning the Bronze Medal Game 59-52.
Final Standings:
Angola
Egypt
Mali
Tunisia
Rwanda
Democratic Republic of Congo
Algeria
Ivory Coast
Uganda
Gabon
Benin

There were three spots open in Tehran. Iran and Japan took two of them on Saturday with semifinal wins and the hosts won the title 71-65 as well. South Korea grabbed the last place with a fairly decisive 86-63 win over Lebanon, with the fourth place finish still a great hope for the hoops-mad country
Final Standings:
Iran
Japan
South Korea
Lebanon
China
Taiwan
Philippines
India
Fifth place teams in each group in group order: Iraq, Kazakhstan
Sixth place teams in each group in group order: Thailand, Indonesia

Five places were handed out for the 2017 U19 World Championship for Women tournament to be held in Italy as the European U18 A Division tournament concluded in Sopron, Hungary. France, Spain, Russia, and Latvia qualified with quarterfinal wins on Friday. France then pounded Spain 74-44 to win the title. The last spot was going to be affected by the placement of Italy, which automatically qualifies as hosts. Hungary used the home fans to beat Belgium 64-54 and secure the last spot. Teams were fighting at the other end to stay in the division for next summer. Slovakia and the Netherlands suffered devastating close losses on Saturday to be tossed out of this level. It was another nervy encounter in the 13th place on Sunday, but the Czech Republic just edged Israel 87-84 to survive.
Final Standings:
France
Spain
Russia
Latvia
Hungary
Belgium
Italy
Turkey
Lithuania
Slovenia
Serbia
Croatia
Czech Republic
Israel
Slovakia
Netherlands

The B Division teams converged on Sarajevo to try to earn a top three placement and jump up a division. Sweden won their semifinal rather decisively on Saturday with Greece having a tougher fight, but also making it. The two teams played for the title and Sweden won 64-47. Hosts Bosnia and Herzegovina then took the last spot by beating Iceland 82-67.
Final Standings:
Sweden
Greece
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Iceland
Belarus
Poland
Germany
Ireland
Portugal
Finland
England
Estonia
Ukraine
Denmark
Bulgaria
Scotland
Romania
Macedonia
Albania