EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/12/2010

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Men News

*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA   


Australians In NBA Summer League - by Ian Moss
Former South Dragons star Joe Ingles made his 2010 NBA Summer League debut for the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.

Playing at Cox Pavilion, in Las Vegas, Ingles started for the Warriors and played 24 minutes. He failed to score from limited opportunities but did record five rebounds and one assist. His side scored a thrilling 77-76 win over the New Orleans Hornets.

Nathan Jawai recorded four points and five assists playing for the Charlotte Bobcats at the NBA Summer League in Orlando, Florida on Friday. The Bobcats lost 80-77 to the Orlando Magic.

Former Sydney Kings import Dontaye Draper was also in action for the Denver Nuggets, scoring four points and adding five assists to help his team to a 92-74 win over the LA Lakers.

Earlier in the tournament, Draper scored seven points, and added three rebounds, three assists and five steals as the Nuggets defeated the Dallas Mavericks 88-70.
Courtesy nbl.com.au.


SBL: Willetton Tigers on top with 20-4 record - by Eurobasket News
Willetton Tigers on top with 20-4 record as the beat Wanneroo Wolves 91:88. Trailing 1 points after the opening quarter the favorites produced 27-19 in the second period to win the game. Cameron Tovey (200-F-85, college: Augusta St.) top-scored for the winners with 31 points and Ty Shaw collected 21 points and 18 rebounds. Alex Prince (84) poured in 18, while Mitchell Clarke notched 15. Zachary Coverstone responded with 20 points in the losing effort.
Lakeside Lightning is second with 20-5 record, smashing Mandurah Magic 136:86. The winners won all the quarters and scored 29 in the minimum. Seven players scored in double digits as Brad Jackson and Luke Payne paced all the winners with 27 points each. Benjamin Beran netted 18 and Steven Butler posted 16. Taylor Mullenax (201-F, college: St.Edward's) finished the night with 16 points and 11 boards.
Geraldton Buccaneers are third with 19-6 record. The third best team rolled over Perry Lakes Hawks 113:99 as they started with 30-24. Ryan Zamroz (191-G, college: Master's) poured in 21 points and Ben Pepper had 20 points and 10 boards. Martin Vahala (194-G-88) ended up with 21 points in the losing case.
Round 19 is scheduled for July 16, 17.

Serbia hold off Australia for fifth spot in Hamburg - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U17 - Australia U17 74:64

Serbian U17 team occupied the fifth spot at the World Championship in Germany. They wrapped up their campaign on a high note firing past Australia. The Aussies finished in the sixth position. Luka Mitrovic (204-F-93) stepped up with 18 points and 9 rebounds to pace Serbia.
Daniel Carlin (202-C-93) and Odigie ensured a 4:0 start for Australia. But Serbia gradually turned things around and soon accumulated a 17:12 lead. The Balkan team won the opening stanza 21:18. Luka Mitrovic scored four points in a row at the start of the second period to boost the lead. Australia could not deny the deficit as they trailed by 7 points at halftime 34:40. Milosevic and Luka Mitrovic kept Serbia in charge throughout the third frame. However a 9:0 run from Australia drew things level at 52. Aleksandar Cvetkovic (185-G-93) and Nenad Miljenovic (194-G-93) allowed Serbia to enjoy a 56:52 lead at the final pause. Nenad Miljenovic and Luka Mitrovic helped Serbia to clear off to an 8-point distance in the fourth stanza. Australia could not respond and had to surrender at the end.
Aleksandar Cvetkovic provided 17 points and 8 rebounds for Serbia. Nenad Miljenovic accounted for 15 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in the victory. Daniel Carlin answered with game-high 27 points for Australia. Mitch Norton (183-G-93) tallied 10 points in the loss.

Serbia U17: Luka Mitrovic 18, Aleksandar Cvetkovic 17, Nenad Miljenovic 15
Australia U17: Daniel Carlin 27, Mitch Norton 10


Standings - ABA
ABA Standings
Big V
 1. Ringwood H. 17-1 
 2. Diamond V.E. 15-3 
 3. Waverley F. 10-6 
 4. Melbourne 8-10 
 5. Hume City 7-10 
 6. Sherbrooke S. 5-12 
 7. Bulleen B. 4-13 
 8. Eltham W. 3-14 
Central ABL
 1. W.Adelaide B. 14-2 
 2. Norwood F. 12-4 
 3. N.Adelaide R. 11-5 
 4. Sturt S. 11-5 
 5. Forestville E. 10-6 
 6. Eastern M. 8-8 
 7. Woodville W. 6-10 
 8. S.Adelaide P. 4-12 
 9. South.Tigers 3-13 
 10. C.District L. 1-15 
QBL
 1. Mackay M. 11-1 
 2. Rockhampton 11-2 
 3. Northside W. 10-3 
 4. SW Metro P. 9-5 
 5. Townsville H. 9-5 
 6. Gold Coast G. 7-5 
 7. Cairns M. 7-6 
 8. Ipswich F. 6-7 
 9. Maroochydore 6-7 
 10. Gladstone P. 5-8 
 11. Bundaberg B. 5-9 
 12. Caboolture S. 3-10 
 13. Brisbane C. 3-11 
 14. Toowoomba 0-12 
SEABL-East
 1. Bendigo B. 16-7 
 2. Kilsyth C. 16-8 
 3. Brisbane S. 13-11 
 4. Knox R. 13-11 
 5. Ballarat M. 11-11 
 6. Dandenong 10-13 
 7. AIS 4-11 
 8. Canberra G. 3-18 
SEABL-South
 1. Nunawading S. 17-7 
 2. Sandringham S. 16-8 
 3. Geelong S. 15-9 
 4. Hobart C. 14-9 
 5. NW Tasmania 13-10 
 6. Mt Gambier 9-14 
 7. Frankston B. 8-15 
 8. Albury W.B. 4-19 
WARATAH
 1. Manly Warr. 12-3 
 2. Parramatta W. 12-4 
 3. Sydney C. 10-5 
 4. Maitland M. 9-5 
 5. Newcastle H. 9-6 
 6. Norths Bears 8-7 
 7. Bankstown B. 8-8 
 8. Hills H. 6-9 
 9. Hornsby S. 5-9 
 10. Sutherland S. 2-12 
 11. Canberra N. 1-16 


Standings - SBL
SBL Standings
 1. Willetton T. 20-4 
 2. Lakeside L. 20-5 
 3. Geraldton B. 19-6 
 4. Perth R. 16-9 
 5. Wanneroo W. 15-10 
 6. Goldfield G. 14-11 
 7. Perry Lakes H. 13-11 
 8. East Perth E. 13-12 
 9. Stirling S. 11-13 
 10. Mandurah M. 9-15 
 11. Cockburn C. 8-17 
 12. Rockingham F. 7-17 
 13. Kalamunda E.S. 7-18 
 14. SW Slammers 0-24 


*****************************************************
  BELARUS   


Belarusian National Team 2010 - by Timur Tolokh
#s#

Aliaksandr Pustahvar
Pustahvar
Alexander Kudrautsau
Kudrautsau
Aliaksei Trastsinetski
Trastsinetski
Valery Gandlin
Gandlin
#e#6
5 Dante Stiggers (187-G-82) of BK Minsk-2006

6 Siarhei Charykau (185-G-82) of SBK Grodno-93
7 Dmitri Kuzmin (197-G-75) of BK Minsk-2006

8 Arseni Kuchinsky (202-F-79) of OZAA Osipov.

9 Mikalai Aliakseyeu (212-C-78) of Polaroid Lami-Ved Kormend

10 Dzianis Korshuk (202-C/F-78) of BK Minsk-2006

11Artsiom Parakhouski (211-C-87) Radford University USA


17Pavel Ulyanko 204-F/C-79 Hoverla Ivano-Frankivsk Ukraine


12 Aliaksandr Pustahvar (200-G/F-85) of BC Nizhny Novgorod (RUS)
13 Heorhi Kandrusevich (198-F-78) of Ferro-ZNTU Zaporozhye (UKR)
14 Alexander Kudrautsau (190-G-80) of Politekhnika-Halychyna Lviv (UKR)
15 Aliaksei Trastsinetski (201-F-86) of BK Minsk-2006

23 Valery Gandlin (188-G-86) of Elitzur Yavne

Head Coach: Mikhail Feiman

Assistant Coach: Krivonos Andrei


Minsk hosts International tournament - by Eurobasket News
Minsk hosts International tournament with four teams participating. Ukraine, Israel and Bulgaria came to the capital of the country to play each other and the hosts.
In Day 1 Belarus won over Israel 80:71 in overtime. Alexander Kudryavtsev (190-G-80, agency: AB Agency) tied the game in the end of the fourth quarter at 68:68, while Belarus was great in the extra time.
Bulgaria rolled over Ukraine in Minsk in a friendly tournaments with 4 teams participating. Trailing 10 points at the halftime, Bulgaria needed 17-5 in the last quarter to seal 65:60 victory.Ukraine national team started with 25-17 lead and added 14-12 in the second period. Ukraine enjoyed 39-29 at the halftime but could not keep the score for good. Bulgaria first responded with 19-16 in the third quarter and won due to the last period. Bulgaria was too good for the opponents and smashed them 17-5. It gave them 36-21 in the second half and won the game 65:60.
Earl Calloway (191-G-83, college: Indiana) stepped up with 17 points for the winners. Zlatin Georgiev nailed 13, while Deyan Ivanov posted 9. Rostislav Kryvych (198-F/G-78) delivered 20 points in the losing effort. Andriy Agafonov netted 12, while Kyrylo Fesenko (213-C-86, agency: Arik Krayn Services) posted 9

In Day 2 the National team of Israel overcame Ukraine 73:65 in Day 2 of Minsk tournament. After the loss in the opener to Belarus, Israel needed 16-2 in the second period to celebrated the victory.
Both teams lost their first games and hoped to respond in the game against each other. Israel opened the game with 22-19 after the first 10 minutes and never looked behind after. They shocked Ukrainian side with 16-2 in the second period to take 38:21 halftime advantage. Ukraine replied with 25-24 in the third stanza reducing the score to 16 points. In the last quarter Ukraine also looked better and after 19-11 managed to lose by 8 points.
Elishay Kadir (202-F-87, agency: Avi Zilberman) top-scored for the winners with 17 points, while Pnini added 16. Naymi and Okhayon delivered 8 points each. Maksym Pustozvonov (200-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 13 points in the losing case as Ukraine suffered the second straight loss. Zabirchenko nailed 11 and Gliebov posted 9.
Ukraine had better percentage from the file showing 46% versus 44%. Israel had the same percentage from the three-point line which was much higher than Ukrainians had, 29%. Israel show also better free throws as they had 78% versus 58%from Ukraine.
Bulgaria beat Belarus 76:64 to take 2-0 record.
Tonight Belarus will face Ukraine, while Bulgaria and Israel will meet each in the opener.


*****************************************************
  BELIZE   


Puerto Rico beats Belize for the first place in Group B - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Day Five: BELIZE - PUERTO RICO 88-96

After loss in their first appearance in Santo Domingo, Puerto Rico managed to register three straight wins and to finish Preliminary Round as No.1 in Group B. This time Puerto Ricans outplayed Belize 88-96. Belize (2-2) on the other side ended this stage as No.4 and failed to reach the Semis. Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) exploded in this game with 27 points and 7 rebounds. He was the MVP with valuation 26. Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: Florida Intern.) (7 as) and David Huertas (196-G-87, college: Mississippi) helped the winners with 16 points each, while Renaldo Balkman (201-F-84, agency: Buck Andre, college: S.Carolina) added 11 pts and 12 boards. In Belize, Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.) shined with 24 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Kenan Raymond Jourdon had 19 pts and 7 boards in this defeat.
Puerto Rico did a great job in the first period ending it with 15-25 lead. Belize players improved after that and managed to cut the margin to 38-45 until the half time. It was the crucial game for both teams and they gave 100% to take this one. Puerto Ricans were slightly better in Q3 scoring 24, while Belize had 22 points in this frame. It means that PUR was 9 points up before the last ten minutes, what turned out as unreachable for Belize. Milton Palacio led his team to 28-27 in the last quarter, but that was not enough for any better than 88-96 defeat.
Puerto Rico will meet Panama in the Semifinals. Also, the Puerto Ricans already booked a spot for the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship (Pre-Olympic).

Belize: Milton Palacio 24+6 boards+6 as, Kenan Raymond Jourdon 19+7 boards
Puerto Rico: Peter John Ramos 27+7 boards, Carlos Arroyo 16+7 as, David Huertas 16, Renaldo Balkman 11+12 boards

*****************************************************
  CANADA   


Canada edge Lithuania in thriller, claim World Championship Bronze - by Eurobasket News
Canada U17 - Lithuania U17 83:81
Canada reached the podium at the U17 World Championship in Hamburg. They snatched a tough win in the consolation final against Lithuania. Olivier Hanlan (188-G-93) tallied 15 points to pace the North American side. Lithuania finished fourth despite 18 points and 5 assists from Martynas Paliukenas (178-G-93).
Lithuania and Canada exchanged baskets throughout intense first frame. Lithuania were able to eke out a 28:24 lead at the first break. Narkevicius exploded with back-to-back three-pointers at the start of the second period to give Lithuania a 36:25 advantage. Canada however trimmed the deficit at just three points at halftime 40:43. Negus Webster-Chan (198-G-93) opened the second half with a triple to draw things level. Osvaldas Olisevicius (196-F-93) answered with five points in a row as Lithuania regained control. The Baltic team soon stretched the margin to 11 points but Canada once again proved character. They wrapped up the third term on a 9:0 rally to get within just two 59:61. Kymantas and Mantas Mockevicius (186-G-93) gave Lithuania some breathing space at 65:59 at the beginning of the fourth term. But an 8:0 run from Canada put them in the drivers seat. The teams stayed neck and neck in the reminder of the contest. Semaska provided Lithuania with a four-point advantage with 44 seconds to go in regulation. Olivier Hanlan came up with a timely three-pointer to drag Canada closer. Olivier Hanlan followed with two free throws to put the North American team in charge. Pierre then accounted for one free throw to ensure an 83:81 lead for Canada. Mantas Mockevicius had a chance to force overtime but missed a lay-up and sealed the win for Canada.
Junior Lomomba (193-F-93) produced 14 points for the winners. Negus Webster-Chan and Kevin Pangos (186-G-93) added 13 points each for Canada. Osvaldas Olisevicius delivered 17 points in the loss.

Canada U17: Olivier Hanlan 15, Junior Lomomba 14, Negus Webster-Chan 13, Kevin Pangos 13
Lithuania U17: Martynas Paliukenas 18, Osvaldas Olisevicius 17


*****************************************************
  CENTROBASKET   


Stats Leaders (Men)
Points Per Game
 Walter HODGE
  IVO
  (183-G-86)
  Avg: 20.8
 1. Hodge, ISV20.8 
 2. Hibbert, JAM19.0 
 3. Pinnock, PAN19.0 
 4. Arroyo, PUR18.6 
 5. Chiverton, IVB18.3 
 6. Harris, MEX17.8 
 7. Palacio, BIZ17.5 
 8. Villanueva, DOM16.8 
 9. Ramos, PUR15.6 
 10. Blair, JAM15.3 
Rebounds Per Game
 Frank ELEGAR
  ISV
  (206-C-86)
  Avg: 11.8
 1. Elegar, ISV11.8 
 2. Martinez, DOM11.2 
 3. Balkman, PUR10.0 
 4. Trim, TRI9.3 
 5. Lloreda, PAN9.2 
 6. Ayon, MEX9.0 
 7. Troyer, BIZ9.0 
 8. Penn, IVB8.8 
 9. Ffriend, JAM8.5 
 10. Ramos, PUR8.4 
Assists Per Game
 Jose Juan BAREA
  PUR
  (181-G-84)
  Avg: 7.6
 1. Barea, PUR7.6 
 2. Arroyo, PUR6.6 
 3. Palacio, BIZ6.3 
 4. Munoz, PAN4.4 
 5. Pineiro, CUB4.2 
 6. Harris, MEX4.0 
 7. Hodge, ISV4.0 
 8. Pena, DOM4.0 
 9. Arias, DOM3.5 
 10. Martinez, DOM2.8 
Steals Per Game
 Juan PINEIRO
  (193-G-90)
  Avg: 3.2
 1. Pineiro, CUB3.2 
 2. Chiverton, IVB3.0 
 3. Pena, DOM3.0 
 4. Smith, JAM2.5 
 5. Bass, IVB2.5 
 6. Scott, JAM2.5 
 7. Mariscal, MEX2.5 
 8. Ayon, MEX2.0 
 9. Munoz, PAN2.0 
 10. Harris, MEX2.0 
Blocks Per Game
 Kleon PENN
  IVB
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 2.8
 1. Penn, IVB2.8 
 2. Ayon, MEX2.5 
 3. Ramos, PUR2.0 
 4. Richards, ISV1.5 
 5. Elegar, ISV1.3 
 6. Lloreda, PAN1.2 
 7. Batista, CUB1.2 
 8. Balkman, PUR1.2 
 9. George, IVB1.0 
 10. Hibbert, JAM1.0 


Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico to meet in the Finals - by Eurobasket News
Dominican Republic - Cuba 85-71
Dominican Republic stays unbeaten in Santo Domingo. This time Dominicans outplayed Cuba 85-71 advancing to Centrobasket Finals, where they will take on Puerto Rico. On the other side, Cuba will fight against Panama for third place. Franklin Western (200-F-72, college: Providence) led the way for Dominicans with 16 points. Kelvin Pena (193-G-81, college: Southeastern CC) had 14 points and 6 assists, while Elpidio Fortuna (186-G-85) added 13 points and 5 assists. Elys Guzman (206-F/C-82, college: Bemidji St.) had double-double of 10 points and 11 boards. In the loosing squad, Yoan Luis Haiti (200-C-82) collected 14 points and 5 rebounds. Lisvan Valdez (194-G/F-88) scored 13 pts. Third quarter was the crucial one in this game. Before that, Dominican Republic made two-point lead in the first half (17-12 Q1, 22-22 Q2). After the breather Dominican totally took control on their rivals. They exploded at the both sides of the court scoring 29 points in offense and at the same time limiting Cuba to just 10 points for 10 minutes. It means that Dominicans were up by 21 with one quarter to go. Cuba won the last ten minutes 17-24, but they needed a way more. Dominicans will meet powerful Puerto Rico in the Big Final, while Cuba and Panama will play few hours before that game. Both matches are scheduled for Monday.

Puerto Rico - Panama 77-70
Puerto Rico advanced to Centrobasket Finals after they beat Panama 77-70 in the Semis. So after a bad start and defeat in their first appearance, Puerto Ricans managed to beat all their rivals. Panama, who failed in this game, will meet Cuba in the battle for third place. Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: Florida Intern.) was the leading player in victory with 23 points and 5 assists. Jose Juan Barea (181-G-84, college: Northeastern) was the second scorer in Puerto Rico with 22 pts. Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) this time helped with 14 points and 10 boards. In Panama, Jose Lloreda (201-F/C-80, college: LSU) shined with 20 points and 11 boards. Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) had 19 pts and 9 rebs. Puerto Rico had a strong start in this Semifinal game. Carlos Arroyo and his teammates drained 23 points for 10 minutes, while stopping Panamanians to 13. However, Panama shined in the second period and closed the gap to 39-34 until the half time. Panama was still on high level in Q3 as they finished it with 20-23 and everything was open again. Puerto Rico had to work very hard until the end in order to finish the last period with 18-13 and to reach the Centrobasket Finals. The Big Final is scheduled for Monday, as well as the game for third place.

*****************************************************
  CHINA   


NBL Round: 11 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Sichuan - W.Liaoning 92-76
Sichuan cruised past W.Liaoning 92:76 as Bannister T.J. (180-G-84, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Liberty) stepped up with 22 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds. Wang Chun Hai followed him with 19 and Mims Dennis had 15 points and 18 caroms. Basden Edward and Dials Terence nailed 19 points each in defeat as the latter also grabbed 24 boards.

Guangzhou FM - Hangzhou 124-109
Guangzhou FM cruised past Hangzhou 124:109 in the last game of the Regular Season Round 11 played on July 11th. Bulajic Nikola (208-C-84) top-scored for the winners with 25 points and 16 rebounds, while Dawson Marc posted 24. Stallings Nick answered with 26 points and 10 boards in defeat.

Heilongjiang - Jiangsu 109-117
Heilongjiang lost to Jiangsu 109:117 at the Regular Season Round 11. Johnson Justin (198-G-86, college: Iowa) poured in 26 points for the winners, while Davis Quincy and Fang Hui added 22 each. Number 33 erupted with 41 points and 13 rebounds in defeat.

ShenYang - Jiyuan 103-93
ShenYang rolled over Jiyuan 103:93 as Rose Daniel (208-C-83, college: Cedarville) paced all the winners with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Jiang Nan netted 21, while Kun and Chen Xiaodong posted 18 each. Taggart Shawn replied with 29 points and 18 boards.

Whampoa - Changan Group 83-92
Whampoa was beaten by Changan Group 83:92 as the latter got 19 points from Mingo Ronell (205-C-80, college: Wyoming). Ma Yansong poured in 18 and Lei scored 16. Taylor Terrell finished the night with 30 points and 22 rebounds for the home side.


USA Romps to Championship of U-17 - by Arthur Volbert
Contrary to my expectations, the USA team did not falter even once, and rolled to the gold medal of the FIBA World Under-17 Championships with a 111-80 win over previously undefeated Poland.

It is indeed now a level better than everyone else. There are currently no teams a half-level below, as were Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union, before those two nations broke apart. Could China advance to the level of Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union if it continues to progress? Or could it even one day advance to the level of the USA, as Chinese Basketball Theory predicts based on China's racial characteristics and population size? We will see.

Canada won the bronze medal, defeating Lithuania 83-81. Serbia finished fifth, defeating Australia 74-64. China was 7th with its 65-64 win over Germany.

China's Guo Ailun was the tournament's leading scorer with a 22.4 average. Zhai Xiaochuan (205-F-93) was tenth with a 15.3 average, though he faded in the last two games of the tournament. Wang Zirui was 26th with an 11.4 average and his play appeared to improve as the tournament progressed. Guo was third in assists with a 5.5 average. Quinn Cook of the USA was first with 7.4 and Marquis Teague of the USA was second at 6.0. Ahmed Hamdy of Egypt led in rebounding with 12.1 per game. China's best rebounder was Zhai Xiaochuan, 16th at 5.6 per game.

James McAdoo of the USA was first in field goal percentage at 64.2. Guo was 9th at 49.6. Kim Hyeongjun of Korea was first in three-point percentage with 51.7. Zhai Xiaochuan was 6th with 46.8. Han Sanghyeok of Korea was first in free-throw shooting at 87.0. Zhai was fourth at 78.6.


Heilongjiang Zhaozhou Feng Shen sign Dante Milligan - by Eurobasket
Heilongjiang Zhaozhou Feng Shen (NBL) added to their roster 26-year old American forward Dante Milligan (206-F-84, college: Massachusetts, agency: ZAG Advocates). Milligan played most recently at Springfield Armor (D-League) in the U.S. Milligan is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in France, Israel and Spain. Last year he played 42 games in D-League averaging 7.8ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg and 1.2bpg. Despite being tested by teams in Spain and France, he ended two years ago playing for Eroni Kiryat Ata in Israel, where in 9 games he recorded 10.1ppg and 7.3rpg. Milligan should help Heilongjiang team strenghten them under basket. 206 cm power forward replaced another import - American guard James Sullinger.
By Eurobasket Data Center


Standings - NBL
NBL Standings
Stage Two A
 1. Jiangsu 10-1 
 2. Sichuan 9-2 
 3. Changan Group 8-3 
 4. Guangzhou FM 6-5 
 5. Hangzhou 5-6 
 6. ShenYang 5-7 
 7. W.Liaoning 4-7 
 8. Whampoa 4-8 
 9. Heilongjiang 3-8 
 10. Jiyuan 2-9 
Stage One
 1. Anhui NS 0-0 
 2. Guangxi 0-0 
 3. Hebei 0-0 
 4. Hill 0-0 
 5. Hong Kong 0-0 
 6. Hubei 0-0 
 7. Liaoning 3C 0-0 
 8. Ningxia Hanas 0-0 


China Edges Germany to Gain 7th Place in U-17 Tourney - by Arthur Volbert
China rallied from an 18-point deficit, trailing 37-19 at the beginning of the third quarter, to defeat Germany 65-64 and secure 7th place in the FIBA World Under-17 Championship.

China trailed 14-12 after one quarter and 34-19 at the half. But it outscored Germany 22-12 in the third quarter to trail only 46-41 and then trounced Germany 24-18 in the fourth to gain its one-point victory.

Guo Ailun (193-G-93) led the way, as usual, scoring 23 points on 9 of 18 shooting. He had 8 rebounds and 3 assists to 4 turnovers. Wang Zirui had 16 points and 6 rebounds. Xu Tao had 8 points and 2 rebounds and Wang Zhelin had 7 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. Zhai Xiaochuan had only 3 points on 1 of 5 shooting. Zhu Xuhang played only 4 minutes and was scoreless. But China outrebounded Germany 36-34 and had 20 turnovers to Germany's 17, playing even in both these categories.

Besnik Bekteshi had 23 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals for Germany. Malik Muller and Bogdan Radosavljevic each scored 8.

The USA is a level above all other junior teams in the world, even if it should perform poorly in the tournament final. But China proved equal to the top teams in Europe and the rest of the world. Egypt and Korea were the two teams that did not belong, a category shared by previous Chinese junior teams. Is this team an aberration caused by the emergence of star guard Guo Ailun, who has shown potential to one day play in the NBA? Or is this a sign that China is learning to play basketball the international way and that we can expect even more progress in the future? We will see.

I believe that China is now only beginning to tap its vast talent pool and will eventually rise even further against world competition. But that theory has yet to be proven.



Link to box score:

http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/10/fu17wc/men/p/eid/4718/gid/A/grid/43/rid/7203/sid/4718/game.html




*****************************************************
  CUBA   


Cuba advances to Semifinals in Santo Domingo - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Day Five: CUBA - TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 90-60

Cuba destroyed Trinidad and Tobago 90-60 in the last day of the Preliminary Round in Santo Domingo. With this victory Cuba jumped to second place in Group A and advanced to Semifinals. Trinidad and Tobago ended as the last ranked team in this group with just one win in four games. Allen Jemmott (195-G/F-80) was the leading player in victory with 24 points. Orestes Torres (202-C-87) had 15 points and 7 boards, while Yudniel Perez (189-G-84) added 13 pts. Andy Boffil (192-G/F-82) helped his team with 12 points. In defeat, Ian Young (191-G-81, agency: JEMsports, college: Auburn) top-scored with 18 points. Joel Haywood (186-G-84) collected 13 points and 7 boards.
Cuba smashed Trinidad and Tobago in the first period. Allen Jemmott and his teammates were unstoppable in offense scoring 27 points, while their rivals stopped on just 11. It was a clear signal that Cuba will take this one in style. The Cubans ended second frame with 25-20 meaning that they were 21 points up at the half time. Trinidad and Tobago was not able to resist in the second half as well. Cuba ended Q3 with 20-19 and Q4 with 18-11 for the final 90-60 victory.
Cuba will meet Dominican Republic in the Semifinals. Cuba also already booked a spot for the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship (Pre-Olympic).

Cuba: Allen Jemmott 24, Orestes Torres 15+7 boards, Yudniel Perez 13, Andy Boffil 12
Trinidad and Tobago: Ian Young 18, Joel Haywood 13+7 boards

Dominican Republic too much for Cuba in Centrobasket Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Semifinals: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - CUBA 85-71

Dominican Republic stays unbeaten in Santo Domingo. This time Dominicans outplayed Cuba 85-71 advancing to Centrobasket Finals, where they will take on Puerto Rico. On the other side, Cuba will fight against Panama for third place. Franklin Western (200-F-72, college: Providence) led the way for Dominicans with 16 points. Kelvin Pena (193-G-81, college: Southeastern CC) had 14 points and 6 assists, while Elpidio Fortuna (186-G-85) added 13 points and 5 assists. Elys Guzman (206-F/C-82, college: Bemidji St.) had double-double of 10 points and 11 boards. In the loosing squad, Yoan Luis Haiti (200-C-82) collected 14 points and 5 rebounds. Lisvan Valdez (194-G/F-88) scored 13 pts.
Third quarter was the crucial one in this game. Before that, Dominican Republic made two-point lead in the first half (17-12 Q1, 22-22 Q2). After the breather Dominican totally took control on their rivals. They exploded at the both sides of the court scoring 29 points in offense and at the same time limiting Cuba to just 10 points for 10 minutes. It means that Dominicans were up by 21 with one quarter to go. Cuba won the last ten minutes 17-24, but they needed a way more.
Dominicans will meet powerful Puerto Rico in the Big Final, while Cuba and Panama will play few hours before that game. Both matches are scheduled for Monday.

Dominican Republic: Franklin Western 16, Kelvin Pena 14+6 as, Elpidio Fortuna 13+5 as, Elys Guzman 10+11 boards
Cuba: Yoan Luis Haiti 14+5 boards, Lisvan Valdez 13

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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Dominican Republic too much for Cuba in Centrobasket Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Semifinals: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - CUBA 85-71

Dominican Republic stays unbeaten in Santo Domingo. This time Dominicans outplayed Cuba 85-71 advancing to Centrobasket Finals, where they will take on Puerto Rico. On the other side, Cuba will fight against Panama for third place. Franklin Western (200-F-72, college: Providence) led the way for Dominicans with 16 points. Kelvin Pena (193-G-81, college: Southeastern CC) had 14 points and 6 assists, while Elpidio Fortuna (186-G-85) added 13 points and 5 assists. Elys Guzman (206-F/C-82, college: Bemidji St.) had double-double of 10 points and 11 boards. In the loosing squad, Yoan Luis Haiti (200-C-82) collected 14 points and 5 rebounds. Lisvan Valdez (194-G/F-88) scored 13 pts.
Third quarter was the crucial one in this game. Before that, Dominican Republic made two-point lead in the first half (17-12 Q1, 22-22 Q2). After the breather Dominican totally took control on their rivals. They exploded at the both sides of the court scoring 29 points in offense and at the same time limiting Cuba to just 10 points for 10 minutes. It means that Dominicans were up by 21 with one quarter to go. Cuba won the last ten minutes 17-24, but they needed a way more.
Dominicans will meet powerful Puerto Rico in the Big Final, while Cuba and Panama will play few hours before that game. Both matches are scheduled for Monday.

Dominican Republic: Franklin Western 16, Kelvin Pena 14+6 as, Elpidio Fortuna 13+5 as, Elys Guzman 10+11 boards
Cuba: Yoan Luis Haiti 14+5 boards, Lisvan Valdez 13

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  EUROCUP   


Spartak Saint Petersburg add Petar Popovic - by Eurobasket News
Spartak SP landed Petar Popovic (211-C-79). The Russian team signed a one-year deal with the 30-year-old centre. Last season Petar Popovic played in Spain. He averaged 8.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game for Estudiantes. Previously the centre had spells for Crvena Zvezda, Hemofarm, Benetton Treviso, Joventut. Petar Popovic played for the Yugoslavian University National Team back in 2001.


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20   


Standings
Standings
Group E
1. Greece0-0
2. Latvia0-0
3. Lithuania0-0
4. Montenegro0-0
5. Serbia0-0
6. Ukraine0-0
Group F
1. Croatia0-0
2. Spain0-0
3. France0-0
4. Italy0-0
5. Russia0-0
6. Slovenia0-0
Group G
1. Czech Repub.0-0
2. Germany0-0
3. Holland0-0
4. Turkey0-0


*****************************************************
  GERMANY   


Germany lost their last game of U17 World Championship to finish on the 8th spot - by Eurobasket News
China U17-Germany U17 65:64

Germany U17 lost their last game of U17 World Championship to finish on the 8th spot. China U17 grabbed 65:64 win to take the seventh position.
China scored the first five points of the game and kept the hosts scoreless in the first four minutes of the quarter. Germany tied it later at 5:5 and then grabbed 14:12 lead at the end of 10 minutes. Moreover Germany continued their run until 20:12 when Muller hit the three-pointer. Germany increased to 34:19 at the halftime and looked forward to keep the score for good. China however changed after the break and produced another style in the next two periods. The Asian team reduced to 41:46 at the end of the third period as they exploded with 22-12 in the third frame. Moreover China tied the game at 48:48 in the start of the last stanza. Bleck brought 49:48 for Germany, while Guo Ailun (193-G-93) closed 6-0 run fro 54:49 with 6 minutes to go. Wang made it 60:54 with 4 minutes and Guo Ailun scored for 63:54. The European team finished with 6-0 run but it was enough only for 64:65 on the board.
Guo Ailun stepped up with 23 points for the winners. Wang Zirui (190-G-93) nailed 16, while Xu Tao (211-C-93) posted 8. Besnik Bekteshi (188-G-93) brought 23 points for the home side. Malik Muller (187-G-94) and Bogdan Radosavljevic (211-C-93) delivered 8 points each in a loss.

China U17: Guo Ailun 23, Wang Zirui 16, Xu Tao 8
Germany U17: Besnik Bekteshi 23, Malik Muller 8, Bogdan Radosavljevic 8

TBB Trier Get Another Ex Alba Berlin Player With Oskar Fassler - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
After naming Henrik Rodel coach, and bringing in Phillip Zwiener and Dragan Dojcin, the shopping spree for ex Alba Berlin players continued as the club announced the signing of Oskar Fassler (198-G-88) Fassler is a 22 year old 198cm shooting guard that last played for Science City Jena (ProA, starting five): 12 games: 9.3ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 77.8%, and also played at Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels (1.Bundesliga): 4 games: 4.3ppg, 2.0rpg. Fassler played for Alba Berlin for many years and was not unknown to coach Henrik Rodel in any way. 'I have been following his development for a long time and he has had a good one. He may be a shooting guard, but thanks to his athletic ability can play the positions 1-3 and give us solid minutes', stated TBB Trier coach Henrik Rodl. Fassler is also happy about going to TBB Trier. 'I am looking forward to a very exciting time in a city rich with basketball tradition which has a nice arena and great fans. This will be a big challenge, but I see the chance to be able to play in the BEKO BBL', stressed Oskar Fassler.

Fassler started his basketball career in 2003-2004 for Marzahn Basket Baeren (2. Regionalliga) - IBBA Berlin (International Basketball Academy). He then played for TUS Lichterfelde Berlin from 2004-2006. In the 2006-2007 season, he got to play for Alba Berlin, but still had a license to play for TUS Lichterfelde Berlin. In his time with Alba Berlin, he was able to play 22 BEKO BBL games. He was a member for teh German U-18 and U-20 National teams. He played at the European Championships U20 Division B in Targu Mures (Romania) in 2008: (Champion): 7 games: 3.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.4apg.

Source: www.tbb-trier.de

Deilvez Yearby to play for Cuxhaven - by Moritz Korff
Deilvez Yearby (198-F-87) has agreed to terms with the Cuxhaven BasCats and will spend his his first season overseas in the 2. Bundesliga Pro A. The Detroit, Michigan native is a versatile player who might help the BasCats on several positions. Yearby started his college career at Kansas State and transferred to IPFW after two years as a Wildcat. He led the Mastodons in scoring (13.8ppg), rebounding (8.7rpg) and blocking shots (2.5bpg) during 2009-2010. The BasCats plan to bring in another import player soon to bolster their frontcourt.

Eye To Eye With Kyle Bailey (BG Goettingen) - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber


Kyle Bailey (188-G-82, college: Santa Clara) is a 27 year old 188 cm guard from Fairbanks Alaska that is a very smart player who handles the ball well, performs well under pressure and regularly is the first player at practice and the last to leave. He is starting his fifth season season in Germany back at an old stomping ground with BG Goettingen. He played at Santa Clara with Macabbi Tel Aviv guard Doron Perkins from 2000-2005. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 14.8ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 37.2%, 3Pts: 31.3%. In his first professional season in 2005-2006, he split time between the Florida Flame (NBDL) and BK Riga of the Latvian league. In 2006-2007, he went to Germany to play for BG Goettingen playing 29 games and averaging 20.8ppg, 5.7rpg, 3.0apg, 2.8spg, 2FGP: 48.1%, 3FGP: 35.9%, FT: 77.0%. He led the team into the BBL winning the second league north. In 2007-2008, he played for Ratiopharm Ulm playing 18 games averaging 12.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 64.5%. Last season, he helped lead MEG Goettingen into the playoffs playing 23 games and averaging 14.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 74.2%. Lasts eason, he played for EnBW Ludwigsburg, but had to leave the club a few months before the end of the season. He spoke with eurobasket about returning back to BG Goettingen.

How excited are you about playing again for the purple of BG Goettingen?

I am very excited about going to Goettingen!

How quickly were you able to make the decision about coming back to BG Goettingen?

It wasn't a very difficult decision about going back there, I have been there before and I have a good idea of what to expect.

What did you miss most from your time with BG Goettingen?

The atmosphere in the gym and the fans.

Did you think that it was a huge mistake going to EnBW Ludwigsburg last season?

I don't look at it as a mistake. It was step in my life and I learned a lot from it.

What did you learn from your experience with EnBW Ludwigsburg?

I learned that I am still able to play basketball, after my injury the year before I wasn't exactly sure how my ankle would be. I also learned about a different style of Basketball.

Do you think leaving EnBW Ludwigsburg early and not being able to play out the rest of the season might effect your rhythm as a player on the court going into the 2010-2011 BEKO BBL season?

It will definitely affect my rhythm as a player, but I don't think it will be in a negative way.

How closely did you follow BG Goettingen last season?

I followed all of the teams in the BBL last year.

Were you surprised that BG Goettingen won the Eurochallenge?

I don't think it was too big of a surprise they won the EuroChallenge.

What is the realistic goal of BG Goettingen this season?

I am not sure what you mean by realistic, I know we will work very hard to achieve to the most we possibly can.

Why can you function as point guard better with BG Goettingen than with EnBW Ludwigsburg?

It just didn't work out well in Ludwigsburg, I definitely have some things in my game I am working on and I hopefully I will show improvement this season.

How excited are you about playing with rookie Louis Dale?

I am really excited to be playing with him. Not only is he one of my teammates but he is a guard, so we will be working together a lot.

How will the guard combo Louis Dale/Kyle Bailey (188-G-82, college: Santa Clara) work best?

That is something I don't know, that is up to the Coach to decide.

What is the secret behind the success of coach John Patrick?

I'm still trying to figure it out so I can sell it! Seriously, though, I don't know if there is just one thing.

How does your work out routine look like this summer?

Shots and Ball handling in the morning and some open gyms at night time. With a little golf in between.

Were sad that Germany didnt win the World Cup?

I was very sad they lost, but I was even more sad that Cristiano Ronaldo didn't play well.

What will the Miami Heat achieve with Lebron James?

They will achieve a Finals loss to Kobe and the Lakers!!!

What was the last DVD that you saw?

'Side Out'
Thanks Kyle fort he chat!! Good luck this season.

BG Goettingen signs Adam Waleskowski - by Moritz Korff
Adam Waleskowski (203-F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Florida St.) returns to German basketball and will line up for 1. Bundesliga side BG Goettingen in the 2010-2011 season. The 27-year-old native of Kettering, Ohio received German citizenship in 2007. At that time Waleskowski was coming off a stint with Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule. In the following years he played for different teams in France and also spent some time with Achilleas Kaimakliou of Cyprus.

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  GHANA   


The Greater accra basketball league - by Charis BX
Nine-time champions CEPS and Hoops are among the top sides in action this weekend in the Greater Accra basketball series.
Custom Excise and Preventive Services (CEPS) remain the only side yet to lose grounds after eleven rounds of matches and looks set to keep their record intact with a game against Fire on Saturday.
Coach Braimah Lawahs side has been peerless in the current campaign and looks the likely candidate to clinch their 10th consecutive title.
They face a side which has dropped their guard seven times in the season and have managed to record four wins.
It should be business as usual for second placed team Hoops who battle basement boys Yotive in the second game on Saturday.
The only side in the league which resides outside the Greater Accra region are the overwhelming favourite in this encounter judging from their fine form in the series so far.
Yotive lie at a parlous 13th position on the league table and are involved in the relegation dog fight with Turbo Jets and Lions. They have recorded a single win from 11 outings and Hoops looks set to add them to their list of victims.
Yotive have struggled for consistency while the key to Hoops success so far has been their physical power and controlled aggressivity.
The first game on Saturday will see Holy Family battle CYO at the Lebanon House in Tudu.
There is little to choose between the two sides because both have suffered seven defeats and recorded four in their last eleven games and so should make up for an exciting one on Saturday afternoon.
But before Saturday showdown at the Lebanon House, the Prisons Court will play host to two exciting games on Friday afternoon.
Tudu based Magic take on Reformers in the first game while Panthers and the Police Service square off in the final game at 4pm local time.

*****************************************************
  HUNGARY   


Hungary nip Iran in Bormio - by Eurobasket News
Hungary - Iran 64:63

Hungary earned the first win at the Trofeo Gianatti international tournament. After losing to Italy in the opener Hungary held off Iran in the second game. Zsolt Szabo (202-F-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) notched 13 points and 10 rebounds to lead the European team. Adam Hanga (201-G-89, agency: FCM) knocked down a late free throw to propel Hungary to the win in this one.
Iran looked better in the opening frame. The Asian powerhouse rolled to an 18:14 lead at the first intermission. They maintained the lead well throughout the second period. Iran arrived at halftime break up by 4 points 36:32. Hungary adjusted in the third term as their offense started to work productively. The European team notched 19 points to get within 2 at the final pause. Hungary erased the deficit and surged ahead in the dying minutes. Oshin Sahakian (202-F-86, agency: Agency No 10) drew things level at 63 with just 11 seconds to go in regulation but Adam Hanga hit a free throw to seal the deal for Hungary.
Adam Hanga finished with 10 points for the winners. Marton Fodor (191-G-81, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) and David Vojvoda (191-G/F-90, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) nailed 9 points each for Hungary. Samad Nikkhah (199-G/F-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) responded with game-high 29 points for Iran. Asghar Kardoust (210-C-86, agency: SportsList Inc.) had 13 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.
Iran will next face Italy.

Hungary: Zsolt Szabo 13+10 boards, Adam Hanga 10, Marton Fodor 9, David Vojvoda 9
Iran: Samad Nikkhah 29, Asghar Kardoust 13+11 boards


*****************************************************
  IRAN   


Hungary nip Iran in Bormio - by Eurobasket News
Hungary - Iran 64:63

Hungary earned the first win at the Trofeo Gianatti international tournament. After losing to Italy in the opener Hungary held off Iran in the second game. Zsolt Szabo (202-F-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) notched 13 points and 10 rebounds to lead the European team. Adam Hanga (201-G-89, agency: FCM) knocked down a late free throw to propel Hungary to the win in this one.
Iran looked better in the opening frame. The Asian powerhouse rolled to an 18:14 lead at the first intermission. They maintained the lead well throughout the second period. Iran arrived at halftime break up by 4 points 36:32. Hungary adjusted in the third term as their offense started to work productively. The European team notched 19 points to get within 2 at the final pause. Hungary erased the deficit and surged ahead in the dying minutes. Oshin Sahakian (202-F-86, agency: Agency No 10) drew things level at 63 with just 11 seconds to go in regulation but Adam Hanga hit a free throw to seal the deal for Hungary.
Adam Hanga finished with 10 points for the winners. Marton Fodor (191-G-81, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) and David Vojvoda (191-G/F-90, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) nailed 9 points each for Hungary. Samad Nikkhah (199-G/F-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) responded with game-high 29 points for Iran. Asghar Kardoust (210-C-86, agency: SportsList Inc.) had 13 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.
Iran will next face Italy.

Hungary: Zsolt Szabo 13+10 boards, Adam Hanga 10, Marton Fodor 9, David Vojvoda 9
Iran: Samad Nikkhah 29, Asghar Kardoust 13+11 boards


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  ISRAEL   


Israel overcame Ukraine in Day 2 of Minsk tournament - by Eurobasket News
Israel-Ukraine 73:65

The National team of Israel overcame Ukraine 73:65 in Day 2 of Minsk tournament. After the loss in the opener to Belarus, Israel needed 16-2 in the second period to celebrated the victory.
Both teams lost their first games and hoped to respond in the game against each other. Israel opened the game with 22-19 after the first 10 minutes and never looked behind after. They shocked Ukrainian side with 16-2 in the second period to take 38:21 halftime advantage. Ukraine replied with 25-24 in the third stanza reducing the score to 16 points. In the last quarter Ukraine also looked better and after 19-11 managed to lose by 8 points.
Elishay top-scored for the winners with 17 points, while Guy Pnini (201-G/F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services) added 16. Naymi and Okhayon delivered 8 points each. Maksym Pustozvonov (200-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 13 points in the losing case as Ukraine suffered the second straight loss. Zabirchenko nailed 11 and Gliebov posted 9.
Ukraine had better percentage from the file showing 46% versus 44%. Israel had the same percentage from the three-point line which was much higher than Ukrainians had, 29%. Israel show also better free throws as they had 78% versus 58%from Ukraine.

Israel: Elishay Kadir (202-F-87, agency: Avi Zilberman) 17 points, Guy Pnini 16. Naymi 8, Okhayon 8
Ukraine: Maksym Pustozvonov 13, Zabirchenko 11, Gliebov 9

Israeli National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Gal Mekel
Mekel
Yotam Halperin
Halperin
Raviv Limonad
Limonad
Tal Burstein
Burstein
Robert Rothbart
Rothbart
#e#5
Gal Mekel 195-G-88 Galil Gilboa Israel
Yotam Halperin 196-G-84 Olympiakos Greece
Raviv Limonad 192-G-84 Maccabi T-A Israel
Tal Burstein 198-G-80 Maccabi T-A Israel
Robert Rothbart 218-C-86 Hap.Haifa Israel
Ido Kozikaro 203-F/C-78 Galil Gilboa Israel
Ben Rice 202-F-90 Bnei Hasharon Israel
Uri Kokia 203-F-81 Hap.Jerusalem Israel
Lior Hakmon 202-F-85 Hap.Jerusalem Israel
Guy Pnini 201-G/F-83 Maccabi T-A Israel
Elishay Kadir 202-F-87 Maccabi T-A Israel
Jonhatan Nir 203-F/C-86 Macc.Haifa Israel
David Bluthenthal 202-F-80 Maccabi T-A Israel
Dagan Yavzuri 193-G-85 Hapoel Holon Israel
Omri Casspi 204-F/G-88 Sacramento K. USA
Lior Eliyahu 207-F-85 Caja Laboral Spain
Yaniv Green 206-F-80 Maccabi T-A Israel



*****************************************************
  ITALY   


Italy wins Gianatti Tounment - by Gianni Pascucci
Two days after the large and clear win over Hungary, Team Italy defeated Iran, 78-41, in Bormio, winning the Gianatti International Tournment. Pietro Aradori (192-G-88) led the way in Italy with 15 points, ending the Gianatti Tournemt as the Top Scorer (34 pts in two games). Marco Carraretto (196-G-77, agency: Players Group) added 13 pts and Antonio Maestranzi (178-G-84, college: N.Illinois) 12 in the 'Azzurri', while Oshin Sahakian (202-F-86, agency: Agency No 10) and Samad Nikkhah (199-G/F-83, agency: SportsList Inc.) were the only Iranian players to end the game in double digits at 11 and 10 points, respectively. New Italian coach Simone Pianigiani stated to media to be enough satisfied after this second game, even admiting that there is a lot of work to do again. And Team Italy has yet to add to roster NBAers Andrea Bargnani, Marco Belinelli and inside players Marco Cousin and Andrea Renzi. The first occasion to see these players on the court could be the upcomng 'Mandela Forum Trophy' scheduled for July 16-18 in Firenze, where the Italian National team will meet Macedonia, Poland and Bulgaria.

Varese extends Simone Cotani, Reggio Emilia inks Rodolfo Valenti - by Eurobasket News
Cimberio Varese announced that Simone Cotani (201-G/F-81) extended his contract with the team for two more years. The Italian forward appeared 30 times in SerieA last season averaging 5.5 points and 3.9 rebounds. His team ended as No.11 with 11-17 record.
Simone Cotani joined Varese in 2008 from Biella. In his first season with the club Cotani helped them to win the LegaDue and of course to earn a promotion for SerieA. He had 8.3 ppg and 5.3 rpg for 30 games at that time. From 2005 to 2008 Cotani was a member of Agelico Biella. Before that, he spent one season with Climamio Bologna. They managed to win the title that year (2004/05), but Cotani had very limited playing time. Anyway, at the same year he was called to join the Italian National Team. From 2000 to 2004 Cotani used to play for Mavo Livorno. He also was a member of U20 Italy in the past.
Meanwhile, Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia announced signing of Rodolfo Valenti (198-F-80) for the next two seasons. He started the last one with Vanoli Cremona and in January moved to UCC Casalpusterlengo. Valenti played 12 games in LegaDue collecting 8.6 ppg and 6.6 rpg.

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  JAPAN   


Osaka Evessa tab William Knight - by Eurobasket News
Osaka Evessa ensured the reinforcement for the squad. They brought in veteran forward William Knight (196-F/G-79, college: UCLA). The 31-year-old player signed a one-year deal with Osaka. Last season William Knight played for Hamamatsu Phoenix. He tallied 19.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game. William Knight graduated from UCLA back in 2002 and then played in Sweden, Netherlands, France, Cyprus, Venezuela, Qatar, ABA and IBL leagues in the USA.


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  LITHUANIA   


Canada edge Lithuania in thriller, claim World Championship Bronze - by Eurobasket News
Canada U17 - Lithuania U17 83:81
Canada reached the podium at the U17 World Championship in Hamburg. They snatched a tough win in the consolation final against Lithuania. Olivier Hanlan (188-G-93) tallied 15 points to pace the North American side. Lithuania finished fourth despite 18 points and 5 assists from Martynas Paliukenas (178-G-93).
Lithuania and Canada exchanged baskets throughout intense first frame. Lithuania were able to eke out a 28:24 lead at the first break. Narkevicius exploded with back-to-back three-pointers at the start of the second period to give Lithuania a 36:25 advantage. Canada however trimmed the deficit at just three points at halftime 40:43. Negus Webster-Chan (198-G-93) opened the second half with a triple to draw things level. Osvaldas Olisevicius (196-F-93) answered with five points in a row as Lithuania regained control. The Baltic team soon stretched the margin to 11 points but Canada once again proved character. They wrapped up the third term on a 9:0 rally to get within just two 59:61. Kymantas and Mantas Mockevicius (186-G-93) gave Lithuania some breathing space at 65:59 at the beginning of the fourth term. But an 8:0 run from Canada put them in the drivers seat. The teams stayed neck and neck in the reminder of the contest. Semaska provided Lithuania with a four-point advantage with 44 seconds to go in regulation. Olivier Hanlan came up with a timely three-pointer to drag Canada closer. Olivier Hanlan followed with two free throws to put the North American team in charge. Pierre then accounted for one free throw to ensure an 83:81 lead for Canada. Mantas Mockevicius had a chance to force overtime but missed a lay-up and sealed the win for Canada.
Junior Lomomba (193-F-93) produced 14 points for the winners. Negus Webster-Chan and Kevin Pangos (186-G-93) added 13 points each for Canada. Osvaldas Olisevicius delivered 17 points in the loss.

Canada U17: Olivier Hanlan 15, Junior Lomomba 14, Negus Webster-Chan 13, Kevin Pangos 13
Lithuania U17: Martynas Paliukenas 18, Osvaldas Olisevicius 17


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  NAIA   


Marygrove Mustangs Add Anthony Williams - by Stephan Ditgens
DETROIT, Mich.-On Tuesday, men's basketball added four to their cause in 2010-11 with a quadruple signing session inside Marygrove's new fitness center. Of the four, Warren Fitzgerald's Anthony Williams was the first to ink a 2010-11 Letter of Intent.

Williams, a bruising 5'10' guard/forward, will give the Mustangs added muscle and will give them a strong presence inside and out. Capping off a stellar career, Williams elevated his game to new heights his senior season by capturing the [Fitzgerald] Spartans Most Improved Award. His strong play helped lead the Spartans to the district finals where they would take runner-up.

Asst. Coach Covington on Williams: Anthony brings the element of toughness to our program that we are always searching for. He is a hard-working young man with a great attitude on and off the court. Our coaching staff is looking forward to coaching him this season.
source: marygrovemustangs.com

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  NBA   


Bulls sign-and-trade Hakim Warrick to Suns - by Eurobasket News
The Phoenix Suns announced Friday that the club has acquired forward Hakim Warrick (6'9''-F-82, college: Syracuse) in a sign-and-trade deal with the Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls receive the Suns' second-round pick in 2011 for the Pennsylvania native, who signed a four-year contract.

'Hakim is a player we have watched perform well against us for years,' said Suns head coach Alvin Gentry. 'He is a long, athletic player who runs the floor and finishes well. We feel, given the opportunity, and playing alongside veterans like Steve Nash and Grant Hill, he can be a productive member of our rotation.'

Warrick, who turned 28 on Thursday, split time in Milwaukee and Chicago last season after a four-year stint in Memphis.

The 6-foot-9, 219-pounder has averaged 10.1 points and 4.3 rebounds over 383 career games.

Courtesy of www.miamiherald.com

Suns complete sign-and-trade deal for Amare Stoudemire - by Eurobasket News
The Phoenix Suns completed a sign-and-trade deal today with the New York Knicks involving Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) and received a $16.5 million trade exception.

The Knicks also included a conditional second-round pick that the Suns might not ever receive because of the qualifiers attached.

The Suns also completed a sign-and-trade deal with the Bulls for Hakim Warrick, giving Chicago the Suns' second-round pick in 2011. Warrick has signed a four-year contract for $18 million with $2 million of it in incentive bonuses.

Phoenix has a year to use the exception, which allows the Suns to make a trade to acquire a player making near or less than the $16.5 million amount without having to lose a Suns player in the deal.

New York benefited in the deal by having Phoenix first sign Stoudemire to the five-year, $99.7 million deal. The Suns were the only team that could give Stoudemire 10.5 percent raises, making his first-year salary almost $800,000 less to give New York more salary cap room for free-agency signings.

Courtesy of www.azcentral.com

Heat introduce power trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh to fans - by Eurobasket News
Dressed in a white Heat uniform for the first time, LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) took a look at his new home crowd, folded his arms across his chest and nodded.

The MVP has taken center stage in Miami.

Reviled in Cleveland, revered in Miami. Welcome to South Florida, LeBron.

'It feels right,' James said. 'To be in this position, to wear the Heat uniform, everything is nice. We're going to make the world know that the Heat is back.'

Naturally, James promised championships. Multiple championships.

Let a new era of Heat basketball begin.

'That's the only reason I'm here, man,' James said.

With 13,000 fans chanting 'Yes We Did!' amid an atmosphere more suited to a rock concert than a basketball game, the Miami Heat welcomed the NBA's newest trio of superstars Friday night for a celebration unlike just about any other in team history.

James, Heat favorite Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) and Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) all arrived accompanied by plumes of smoke, lifted into the air on a forklift for their grand arrival.

Great fanfare. Great expectations.

'It's still surreal, man,' Wade said earlier. 'Me, Chris and 'Bron. We ready. We want to go to the gym now.'

Wade was in the middle as the trio was lifted skyward for the entrance Bosh on his right, James on his left. Bosh pointed to the fans and screamed, while Wade aimed his index fingers at the crowd and James strutted about to the fans' delight.

They walked down the stairs to a long runway, slapping high-fives with fans, clapping their hands and soaking in the atmosphere.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the Heat continued working on sign-and-trade deals for both players, and tried to clear space for Udonis Haslem Wade's teammate for seven seasons and someone the 2006 NBA finals MVP wants back for the next chapter.

'This is surpassing a dream come true,' Wade said. 'You always want to put yourself in the best position possible. To have an opportunity to team up with arguably the best trio to ever play the game of basketball is amazing.'

Heat broadcaster Eric Reid called them the 'Three Kings' as the program got under way an hour behind schedule, presumably because of the trade talks. Keys to the city were set to be awarded to each star, and Gov. Charlie Crist was in the stands, along with several city and county officials.

'We wanted to come here, then LeBron wanted to come,' Bosh said. 'Let's get it done, man. Let's get this thing going.'

Heat president Pat Riley the mastermind of the deals and coach Erik Spoelstra sat in the stands, as did owner Micky Arison, all of them beaming.

Fans were given posters with James, Wade and Bosh together in Heat uniforms 'Yes. We. Did.' was the slogan in big white letters and crowded around a runway surrounded by video screens and smoke effects.

If Riley gets his way, the party will be the first of many for the NBA's newest star cluster a grouping everyone, even Wade, is still getting used to.

'When I look around and see No. 6 and No. 1 on the court with me, that's when it's going to see real,' he said.

Until now, No. 6 meant Mario Chalmers, No. 1 meant Dorell Wright.

Chalmers will be back (wearing No. 15, his college number, probably) and Wright still could return, but going forward those digits belong to others.

James will wear No. 6 instead of his usual 23. Bosh will don No. 1 instead of No. 4, Wade said, because he 'wanted a new beginning.'

And even Wade who considers his No. 3 sacred thought about switching his number as well.

'Then I realized, three is magical, and now it represents more than just my number,' Wade said. 'It represents the three of us making sacrifices as well.'

The jersey numbers aren't all that important.

They just want the winning to be easy as 1-2-3.

Wade and Bosh decided Tuesday that they would play together in Miami, releasing that information to the world on Wednesday. With that, it was all up to James, who said he decided Thursday morning - hours before his made-for-TV announcement special that night - that he'd join the Heat and form a power triple.

Turns out, some members of the Heat family had more than an inkling that James was coming long before that show.

'I knew this was going to evolve a while ago,' Heat executive Alonzo Mourning said Friday. 'We knew a long time ago. We did our due diligence on our recruiting trip, and we had a good feeling about this. When we came back, we knew that it pretty much was going to evolve in our favor.'

The end result was three of the top nine scorers in the league last season, the two-time reigning MVP in James, their own superstar (who said he wouldn't have stayed if either Bosh or James hadn't come to Miami) and reason to believe the franchise's wild pendulum NBA's best in 2006, NBA's worst in 2008 is on a decided upswing.

'It's going to take all of us to do it,' Wade said.

On Friday in Miami, the scene was sheer bliss.

James' jerseys weren't even going on hangers inside the Miami team store; for the most part, they were getting sold as soon as they could be taken out of the box. A line of fans snaked around the arena on a steamy morning just to put their names on a waiting list for tickets. The switchboard at AmericanAirlines Arena was overwhelmed for much of the day, and the 13,000 free seats for the welcoming bash were made available online at 4 p.m. and were gone in an hour.

'The road to history,' James wrote early Friday on Twitter, 'starts now.'

And there will be nights, like this one, filled with spectacle.

Glitz and glamour, for sure but Wade said the NBA's newest Big 3 can handle the hype.

'Yeah, it's going to be Hollywood down here,' Wade said. 'But when we step on the court, it's going to be about business. And everyone who wants to be part of this organization is going to have to make that sacrifice.'

Courtesy of www.nj.com

Timofey Mozgov heads to NBA - by Eurobasket News
Timofey Mozgov (216-C-86) is expected to continue his career overseas. The centre will sign a three-year deal with the New York Knicks. The 23-year-old centre spent the previous season with Khimky. He tallied 10.9 points and 5.5 rebounds in VTB League. In Superleague Timofey Mozgov averaged 7.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 block per appearance. In Euroleague his stats read 6.0 points and 4.1 rebounds. Timofey Mozgov played for Russia at the 2009 EuroBasket. The centre notched 11.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in Poland.


Clippers sign Brian Cook - by Eurobasket News
The Los Angeles Clippers today signed free agent forward Brian Cook (6'10''-C/F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois). Per team policy, terms of the deal were not announced.

Cook, 29, appeared in 15 games for the Houston Rockets last season, averaging 1.4 points and 0.6 rebounds. A seven-year NBA veteran, the six-foot-nine, 234 pound Cook has appeared in 349 career games with the Rockets, Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers, tallying career averages of 5.8 points, 2.7 rebounds and 0.3 blocks.

The former University of Illinois star was originally drafted by the Lakers with the 24th overall pick of the 2003 NBA Draft. As a rookie, Cook appeared in 35 games and 13 playoff contests as a member of the 2004 Western Conference Champions. Cook played four complete seasons with the Lakers, making a career-high 81 appearances in 2005-06, the same season he averaged a career-best 7.9 points and 3.4 rebounds.

In his career, Cook has played in 31 total playoff games, averaging 2.7 points and 1.7 rebounds. A career 39 percent three-point shooter, Cook has attempted over 80 three-pointers in five different pro seasons, shooting nearly 43 percent from beyond the arc in 2005-06.

Cook joined the Orlando Magic in a trade on Nov. 20, 2007 where he played in 66 total games from 2007-2009. The Lincoln, Illinois native was then traded to Houston on Feb. 19, 2009 as a part of a three-team trade. The Rockets waived Cook on Feb. 19, 2010.

The 2002-03 Big Ten Player of the Year and Third-Team All-American selection as a senior, Cook averaged 20.0 points and 7.6 rebounds in his final college season and finished his Illinois career as the third leading scorer in school history.

Cooks father Norm was a star at the University of Kansas and played in 27 NBA games with the Celtics and Denver Nuggets from 1976-78.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

*****************************************************
  NCAA1   


USA U17 triumphs in Hamburg! - by Eurobasket News
USA U17-Poland U17 111:80

USA U17 became the winner of the U17 World Championship in Hamburg, Germany. The favorites overcame European best team Poland U17 111:80.
Pre-tournament favorites USA has looked unstoppable all tournament long and rightfully reached the trophy. Poland on the other hand were not pre-tournament favorites. Poland's unbeaten run has come as such a surprise that the Polish Federation and a number of media booked a last minute trip to Hamburg to assist the semi-final, and have stayed on for the final.
Poland surprised the US team with four straight points in the start. James McAdoo (6'9''-F-93) gave USA 9:7, while Wrotten delivered for 29:21 after the first quarter. Daniel Szymkiewicz (6'4''-G-94) closed the first frame at 29:24. Piotr Niedzwiedzki (6'11''-F-93) scored for 32:28, but USA responded with 8-0 run as Teague made it 40:28. Mateusz Ponitka (6'5''-G-93) cut it later to 46:41, while Drummond closed the run for the USA at 58:41. Poland actually won the third frame 21-20 and reduced to 78:62 after thirty minutes. USA enjoyed 78:62 win in the start of the final period. They grabbed 84:65 with 8 minutes in the court and reached three digits with 2.23 to go as Parker made it 101:75. USA kept the advantage for good and triumphed in the tournament.
James McAdoo led all the winners with 20 points for the trophy. Bradley Beal (6'3''-G-93) nailed 19, while Michael Gilchrist (6'7''-F-93) netted 16. Tomasz Gielo (6'9''-F-93) delivered 21 points in the losing case. Mateusz Ponitka and Filip Matczak (6'1''-G-93) produced 14 points for the 'Silver' team.

USA U17: James McAdoo 20, Bradley Beal 19, Michael Gilchrist 16
Poland U17: Tomasz Gielo 21, Mateusz Ponitka 14, Filip Matczak 14

*****************************************************
  PANAMA   


Puerto Rico beats Panama, advances to Centrobasket Finals - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Semifinals: PUERTO RICO - PANAMA 77-70

Puerto Rico advanced to Centrobasket Finals after they beat Panama 77-70 in the Semis. So after a bad start and defeat in their first appearance, Puerto Ricans managed to beat all their rivals. Panama, who failed in this game, will meet Cuba in the battle for third place. Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: Florida Intern.) was the leading player in victory with 23 points and 5 assists. Jose Juan Barea (181-G-84, college: Northeastern) was the second scorer in Puerto Rico with 22 pts. Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) this time helped with 14 points and 10 boards. In Panama, Jose Lloreda (201-F/C-80, college: LSU) shined with 20 points and 11 boards. Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) had 19 pts and 9 rebs.
Puerto Rico had a strong start in this Semifinal game. Carlos Arroyo and his teammates drained 23 points for 10 minutes, while stopping Panamanians to 13. However, Panama shined in the second period and closed the gap to 39-34 until the half time. Panama was still on high level in Q3 as they finished it with 20-23 and everything was open again. Puerto Rico had to work very hard until the end in order to finish the last period with 18-13 and to reach the Centrobasket Finals.
The Big Final is scheduled for Monday, as well as the game for third place.

Puerto Rico: Carlos Arroyo 23+5 as, Jose Juan Barea 22, Peter John Ramos 14+10 boards
Panama: Jose Lloreda 20+11 boards, Danilo Pinnock 19+9 boards

*****************************************************
  PHILIPPINES   


Alaska asserts Mastery over Ginebra, snares series opener - by Eurobasket News
Diamon Simpson (201-F-87, college: St.Mary's, CA) powered his way to a 20-20 game and Barangay Ginebra self-destructed at the finish as the Alaska Milk Aces topped the Kings, 76-72, in the opener of their PBA Fiesta Conference best-of-five quarterfinals showdown at the Araneta Coliseum Friday night.

Simpson came through with 20 points and 22 rebounds and the whole Alaska team relished seeing Mark Caguioa (188-G-79, college: Glendale CC (AZ)) throw bricks at endgame as the Aces made it five in a row versus the Kings in the playoff matches dating back to the Philippine Cup.

The Aces set up an all-Filipino finals showdown with the Purefoods Giants (now known as Derby Ace Llamados) earlier this year in sweeping the Kings in their best-of-seven semifinals showdown.

Caguioa struggled with a 3-of-12 field-goal shooting and hastened their downfall in missing all four attempts in the last two minutes of play.

'We expected a grind-out type of game and that's what happened. It was really a battle. It happened that the breaks came to us at the finish,' said Alaska coach Tim Cone .

'They tried to beat us with their three-guard rotation and we battled with three bigs. I don't think this would change a lot (in the next games),' Cone added.

The Aces pounded the ball hard inside with Joe Devance (201-C-82, college: UTEP) delivering 15 points and eight rebounds and Sonny Thoss adding five points and seven rebounds.

The Ginebra backcourt did carry much of the fight for the team but lost steam in the crunch.

The Kings went scoreless in the last 2:13 of play, unable to convert a basket in their last five possessions.

Caguioa went 0-of-4 from the field while Mike Cortez committed a crucial error in those five Ginebra possessions.

The count was tied at 72-all before the Kings suffered that tragic finish.

After Alaska pulled ahead at 74-72 on a short stab by Simpson, Caguioa had a sorry miss on a two-against-one play.

Simpson then himself stretched their lead to 75-72 on a free throw off a foul by Eric Menk with 30.5 ticks left.

Caguioa misfired a three-point attempt in the ensuing play and Alaska settled the outcome of the game on a charity by Cyrus Baguio (188-G-80).

The teams figured in a battle marked by 10 deadlocks and 11 lead changes.

Ronald Tubid (186-G-81) fired 11 of his 13 points in the third quarter, and the Kings enjoyed a 59-56 edge going to the final canto.

Courtesy of www.pba.ph

Llamados gain headstart - by Eurobasket News
James Yap (191-F/G-82) sizzled with a conference-high 31 points and Peter June Simon (186-G-82) stepped in for the cramps-stricken Clif Brown (200-F-84, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Niagara) to deliver the crucial plays at the finish as B-MEG Derby Ace topped Rain or Shine, 108-102, at the start of their PBA Fiesta Conference best-of-five quarterfinal showdown at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

With Roger Yap (186-G-77), Marc Pingris (195-C-81) and Nino Canaleta (196-F-82) coming up with key contributions, the Llamados survived playing with an all-Filipino crew in the final quarter, nailing the win that kept them on track for a possible double-championship in the season.

'It's a great bail-out win for us. What made it sweeter was the fact that we played all-Filipino for the entire fourth quarter. We're the all-Filipino (Philippine Cup) champions and somehow we showed it in this game,' said Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio.

'James kept us alive the whole game, PJ put the finishing touches and Kerby (Raymundo) helped us too. It's nice to win against a highly athletic team like Rain or Shine,' Gregorio added.

Simon hit a three-pointer then made two charities in a 12-second stretch at endgame to clinch the win for the Llamados.

Yap played steadily for 33 minutes, continuing to stay focused on his job despite his reported marital woes.

The 2006 MVP awardee was 4-of-10 from the three-point area, 8-of-8 from the two-point zone and 3-of-3 from the stripe in improving his previous conference high of 28 points.

Entertainment reporters from various networks were all over him after the game.

'It's hard not to appreciate the man. He can shut off the distractions and just play the game,' said Gregorio of his top gun.

'This is the time of the year when the basketball court is our sanctuary. I'm telling the boys as soon as they enter the court, they should take away all the distractions. He's not the only one with a problem. It's just that his is publicized,' Gregorio said.

Raymundo chipped in seven rebounds, four points and two assists as he played his first game in the conference after a bout with a back injury.

The Elasto Painters put up a tough challenge with the team's big three of Roderick Nealy (198-F-80, college: Houston Baptist), Gabe Norwood (196-G/F-85, college: George Mason) and Solomon Mercado (183-G-84, college: Biola (CA)) all dishing out big numbers.

Rookie Jervy Cruz (193-F/C-86) also played well for the Elasto Painters who dragged the favored Llamados in a close game marked by six deadlocks and seven lead changes.

'Make no mistake about this team. Look at their roster, they're a team looking as if they have three imports (Nealy, Norwood and Mercado),' said Gregorio.

With the team down by seven at 96-103, Norwood and Nealy rifled in a triple each as RoS charged back at 102-103 with 1:22 left to play.

The Elasto Painters had a chance to grab the lead but Nealy missed an ill-advised three-point attempt with time down to 37 seconds.

With the RoS defense sagging on James Yap in the ensuing play, Derby Ace's other Yap Roger took charge, creating a play that set up Simon for the big trey making it 106-102 with 15.1 ticks left on the clock.

'I was telling the boys when you hear your number called, be ready to play. I think PJ heard me loud and clear,' said Gregorio of Simon, ably filling in for Brown who cramped out as early as the third period.

Courtesy of www.philstar.com

PBA Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Anthony JOHNSON
  Santa Lucia
  (197-G/F-79)
  Avg: 29.2
 1. Johnson, Santa L.29.2 
 2. Simpson, Alaska26.5 
 3. Penny, Coca-Cola26.2 
 4. Monroe, Barako26.0 
 5. Nealy, Rain or Shine23.6 
 6. Larry, Air2122.6 
 7. David, Coca-Cola21.5 
 8. Freeman, San M.20.8 
 9. Ambres, Ginebra20.0 
 10. Brown, Derby A.19.4 
Rebounds Per Game
 Gabriel FREEMAN
  San Miguel
  (198-F-85)
  Avg: 16.3
 1. Freeman, San M.16.3 
 2. Simpson, Alaska15.7 
 3. Ambres, Ginebra15.3 
 4. Brown, Derby A.14.3 
 5. Larry, Air2114.1 
 6. Daniels, Talk N.13.9 
 7. Penny, Coca-Cola13.8 
 8. Johnson, Santa L.13.4 
 9. Lewis, Rain or Shine12.3 
 10. Nealy, Rain or Shine12.3 
Assists Per Game
 Jimmy ALAPAG
  Talk N Text
  (178-G-77)
  Avg: 7.3
 1. Alapag, Talk N Text7.3 
 2. Cabagnot, San M.6.5 
 3. Nealy, Rain or Shine4.6 
 4. Reyes, Santa Lucia4.6 
 5. Helterbrand, Gineb.4.6 
 6. Tenorio, Alaska4.5 
 7. Mercado, Rain o.4.3 
 8. Cortez, Air214.1 
 9. Norwood, Rain o.4.1 
 10. Monroe, Barako4.1 
Steals Per Game
 Shawn DANIELS
  Talk N Text
  (200-C-79)
  Avg: 2.2
 1. Daniels, Talk N.2.2 
 2. Williams, Santa Lucia1.7 
 3. Simpson, Alaska1.7 
 4. Baguio, Alaska1.7 
 5. Reyes, Santa Lucia1.4 
 6. Yap, Derby Ace L.1.4 
 7. Norwood, Rain o.1.4 
 8. Tenorio, Alaska1.3 
 9. Monroe, Barako1.3 
 10. Cortez, Air211.2 
Blocks Per Game
 James PENNY
  Coca-Cola
  (198-F-76)
  Avg: 2.3
 1. Penny, Coca-Cola2.3 
 2. Daniels, Talk N.2.3 
 3. Monroe, Barako1.5 
 4. Simpson, Alaska1.5 
 5. Freeman, San M.1.4 
 6. Johnson, Santa L.1.4 
 7. Nealy, Rain or Shine1.1 
 8. Williams, Talk N.1.0 
 9. Reyes, Barako1.0 
 10. Larry, Air211.0 


*****************************************************
  POLAND   


USA U17 triumphs in Hamburg! - by Eurobasket News
USA U17-Poland U17 111:80

USA U17 became the winner of the U17 World Championship in Hamburg, Germany. The favorites overcame European best team Poland U17 111:80.
Pre-tournament favorites USA has looked unstoppable all tournament long and rightfully reached the trophy. Poland on the other hand were not pre-tournament favorites. Poland's unbeaten run has come as such a surprise that the Polish Federation and a number of media booked a last minute trip to Hamburg to assist the semi-final, and have stayed on for the final.
Poland surprised the US team with four straight points in the start. James McAdoo (6'9''-F-93) gave USA 9:7, while Wrotten delivered for 29:21 after the first quarter. Daniel Szymkiewicz (6'4''-G-94) closed the first frame at 29:24. Piotr Niedzwiedzki (6'11''-F-93) scored for 32:28, but USA responded with 8-0 run as Teague made it 40:28. Mateusz Ponitka (6'5''-G-93) cut it later to 46:41, while Drummond closed the run for the USA at 58:41. Poland actually won the third frame 21-20 and reduced to 78:62 after thirty minutes. USA enjoyed 78:62 win in the start of the final period. They grabbed 84:65 with 8 minutes in the court and reached three digits with 2.23 to go as Parker made it 101:75. USA kept the advantage for good and triumphed in the tournament.
James McAdoo led all the winners with 20 points for the trophy. Bradley Beal (6'3''-G-93) nailed 19, while Michael Gilchrist (6'7''-F-93) netted 16. Tomasz Gielo (6'9''-F-93) delivered 21 points in the losing case. Mateusz Ponitka and Filip Matczak (6'1''-G-93) produced 14 points for the 'Silver' team.

USA U17: James McAdoo 20, Bradley Beal 19, Michael Gilchrist 16
Poland U17: Tomasz Gielo 21, Mateusz Ponitka 14, Filip Matczak 14

*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO   


Puerto Rico beats Belize for the first place in Group B - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Day Five: BELIZE - PUERTO RICO 88-96

After loss in their first appearance in Santo Domingo, Puerto Rico managed to register three straight wins and to finish Preliminary Round as No.1 in Group B. This time Puerto Ricans outplayed Belize 88-96. Belize (2-2) on the other side ended this stage as No.4 and failed to reach the Semis. Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) exploded in this game with 27 points and 7 rebounds. He was the MVP with valuation 26. Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: Florida Intern.) (7 as) and David Huertas (196-G-87, college: Mississippi) helped the winners with 16 points each, while Renaldo Balkman (201-F-84, agency: Buck Andre, college: S.Carolina) added 11 pts and 12 boards. In Belize, Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.) shined with 24 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Kenan Raymond Jourdon had 19 pts and 7 boards in this defeat.
Puerto Rico did a great job in the first period ending it with 15-25 lead. Belize players improved after that and managed to cut the margin to 38-45 until the half time. It was the crucial game for both teams and they gave 100% to take this one. Puerto Ricans were slightly better in Q3 scoring 24, while Belize had 22 points in this frame. It means that PUR was 9 points up before the last ten minutes, what turned out as unreachable for Belize. Milton Palacio led his team to 28-27 in the last quarter, but that was not enough for any better than 88-96 defeat.
Puerto Rico will meet Panama in the Semifinals. Also, the Puerto Ricans already booked a spot for the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship (Pre-Olympic).

Belize: Milton Palacio 24+6 boards+6 as, Kenan Raymond Jourdon 19+7 boards
Puerto Rico: Peter John Ramos 27+7 boards, Carlos Arroyo 16+7 as, David Huertas 16, Renaldo Balkman 11+12 boards

Puerto Rico beats Panama, advances to Centrobasket Finals - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Semifinals: PUERTO RICO - PANAMA 77-70

Puerto Rico advanced to Centrobasket Finals after they beat Panama 77-70 in the Semis. So after a bad start and defeat in their first appearance, Puerto Ricans managed to beat all their rivals. Panama, who failed in this game, will meet Cuba in the battle for third place. Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, college: Florida Intern.) was the leading player in victory with 23 points and 5 assists. Jose Juan Barea (181-G-84, college: Northeastern) was the second scorer in Puerto Rico with 22 pts. Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) this time helped with 14 points and 10 boards. In Panama, Jose Lloreda (201-F/C-80, college: LSU) shined with 20 points and 11 boards. Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) had 19 pts and 9 rebs.
Puerto Rico had a strong start in this Semifinal game. Carlos Arroyo and his teammates drained 23 points for 10 minutes, while stopping Panamanians to 13. However, Panama shined in the second period and closed the gap to 39-34 until the half time. Panama was still on high level in Q3 as they finished it with 20-23 and everything was open again. Puerto Rico had to work very hard until the end in order to finish the last period with 18-13 and to reach the Centrobasket Finals.
The Big Final is scheduled for Monday, as well as the game for third place.

Puerto Rico: Carlos Arroyo 23+5 as, Jose Juan Barea 22, Peter John Ramos 14+10 boards
Panama: Jose Lloreda 20+11 boards, Danilo Pinnock 19+9 boards

*****************************************************
  ROMANIA   


BC Steaua Turabo Bucuresti sign Jerome Coleman - by Eurobasket
BC Steaua Turabo Bucuresti strengthened their roster with addition of 29-year old American guard Jerome Coleman (185-G-81, college: Rutgers, agency: Liman Sports). Coleman played most recently at BC Odessa (Ukraine). While playing 29 games for BC Odessa last season his stats were: 16.4ppg, 3.6rpg, 2.0apg and 1.1spg. Coleman is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in France, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Sweden, Ukraine and Venezuela. Steaua will also play in EuroChallenge Cup qualifications.
By Eurobasket Data Center

*****************************************************
  RUSSIA   


Spartak Saint Petersburg add Petar Popovic - by Eurobasket News
Spartak SP landed Petar Popovic (211-C-79). The Russian team signed a one-year deal with the 30-year-old centre. Last season Petar Popovic played in Spain. He averaged 8.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game for Estudiantes. Previously the centre had spells for Crvena Zvezda, Hemofarm, Benetton Treviso, Joventut. Petar Popovic played for the Yugoslavian University National Team back in 2001.


Timofey Mozgov heads to NBA - by Eurobasket News
Timofey Mozgov (216-C-86) is expected to continue his career overseas. The centre will sign a three-year deal with the New York Knicks. The 23-year-old centre spent the previous season with Khimky. He tallied 10.9 points and 5.5 rebounds in VTB League. In Superleague Timofey Mozgov averaged 7.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 block per appearance. In Euroleague his stats read 6.0 points and 4.1 rebounds. Timofey Mozgov played for Russia at the 2009 EuroBasket. The centre notched 11.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in Poland.


*****************************************************
  SEBL   


Tri County, Norcross remain unbeaten... - by SEBL
#s#
Mike Crain
Crain
Ernest Scott
Scott
Jamal Walker
Walker
#e#4
Morrow, GA - July 8, 2010 - Tri-County and the Norcross Angels both emerged to remain undefeated after stage two games of the SEBL Metro Conference South Division on Thursday evening. Game results are below...

Tri County 89 BC Lakers 78... Mike Crain (6'2''-G-84, college: Valdosta St.) and C.Morgan tallied 17 and 14, respectively to lead a balanced Tri County attack. While Crain nailed several three point baskets during the course of the game, it was Ernest Scott (6'7''-F-82) of Rio Grande Valley Vipers who provided two clutch bombs down the stretch to give Tri County the spread they needed to pull away in the waning momemts of a game that was closer than the score indicates. The BC Lakers were led by W.Celestine, who had a game-high 20 points, and W.Walker, who had 13 points.

Black Monopoly 73 Crusaders 62... Jamal Walker (6'4''-G/F-81) of Ebal Nablus Palestine downed 23 and S.Goss had 15 to provide the offensive spark Black Monopoly over the Crusaders. J.Smith and R.Jones had 15 and 12, respectively for the Crusaders in a losing cause.

Norcross Angels 106 D.O.T.S 95... Norcross gave DOTS a rude awakening in its season opener. DOTS who has made several SEBL Final Four appearances over the last couple of years, succumbed to a perimeter shooting Norcross squad. M.Robinson poured in 36 points on the night for the Angels, while J.Gunn had 21. B.Thomas lead DOTS with 24, as G.Whooten added 19.

Reep 3 90 Metro Stars 61... The Metro Stars also had a rough debut, as they faced a very talented, quick, and team-oriented Reep 3 squad. Brannon Hopkins led the Stars with a game-high 19, while Brian Collier worked his way for 12, but the balanced scoring attack of Reep 3, was paced by T.Oliver and C.Shedrick who each had 15 points on the night.


The SEBL, formerly known as the Wilkins Summer Pro Am, is in its 21st season of operation and has a long standing tradition of providing outstanding basketball in the Southeastern area. The SEBL is a division of The Human Race, Inc., a Georgia 501c3 non-pofit organization, and is being principally managed by the ABOG. For more information about the SEBL and the ABOG, please contact Bobby Rouse at prohoopsatl@yahoo.com or Glenn Tuit at gtuitt@abogsports.com.


*****************************************************
  SERBIA   


Serbia hold off Australia for fifth spot in Hamburg - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U17 - Australia U17 74:64

Serbian U17 team occupied the fifth spot at the World Championship in Germany. They wrapped up their campaign on a high note firing past Australia. The Aussies finished in the sixth position. Luka Mitrovic (204-F-93) stepped up with 18 points and 9 rebounds to pace Serbia.
Daniel Carlin (202-C-93) and Odigie ensured a 4:0 start for Australia. But Serbia gradually turned things around and soon accumulated a 17:12 lead. The Balkan team won the opening stanza 21:18. Luka Mitrovic scored four points in a row at the start of the second period to boost the lead. Australia could not deny the deficit as they trailed by 7 points at halftime 34:40. Milosevic and Luka Mitrovic kept Serbia in charge throughout the third frame. However a 9:0 run from Australia drew things level at 52. Aleksandar Cvetkovic (185-G-93) and Nenad Miljenovic (194-G-93) allowed Serbia to enjoy a 56:52 lead at the final pause. Nenad Miljenovic and Luka Mitrovic helped Serbia to clear off to an 8-point distance in the fourth stanza. Australia could not respond and had to surrender at the end.
Aleksandar Cvetkovic provided 17 points and 8 rebounds for Serbia. Nenad Miljenovic accounted for 15 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in the victory. Daniel Carlin answered with game-high 27 points for Australia. Mitch Norton (183-G-93) tallied 10 points in the loss.

Serbia U17: Luka Mitrovic 18, Aleksandar Cvetkovic 17, Nenad Miljenovic 15
Australia U17: Daniel Carlin 27, Mitch Norton 10


Ivan Jeremic joins Evgeny Pashutin in Unics Kazan - by Zoran Popovic
Serbian coach Ivan Jeremic (agency: Beo Basket ) will continue career in Russian league. Jeremic will continue to work as coach assistant of Evegy Pashutin in Unics Kazan. Last season Jeremic assisted to Evgey Pashutin in CKSA Moscow and in good season, they won third place on Final four and Russian Championship. During the career Jeremic was coach assistant in CSKA Moscow, Lietuvos Rytas, BC Kyiv, head coach of OKK Beograd, Al Shabab and Libya National team. In his career, Jeremic has four Euroleague Final four tournaments with CSKA Moscow.


Petar Popovic moves to Russia - by Zoran Popovic
After three seasons in ACB league, Petar Popovic (211-C-79) will continue career in Russia. Popovic signed one-year deal with Spartak St Petersburg In his last season for MMT Estudiantes Popovic on 36 games average scored 8.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 0.4 assists and 0.4 steals per game. Popovic started career in Spartak Subotica, played for Crvena Zvezda, Hemofarm Stada, Benetton and DKV Joventut. Popovic was member of Yugoslavian U21 National team, Yugoslavian University National team and Serbia and Montenegro National team on Olympic Games in Athens.

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  SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Argentina National team with a busy agenda - by Wolfgang Lucena
Argentinas National team is handling a busy schedule in order to get ready for the South American Championship this upcoming July 26-31, 2010in Neiva, Colombia.
The Argentinean team began its trainings twice a day this past July 8, 2010 in Andes Talleres
On Monday, July 12, 2010 The Argentina team will travel to Chile to play two scrimmage games with Chile National team, afterward they will return on Thursday to Mendoza for two more games with the Chileans. Only on Sunday will be an open practice from 18:30 to 21:30. The rest of the workouts will be closed, only local coaches will be allowed to attend the practices

Full Schedule before the South American Championship


Monday July 12: Trip to Santiago (Chile)
Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 games versus Chile National Team
Thursday 15: Return to Mendoza
Friday 16 and Saturday 17 Versus Chile National Team in the Andes Club Talleres de Godoy
Sunday 18: Trip to Buenos Aires
Monday 19: trip to Caracas (Venezuela)
Wednesday 21: Brazil-Argentina-Uruguay and Venezuela in Caracas
Thursday 22: Argentina, Uruguay and Venezuela-Brazil in Caracas
Friday 23: Brazil-Uruguay-Argentina and Venezuela in Caracas
Saturday 24: fly out Caracas-Bogota-Neiva (Colombia)
Sunday 25 to Saturday 31 July: South American Seniors in Neiva (Colombia).


*****************************************************
  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO   


Cuba advances to Semifinals in Santo Domingo - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Day Five: CUBA - TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 90-60

Cuba destroyed Trinidad and Tobago 90-60 in the last day of the Preliminary Round in Santo Domingo. With this victory Cuba jumped to second place in Group A and advanced to Semifinals. Trinidad and Tobago ended as the last ranked team in this group with just one win in four games. Allen Jemmott (195-G/F-80) was the leading player in victory with 24 points. Orestes Torres (202-C-87) had 15 points and 7 boards, while Yudniel Perez (189-G-84) added 13 pts. Andy Boffil (192-G/F-82) helped his team with 12 points. In defeat, Ian Young (191-G-81, agency: JEMsports, college: Auburn) top-scored with 18 points. Joel Haywood (186-G-84) collected 13 points and 7 boards.
Cuba smashed Trinidad and Tobago in the first period. Allen Jemmott and his teammates were unstoppable in offense scoring 27 points, while their rivals stopped on just 11. It was a clear signal that Cuba will take this one in style. The Cubans ended second frame with 25-20 meaning that they were 21 points up at the half time. Trinidad and Tobago was not able to resist in the second half as well. Cuba ended Q3 with 20-19 and Q4 with 18-11 for the final 90-60 victory.
Cuba will meet Dominican Republic in the Semifinals. Cuba also already booked a spot for the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship (Pre-Olympic).

Cuba: Allen Jemmott 24, Orestes Torres 15+7 boards, Yudniel Perez 13, Andy Boffil 12
Trinidad and Tobago: Ian Young 18, Joel Haywood 13+7 boards

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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


LeBron James and Tim Duncan: A Tale of Two Choices - by David Edole
As LeBron James appeared on national TV to crush Cleveland fans again, his narcissistic, me-me-me show harkened a similar situation in San Antonio 10 years ago.

Tim Duncan (208-F-76, college: Wake Forest) danced with the idea of leaving San Antonio to form a star trio in Orlando and the promise of a dynasty alongside Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady.

The details that Duncan did not announce his intentions on ESPN and that he stayed seem miles apart.

Duncan had already teamed with David Robinson to secure a championship banner in 1999. James could not do that in his seven-year stint with the Cavaliers.

The anticipation and anguish felt by both fan bases, however, are as similar as the riffs to 'Ice Ice Baby' and 'Under Pressure.'

James spat on his hometown in the worst of ways and abandoned the chance to establish himself as a championship leader. His mission to bring gold glory to Cleveland will sitck on his resume as 'incomplete.'

Instead of forcing an adequate supporting cast to come to him in Ohio, he decided to join a pair of All-Stars in Miami. He made the sexy choice instead of the tough one, and perhaps right one.

If he wins multiple championships with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, he will forget what he left behind in Cleveland. He took the plunge Duncan could not, and in doing so, put more pressure on himself to deliver in June.

As Cleveland suffers, San Antonio should rejoice. Spurs fans should see James' blasphemous 'Decision' special as a reminder of what did not happen in the summer of 2000.

Duncan did not interview a parade of executives at a compound in San Antonio, and he first delivered the news of his extended stay via a telephone call to Gregg Popovich.

The threat of his departure was no less excruciating. He allowed the Orlando Magic to shuttle him from Texas to Florida, and he considered, at one juncture, cancelling his return flight. Hill then was in his prime, and McGrady was just entering it.

How could he not consider a union with Hill, a friend and admired competitor?

Popovich and R.C. Buford's extensive, complex graphs and pie charts, plus a late plea from Robinson, convinced Duncan to stay in the only pro basketball address he had known.

Magic fans know how long it can take to assuage the loss of a star. It took Orlando more than a decade of injury-riddled seasons and heartbreak to land Dwight Howard and another NBA Finals berth.

Shaquille O'Neal spurned Orlando for the bright lights of Hollywood. He passed up another shot with Penny Hardaway for uncertainty in L.A. O'Neal did not know then that Kobe Bryant, picked 13th by the Charlotte Bobcats then traded to the Lakers, would become an all-time great.

He knew the Lakers' proud history and wanted a piece of it for himself.

Spurs fans now know what can happen when a franchise star picks loyalty over intrigue. Popovich promised Duncan more titles but did not deliver on that promise until 2003.

Cleveland's detractors have spouted that the team had seven years to put a winner around James. They must understand, though, that the right move often comes at the least expected moment.

Had James stayed, GM Chris Grant might have secured that adequate sidekick in a trade this season or next. These things take time, and in some cases, an expensive game of trial and error.

The Mo Williams experiment failed. Who says Grant could not have upgraded that position and others?

How many Lakers fans predicted at the start of 2008 training camp that the season would end with Pau Gasol and a Finals date with the Boston Celtics?

Duncan, for sure, could not have predicted his All-Star, Hall of Fame-caliber help after Robinson would come from Argentina and France, respectively.

He loves Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker now but might have scoffed in 2000 at the notion of a frenetic slasher and tiny Frenchman delivering the goods come playoff time.

San Antonio has been spoiled since Robinson first arrived by an organization that emphasizes class over ego and winning over showmanship.

Along the way, those good sportsmen have managed to put on more than a few shows.

Ginobili's emphatic slams and alley-oop jams inspired oohs and ahs. Duncan's jump hook was as automatic as the sun rise. Parker crossed over more players than presidential candidates did states.

Spurs fans are the luckiest of them all. Sans the history in Boston and the unfair advantages in L.A., San Antonio has fielded a contender in each of Duncan's 12-plus seasons.

Cavs fans once hoped James could create a new history in Cleveland, similar to what Jordan spawned in Chicago and Duncan and Robinson did in the Alamo City.

A franchise can indeed go from irrelevant or accustomed to losing to the exact opposite.

Things could get antsy and anxious in South Texas if Tiago Splitter stays in Spain and Richard Jefferson leaves the Spurs high and dry without compensation.

Maybe, though, Spurs fans can find a little time to appreciate what they have witnessed over the years.

San Antonio was beyond lucky to land both Robinson and Duncan with the odds against them winning each draft lottery. Fortune smiled on the city's hoops team again when Duncan shunned the Magic's glitzy promise for the Spurs' comfort and straightforward approach.

Dan Gilbert will soon regret the anti-LeBron tirade he posted on the Cavs Web site Thursday night. James may soon regret not giving the Cavs three more years to help him get a ring.

The Duncan era will conclude in San Antonio with few regrets.

So, Spurs fans, when you read speculation that James' switcharoo could cause the Cavs to disband within five years and when you see the heartache and rage his defection has caused, know this:

Ten years ago, it could have been you.
By Robert Kleeman (Featured Columnist) on July 09, 2010

Lakers Rout Dread Is in Wednesday NBBA Action - by David Edole
The Lakers started a little slow against the Dread Is in The New Breed Basketball Association early game on Wednesday at the Ronald Charles Gymnasium, but once they got rolling it was easy sailing for one of the leagues elite teams.
As hard as the young Dread Is played, it was obvious they were outclassed, going down in defeat by a score of 84-70, in a game that was not as close as the final score would indicate.
An early 9-7 lead by the Lakers in the beginning of the first quarter, after a slow start, turned into a 24-12 lead at the end on the period and things would not get any better for the Dread Is. Robert Duck, the Lakers' high-flying forward, led the way with 13 points in the opening stanza.
The Lakers emptied their bench in the second quarter, and with a balanced scoring attack, that group was able to outscore the Dread Is 20-15 to take a 17-point lead at 44-27 going into the locker room at the half.
The Lakers lead would swell to as many as 30 pin the third quarter before the starters were again taken out of the game. Their bench would play for most of the second half, which allowed the Dread Is to be a bit more competitive and were only outscored by two points in the third, 27-25, to trail 71-52 after three quarters.
With the Lakers foot now off of the gas pedal, the Dread Is, always playing hard were able to have a better fourth quarter. They outscored the Lakers 18-13 to make the final score a bit more respectable at 84-70.
Duck led the Lakers offensively and defensive, scoring a game-high 23 while dishing out six assists and grabbing seven boards. The Lakers also got 15 points from Rashawn Williams, 13 from Sean Hodge, and Charles Moorehead dropped in 12. The Dread Is got a team-high 20 from Aswad Vigo, and Nemecio Camacho netted 12.

By Dave Davis July 8, 2010

Hoyas Prevail Over Guidance in Battle of Unbeatens - by David Edole
The defending champions Hoyas defeated Guidance 92-80 Friday night in a New Breed Basketball Association battle of unbeatens -- but it was not easy. Guidance, playing with just seven players in uniform, gave the champs all they could handle before succumbing to the Hoyas deep in the fourth quarter.

It was one of the games that local basketball fans would have highlighted on their copy of this summers NBBA league schedule, and the near-capacity crowd in the Ronald Charles Gymnasium was a testament to that. The champs started fast, and led by 14 first-quarter points by Darnell Hendrickson, they outscored Guidance 27-14 in the opening period.

Coach Sammy Lee's decision to start his bench in the second quarter did not go as expected and the talented Guidance squad was able to claw their way back into the game, getting as close as three points of the lead at 38-35. The Hoyas' starters returned as time wound down in the first half, and they closed the second period on a 6-2 run to go into the locker room up by seven at 44-37.

Guidance point guard Joelfry Polanco came out on fire in the third quarter, scoring eight straight points at one point for his team as they went on a 12-6 run to get within one point of the lead at 50-49, but they just could not get over the hump. They were within three at the end of the third period at 62-59, and a game many in the gym thought could be over early after the Hoyas' hot start was gearing up to be a dogfight in the fourth and final quarter.

Guidance continued to fight hard, but a decision by their coach to play man-to-man defense with only seven players for the entire game took its toll and fatigue became an issue. Andy Chelcher (185-G, college: W.Virg.Wesl.) dropped in eight points for Guidance but it was not nearly enough as the Hoyas took control midway through the final period. Ramon Castillo netted 10 and Kurt John added eight as the Hoyas outscored Guidance 30-21 in the final stanza for the 92-80 victory.

Hendrickson led four Hoyas in double figures with a game-high 28 points with seven boards, Castillo added 15, Karl John 13, and Kurt had 14 points, seven boards and three blocks. For Guidance, Polanco shared game-high honors with 28 points, Chelcher dropped in 23 while pulling down a game-high 13 rebounds, and Lamar Bough (G-91) added 14 in a losing cause.

There are now two unbeaten teams left in the league in the Hoyas and Boys Dem, and the latters coach could be overheard after Friday's game saying I want them (Hoyas), I want them!

He will get his shot next week in the most anticipated matchup of the season.
By Dave Davis July 10, 2010

*****************************************************
  UBL   


UBL OWNERS MEETING - by Ozzie Denson

UPCOMING UBL OWNER MEETING

The 4th Annual ubl owner meeting will be held in the beautiful city of Little Rock Arkansas at the Holiday Inn Presidential Hotel Resorts located at 600 Interstate 30 Little Rock, AR 72202 (downtown) in front of the President Clinton Library. Hotel: (501)375-2100 Hosted by the Arkansas Warriors This meeting is for any Owner that wants to own an UBL Team for the 2011 season. Please Call Coach Denson
MEETING STARTS 12 NOON
CALL 972-781-8120 COACH DENSON (UBL) or visit or site at

www.ublhoops.com


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  UKRAINE   


Odesa adds Yuri Zozulia and Ilya Korotkov - by Platon Khegai
According to the official web site, at the current stage BC Odesa has finished staffing its roster with Ukrainian players as Yuri Zozulia� (189-G-81) and Ilya Korotkov (197-F-85) have inked deals with the club.�
Yuri Zozulia is an experienced guard who used to play for such teams as Dnipro, Sumykhimprom, Dnipro-Azot. Last season he spent in Cherkasy Monkeys (starting five, Higher
League).
Ilya Korotkov is 25-yo forward. His previous team was Kryvbasbasket where he appeared on the court in 12 games in 09/10 season.

Azovmash keeps Ramel Curry, Fred House and Demetrius Alexander - by Eurobasket News
Azvomash announced signing of contract extension with three players: Ramel Curry (191-G-80, college: CSU Bakersfield), Fred House (195-F-78, agency: Lanshire Group, college: S.Utah) and Demetrius Alexander (204-F/C-75, agency: Buck Andre, college: Alabama).
Ramel Curry joined Azovmash in January this year from Erdemir. He appeared in 28 league games with the Ukrainian champions averaging 18.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists. With Erdemir in TBL Curry had 12 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 2.6 apg for 7 games. In the past he played for Scavolini, Hapoel Jerusalem and Air Avelino.
Fred House arrived to Azovmash last summer from Lokomotic Rostov na Donu. He helped the squad this season with 12.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.7 apg and 3.2 spg for 33 league games. In EuroCup House added 7.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 4.3 apg. In his career House was a member of Pamesa Valencia, Tau Ceramica, Lietuvos Rytas and Partizan Belgrade.
Demetrius Alexander came to Mariupol in January this year from Greek Kavala/Panorama. He shined in domestic championship with 14.9 ppg and 4.7 rpg. He caught up just one EuroCup game having 21 pts and 5 rebounds. With Kavala in Greece, Alexander had 12.3 ppg and 6 rpg.
Beside these extensions, Azovmash already re-signed Maxim Ivshyn (207-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) and landed Charles Thomas (203-F-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Arkansas), Daniel McClintock (212-C-77, college: N.Arizona) and Maksym Pustozvonov (200-F-87, agency: Beo Basket).

Israel overcame Ukraine in Day 2 of Minsk tournament - by Eurobasket News
Israel-Ukraine 73:65

The National team of Israel overcame Ukraine 73:65 in Day 2 of Minsk tournament. After the loss in the opener to Belarus, Israel needed 16-2 in the second period to celebrated the victory.
Both teams lost their first games and hoped to respond in the game against each other. Israel opened the game with 22-19 after the first 10 minutes and never looked behind after. They shocked Ukrainian side with 16-2 in the second period to take 38:21 halftime advantage. Ukraine replied with 25-24 in the third stanza reducing the score to 16 points. In the last quarter Ukraine also looked better and after 19-11 managed to lose by 8 points.
Elishay top-scored for the winners with 17 points, while Guy Pnini (201-G/F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services) added 16. Naymi and Okhayon delivered 8 points each. Maksym Pustozvonov (200-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 13 points in the losing case as Ukraine suffered the second straight loss. Zabirchenko nailed 11 and Gliebov posted 9.
Ukraine had better percentage from the file showing 46% versus 44%. Israel had the same percentage from the three-point line which was much higher than Ukrainians had, 29%. Israel show also better free throws as they had 78% versus 58%from Ukraine.

Israel: Elishay Kadir (202-F-87, agency: Avi Zilberman) 17 points, Guy Pnini 16. Naymi 8, Okhayon 8
Ukraine: Maksym Pustozvonov 13, Zabirchenko 11, Gliebov 9

Scott Morrison will play for Politekhnika-Halychyna - by Eurobasket News
Politekhnika-Halychyna strengthened their frontcourt. They brought in Scott Morrison (212-C-86, college: Portland St.). The 24-year-old centre played for TU/Rock in the previous season. He tallied 11.6 points, 6.6 boards, 1.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game in the Estonian League. In EuroChallenge Scott Morrison produced 13.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. In Baltic League his stats read 14.8 points, 8.0 rebounds per appearance.


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  UNITED KINGDOM   


James names new-look squad - by Eurobasket News
By Dave Ryan

England senior national team coach Paul James has announced a new look squad to travel to Calais next week for a five-team tournament.

James Jones, Taner Adu (191-F-84), Tayo Ogedegbe, Samuel Cricelli (201-F, college: Caldwell) and Morakinyo (Mike) Williams remain from the squad which faced Lithuania earlier this week, while Justin Robinson, Matthew Bryan-Amaning, Ashley Hamilton, Devan Bailey and Ogo Adegboye all leave the team to link up with the senior GB side.

Joe Ikhinmwin, who played in the pair of wins against Scotland as well as being part of the Great Britain under-23 team which won two of their games in the Lille tournament, returns to the side. The former London Leopards forward was forced to sit out his first year at Seminole State College in the States due to a back injury, but he averaged 9.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game last year at the junior college. A product of the Barking Abbey Academy, he will join South Carolina State after the summer where he will play in the MEAC conference.

He will be joined by Ben Eaves (201-F-87), who has completed his third year at Rhode Island in the States. The Preston-born swingman was a useful rotation player for Rhode Island, contributing more as the season went on. He finished up the season with averages of 3.1 ppg and 1.9 rpg.

The 2008/09 EBL Division MVP David Tin-Tin Watts joins the squad for his England debut, and he will be looking to repeat the form which saw him lead Reading Rockets to a unique 36-0 season in which they won all four pieces of silverware. He again proved to be one of the most versatile and athletic players in the EBL this season, averaging over 18 points per game including an impressive 45% shooting average from behind the arc. The 68 forward hails from Mansfield, where he played national league basketball before making the move to Reading. Last season saw him move on to Manchester Magic where he collected runners-up medals in the National Cup, National Trophy and Division One before helping Magic win the play-offs with a victory against Derby Trailblazers.

Also joining the squad are Matthew Guymon (193-G-87), Ross Allsop (211-C-88) and Tom Sadler (208-F/C-82, college: Franklin Pierce) as they prepare for a tough schedule which sees them play four games in as many days.

The full squad is:

Matthew Guymon
James Jones
Taner Adu
Ben Eaves
Samuel Cricelli
Tayo Ogedegbe
Joe Ikhinmwin
Morakinyo (Mike) Williams
David Watts (206-F-83)
Tom Sadler
Ross Allsop

Staff:
Head Coach: Paul James
Assistant Coach: Peter Scantlebury
Team Manager: Bob Chappell
Team Physio: Dan Nicholls
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk

Medway Park is preparing to host its first international - by Eurobasket News
The England U16 boys team will be contesting a three-match series against the Belgium U16s at Medways centre of sporting excellence between Friday, 16 July and Sunday, 18 July.

The series will also feature free community coaching and tournaments and open spectator admission to allow the people of Medway to see the international basketball stars of the future in action.

The series begins on Friday with training sessions and a coaching clinic from 2pm-4pm, when aspiring local players will get a chance to rub shoulders with the international players and members of Medways own national league basketball team, Medway Park Crusaders.

The first of the test matches follows at 5pm on Friday in the new sports hall at Medway Park, when there will be the obligatory half-time free-throw challenges and other spectator entertainment laid on to complete the basketball experience.

On Saturday, Medway Park Crusaders are organising a community invitational tournament from 3.30pm-6.30pm. The internationals return to the court for the second match of the series at 7.30pm, when again there will be free crowd entertainment laid on throughout the event.

The teams final day at Medway Park is on Sunday, when they will take part in final training sessions ahead of the third and final test match at 2pm.

England U16 Boys Head Coach Simon Fisher said: It is with a sense of pride that I will be bringing this years England U16 team to Medway for the three-game international series. Over the last couple of years, Belgium and ourselves have enjoyed a positive relationship with internationals between the two teams in preparation for the European Championships.

It is with delight that we can welcome them to England to experience the beautiful hospitality afforded by the Medway Park Crusaders Club.

There is no fee for watching the matches so non-centre members only need pay the 1.50 centre admission charge.

Anyone who participates in any of the community and schools sessions will get free admission to the centre and matches.
Courtesy of: http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk



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  VENEZUELA   


Latinbasket.com All-Venezuelan LPB 2010 Awards - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- These are Venezuela's LPB 2010 Awards, provided by your Latinbasket.com correspondants:

Player of the Year: Ruben Nembhard (191-G-72), of Gaiteros del Zulia
Guard of the Year: Ruben Nembhard, of Gaiteros del Zulia
Forward of the Year: Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86), of Cocodrilos de Caracas
Center of the Year: Richard Lugo (209-C-73) of Trotamundos de Carabobo
Newcomer of the Year: Tulio Cobos (196-F-86) of Guaiqueries de Margarita
Most Improved Player of the Year: Francisco Centeno (201-G/F-85) of Gaiteros del Zulia
Imported Player of the Year: Ruben Nembhard of Gaiteros del Zulia
Domestic Player of the Year: Luis Bethelmy of Cocodrilos de Caracas
Defensive Player of the Year: Heissler Guillent (186-G-86) of Guaros de Lara
Coach of the Year: Nestor Salazar of Cocodrilos de Caracas

1st Team
Ruben Nembhard of Gaiteros del Zulia
Marcus Elliott (191-G-84) of Panteras de Miranda
Luis Bethelmy of Cocodrilos de Caracas
Clarence Matthews (201-F-83) of Gigantes de Guayana
Richard Lugo of Trotamundos de Carabobo

2nd Team
Heissler Guillent of Guaros de Lara
Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) of Trotamundos de Carabobo
Francisco Centeno of Gaiteros del Zulia
Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) of Marinos de Anzoategui
Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81) of Cocodrilos de Caracas

All-Domestic Players Team
Heissler Guillent of Guaros de Lara
Jose Vargas of Trotamundos de Carabobo
Luis Bethelmy of Cocodrilos de Caracas
Axiers Sucre of Marinos de Anzoategui
Richard Lugo of Trotamundos de Carabobo

All-Imports Team
Ruben Nembhard of Gaiteros del Zulia
Marcus Elliott of Panteras de Miranda
Donta Smith (201-G-83) of Marinos de Anzoategui
Clerence Matthews of Gigantes de Guayana
Jack Michael Martinez of Cocodrilos de Caracas

All-Defensive Team
Heissler Guillent of Guaros de Lara
Kojo Mensah (185-G-85) of Panteras de Miranda
Marcus Elliott of Panteras de Miranda
Hector Romero (202-F-80) of Marinos de Anzoategui
Richard Lugo of Trotamundos de Carabobo

All-Newcomers Team
Jose Silvera (183-G-92) of Toros de Aragua
Elvis Baez (189-G-89) of Gigantes de Guayana
Elder Jimenez (186-G-91) of Bucaneros de La Guaira
Javinger Vargas (206-C-90) of Trotamundos de Carabobo
Tulio Cobos of Guaiqueries de Margarita

*****************************************************
  WBA   


Gwinnett Majic Roll Past Franklin Knights, 131-107 - by Joe Myers
The Gwinnett Majic, the defending champions of the World Basketball Association Exposure League (WBA), used a big second quarter to propel themselves to a 131-107 victory over the Franklin (Tenn.) Knights Friday night in Buford, Ga.

Gwinnett led 39-33 after the opening quarter before outscoring the Knights 31-21 in the second period to take a commanding 70-54 lead into the halftime break. The Majic contined to extend their lead in the second half and cruised to the victory.

Benjamin Puckett (6'9''-F-83, agency: NM Services, college: Clayton St.) led Gwinnett with 31 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots. Teammate Javon Randolph (5'10''-G-84, college: Savannah St.) had a double-double of his own, netting 21 points and handing out 10 assists. Also reaching double figures for Gwinnett were Frank Davis (6'2''-G-87, college: Tennessee Tech) (19 points), Michael Sloan (6'5''-G/F-84, college: Clayton St.) (17 points, five assists, five rebounds) and Patrick Shokpeka (6'3''-G-88, college: Armstrong Atlantic) (16 points, eight rebounds).

Myles Thrash (6'0''-G-77, college: Stillman) paced Franklin with a game-high 35 points (on 14-of-21 shooting), five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Jerrell Houston (6'8''-F-85, college: Tennessee St.) had 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals, Eddie Ard (6'5''-G/F-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Lipscomb) had 21, five rebounds and four assists and Charles Little (6'6''-F-87, college: Dayton) tossed in 11 in the loss.

The WBA Exposure League serves as a training ground to develop players on and off the court. Emphasis is placed on exposure, development, community involvement, and most importantly providing an exciting brand of basketball and entertainment. Hundreds of former WBA Players have gone on to play professional basketball all over the world including the D-League and NBA.
The Next Best Thing To The NBA!

Florida Flight Top Team Skillz 113-109 - by Joe Myers
Florida Flight Top Team Skillz 113-109

The Florida Flight tandem of Yusuf Baker (6'8''-F/C-84, college: Mountain St.) and Alex Hill (6'7''-G/F-84, college: Abraham Balwin JC) combined for 62 points to lead the short-handed Flight to a 113-109 victory over Team Skillz Saturday night in Kissimmee, Fla.
Florida was playing without three starters (Willie Irick (6'6''-F-84, college: Oklahoma City), Trevor Bing (6'2''-G-85) and Dwayne Foreman (5'10''-G-84, college: Georgia Southern)) and a top reserve (Lamont Houston). The four were in Las Vegas to attend the Eurobasket camp that exposes their talents to scouts from all over the world.
The game was close throughout. The Flight led 53-49 at halftime, and after intermission both teams scored 26 third-quarter points and 34 in the fourth.
Yusuf Baker shot 14-of-18 from the floor and netted 32 points to go along with 17 rebounds. Meanwhile, Alex Hill was 13-for-19 and finished with 30 points, four rebounds and four assists. Garvin Gordon returned from a serious knee injury to contribute 19 points for Florida, while teammate Will Graham (6'8''-F-85, college: Florida Southern) chipped in with a double-double (13 points, 11 rebounds).
Leading Team Skillz was Japan Ruise with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Traavis Chandler had 19 points and Marcel Thomas contributed 18.
Floridas record improves to 8-4, and they remain in contention for the leagues top seed going into the playoffs.

*****************************************************
  WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS U17   


USA U17 triumphs in Hamburg! - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
USA - Poland 111-80
USA U17 became the winner of the U17 World Championship in Hamburg, Germany. The favorites overcame European best team Poland U17 111:80. Pre-tournament favorites USA has looked unstoppable all tournament long and rightfully reached the trophy. Poland on the other hand were not pre-tournament favorites. Poland's unbeaten run has come as such a surprise that the Polish Federation and a number of media booked a last minute trip to Hamburg to assist the semi-final, and have stayed on for the final. Poland surprised the US team with four straight points in the start. James McAdoo (206-F-93) gave USA 9:7, while Wrotten delivered for 29:21 after the first quarter. Szymkiewicz closed the first frame at 29:24. Niedzwiedzki scored for 32:28, but USA responded with 8-0 run as Teague made it 40:28. Ponitka Mateusz cut it later to 46:41, while Drummond closed the run for the USA at 58:41. Poland actually won the third frame 21-20 and reduced to 78:62 after thirty minutes. USA enjoyed 78:62 win in the start of the final period. They grabbed 84:65 with 8 minutes in the court and reached three digits with 2.23 to go as Parker made it 101:75. USA kept the advantage for good and triumphed in the tournament. James McAdoo led all the winners with 20 points for the trophy. Beal Bradley nailed 19, while Gilchrist Michael netted 16. Gielo Tomasz delivered 21 points in the losing case. Ponitka Mateusz and Matczak Filip produced 14 points for the 'Silver' team.



3rd place
Canada - Lithuania 83-81
Canada reached the podium at the U17 World Championship in Hamburg. They snatched a tough win in the consolation final against Lithuania. Olivier Hanlan (188-G-93) tallied 15 points to pace the North American side. Lithuania finished fourth despite 18 points and 5 assists from Martynas Paliukenas. Lithuania and Canada exchanged baskets throughout intense first frame. Lithuania were able to eke out a 28:24 lead at the first break. Narkevicius exploded with back-to-back three-pointers at the start of the second period to give Lithuania a 36:25 advantage. Canada however trimmed the deficit at just three points at halftime 40:43. Negus Webster-Chan opened the second half with a triple to draw things level. Osvaldas Olisevicius answered with five points in a row as Lithuania regained control. The Baltic team soon stretched the margin to 11 points but Canada once again proved character. They wrapped up the third term on a 9:0 rally to get within just two 59:61. Kymantas and Mantas Mockevicius gave Lithuania some breathing space at 65:59 at the beginning of the fourth term. But an 8:0 run from Canada put them in the drivers seat. The teams stayed neck and neck in the reminder of the contest. Semaska provided Lithuania with a four-point advantage with 44 seconds to go in regulation. Olivier Hanlan came up with a timely three-pointer to drag Canada closer. Olivier Hanlan followed with two free throws to put the North American team in charge. Pierre then accounted for one free throw to ensure an 83:81 lead for Canada. Mantas Mockevicius had a chance to force overtime but missed a lay-up and sealed the win for Canada. Junior Lomomba produced 14 points for the winners. Negus Webster-Chan and Kevin Pangos added 13 points each for Canada. Osvaldas Olisevicius delivered 17 points in the loss.

5th place
Australia - Serbia 64-74
Serbian U17 team occupied the fifth spot at the World Championship in Germany. They wrapped up their campaign on a high note firing past Australia. The Aussies finished in the sixth position. Luka Mitrovic stepped up with 18 points and 9 rebounds to pace Serbia. Daniel Carlin (202-C-93) and Odigie ensured a 4:0 start for Australia. But Serbia gradually turned things around and soon accumulated a 17:12 lead. The Balkan team won the opening stanza 21:18. Luka Mitrovic scored four points in a row at the start of the second period to boost the lead. Australia could not deny the deficit as they trailed by 7 points at halftime 34:40. Milosevic and Luka Mitrovic kept Serbia in charge throughout the third frame. However a 9:0 run from Australia drew things level at 52. Aleksandar Cvetkovic and Nenad Miljenovic allowed Serbia to enjoy a 56:52 lead at the final pause. Nenad Miljenovic and Luka Mitrovic helped Serbia to clear off to an 8-point distance in the fourth stanza. Australia could not respond and had to surrender at the end. Aleksandar Cvetkovic provided 17 points and 8 rebounds for Serbia. Nenad Miljenovic accounted for 15 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in the victory. Daniel Carlin answered with game-high 27 points for Australia. Mitch Norton tallied 10 points in the loss.

7th place
China - Germany 65-64
Germany U17 lost their last game of U17 World Championship to finish on the 8th spot. China U17 grabbed 65:64 win to take the seventh position. China scored the first five points of the game and kept the hosts scoreless in the first four minutes of the quarter. Germany tied it later at 5:5 and then grabbed 14:12 lead at the end of 10 minutes. Moreover Germany continued their run until 20:12 when Muller hit the three-pointer. Germany increased to 34:19 at the halftime and looked forward to keep the score for good. China however changed after the break and produced another style in the next two periods. The Asian team reduced to 41:46 at the end of the third period as they exploded with 22-12 in the third frame. Moreover China tied the game at 48:48 in the start of the last stanza. Bleck brought 49:48 for Germany, while Guo Ailun (193-G-93) closed 6-0 run fro 54:49 with 6 minutes to go. Wang made it 60:54 with 4 minutes and Guo Ailun scored for 63:54. The European team finished with 6-0 run but it was enough only for 64:65 on the board. Guo Ailun stepped up with 23 points for the winners. Wang Zirui nailed 16, while Xu Tao posted 8. Bekteshi Besnik brought 23 points for the home side. Muller Malik and Radosavljevic Bogdan delivered 8 points each in a loss.


Eurobasket.com All-World Championships U17 Awards 2010 - by Eurobasket
All-Tournament 1st Team
#s#
Bradley Beal
Beal
Kevin Pangos
Pangos
Mateusz Ponitka
Ponitka
James McAdoo
McAdoo
Przemyslaw Karnowski
Karnowski
#e#5

Best Player: Bradley Beal (192-F/G-93) USA
Best Guard: Bradley Beal (192-F/G-93) USA * here his typical position is shooting guard, definitely not a small forward according to some media
Best Forward: James McAdoo (206-F-93) USA
Best Center: Przemyslaw Karnowski (213-C-93) Poland
Best Coach: Jerzy Szambelan Poland

1st Team
G: Kevin Pangos (186-93)
F/G: Bradley Beal (192-93) USA
G: Mateusz Ponitka (196-93) Poland
F: James McAdoo (206-93) USA
C: Przemyslaw Karnowski (213-93) Poland

2nd Team
G: Anthony Wroten (196-93) USA
G: Guo Ailun (193-93) China
F: Michael Gilchrist (201-93) USA
F: Tomasz Gielo (204-93) Poland
C: Simonas Kymantas (204-93) Lithuania

3rd Team
G: Besnik Bekteshi (188-93) Germany
G: Quinn Cook (186-93) USA
F: Dyshawn Pierre (196-93)
G/F: Patricio Garino (196-93) Argentina
C: Ahmed Hamdy (195-93) Egypt * probably the smallest center at the tournament

Honorable Mention
Andre Drummond (211-C-93) USA
Anthony Wroten (196-G-93) USA
Marquis Teague (189-G-93) USA
Michal Michalak (194-G-93) Poland
Mantas Mockevicius (186-G-93) Lithuania
Owen Odigie (196-F-93) Australia
Nenad Miljenovic (194-G-93) Serbia
Daniel Diez (203-F-93) Spain




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Women News

*****************************************************
  BELARUS - Women  


Chrissy Givens player BC Minsk-2006 - by Timur Tolokh
BK Minsk-2006 singed USA forward Chrissy Givens (180-F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Middle Tenn.St.).American forward played in Middle Tenn.St. (NCAA).Then she was Drafted by Phoenix Mercury (WNBA,3rd (31)).
Chrissy Career:
2007-2008: Botasspor Adana (Turkey-TBBL, starting five): EuroCup: 10 games: 16.7ppg, 5.9rpg, 4.2apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 57.4%, 3PT: 8.3%, FT: 66.7%; Turkish League: 21 games: 15.1ppg, 6.6rpg, Assists-5 (4.4apg), Steals-2 (2.8spg), 2FGP: 50.0%, FT: 60.0%
2008: Detroit Shock (WNBA): Regular Season: 3 games: 0.7ppg
2008-2009: BC CSS MCM Targoviste (Romania-D1, starting five): EuroCup: 10 games: 12.8ppg, 7.5rpg, 2.7apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 68.6%; Romanian League: 32 games: 17.6ppg, 8.9rpg, 3.5apg, 2.9spg, 2FGP-1 (67.9%)
2009-2010: In Dec.'09 joined MCM Targoviste (Romania-D1, starting five): EuroCup: 1 game: 7pts, 2reb, 4ast, 1steal
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Awards/Achievements:
Sun Belt East Division Regular Season Runner-Up -06
Sun Belt Tournament Winner -06, 07
Sun Belt Tournament MVP -06, 07
All-Sun Belt 1st Team -06, 07
All-Sun Belt Player of the Year -06, 07
All-Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year -06, 07
Academic University Division All-America of the Year -07
Academic University Division All-America 1st Team -07
NCAA/WBCA All-America Region 5 Team -07
NCAA John R. Wooden Award -07
Sun Belt All-Tournament Team -07
Sun Belt East Division Regular Season Champion -07
Turkish TBBL All-Star Game -08
Turkish Cup Finalist -08
WNBA Eastern Conference Regular Season Champion -08
Romanian Cup Winner -09
Romanian League Regular Season Champion -09
Romanian League All-Star Game -09, 10
Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League Honorable Mention -09
Eurobasket.com Romanian League All-Imports Team -09, 10
Romanian League Champion -09
Eurobasket.com All-Romanian League 2nd Team -10
EuroCup Quarterfinals -10

<<>><<>> Chrissy Givens (180-F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Middle Tenn.St.)

*****************************************************
  BULGARIA - Women  


Great Britain U20 celebrated another victory in Samokov - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria U20-Great Britain U20 53:67
Great Britain U20 celebrated another victory in Samokov beating the hosts 67:53. Great Britain U20 looked better from the very beginning and grabbed the victory over Bulgaria U20.
The guests started offensively and reached 22-9 after the opening quarter. Moreover they added 15-11 in the second period for 37:20 halftime advantage. In the third quarter the picture did not change and the guests continued to control the game. They produced 16-15 in the frame for 18-point deficit. Bulgaria meanwhile responded with 18-14 in the last stanza and reduced the gap in the end.
Tamzin Barroilhet (183-G-90) paced all the winners with 13 points. Mairi Buchan (188-F/C-90) notched 11, while Katrin Chiemeka (170-G-91) added 10. Aleksandra Kancheva (182-F-90) ended up with 15 points in the losing effort, whilst Antonia Zagorova (190-F/C-90) scored 10.
Great Britain U20 showed 45% from the field, while the hosts had 41%. Bulgaria meanwhile had a better percentage from the arc, 33% versus 30%. They also made 17/22 free throws against 13/19 of the guests.
Game 3 will be the last of the teams and will be played tonight.

Bulgaria U20: Aleksandra Kancheva 15, Antonia Zagorova 10
Great Britain U20: Tamzin Barroilhet 13, Mairi Buchan 11, Katrin Chiemeka 10


Croatia U18 took another victory in Mladost - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria U18-Croatia U18 46:85

Croatia U18 took another victory in Mladost, Montana. The team beat the hosts, Bulgaria U18 85:46 that was already the second straight win for them.
Both teams opened the game on a high note and only two points separated them after the first 10 minutes. The guests enjoyed 20-18 lead and added 19-18 in the second frame. The second half however was not that interesting as Croatia pushed the tempo for good and easily won the game. They erupted with 19-8 in the third quarter and finished the game with massive 27-4.
Nina Premasunac (184-F-92) erupted with 25 points and 18 rebounds. Marija Rados (181-C-93) nailed 16, while Glorija Sikiric (165-G-95) posted 12. Kalina Marinova (180-F/C-92) and Radostina Rasheva (175-F-92) ended up with 11 points in the losing effort. Nadezhda Spasova (189-F-93) notched 8, while Stanislava Mircheva (185-F/C-93) scored 7.
Although Bulgaria lost they showed better percentage from the field. The hosts had 55% versus 48 from the guests. Croatia meanwhile was great from the three-point line as they nailed 9 out of 14. They also produced better percentage than Bulgaria from the free throw line having 58% versus 26%.
Game 3 to be played tonight.

Bulgaria U18: Kalina Marinova 11, Radostina Rasheva 11, Nadezhda Spasova 8, Stanislava Mircheva 7
Croatia U18: Nina Premasunac 25+18 rebs, Marija Rados 16, Glorija Sikiric 12

Lithuania post second win over Bulgaria - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania - Bulgaria 65:52

Lithuanian and Bulgarian National teams clashed in the second friendly encounter in as many days in Druskininkai. The hosts turned out the winners once again. They claimed a comfortable 13-point victory at the end. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) stepped up with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for Lithuania.
The hosts got to a confident start. They limited Bulgaria to just four points in the first term to accumulate a 10-point lead. The complexion of the game did not change in the second period. Lithuania stayed in charge as they earned a 16-point advantage at the interval. Bulgaria finally showed character after the long break. They stiffened their defense holding Lithuania to 10 points in the quarter. Both teams increased the tempo in the fourth stanza. Bulgaria fired 24 points but could not threaten the margin. The hosts answered with 23 points of their own and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Sandra Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) knocked down 12 points for the home team. Kamile Nacickaite (180-G-89) delivered 10 points in the winning effort. Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88) provided 13 points for Bulgaria. Hristina Ivanova (173-F-89) added 9 points, while Zoia Stanoeva (182-F-76, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and Ekaterina Dimitrova (182-G-87) had 6 points each in the loss.

Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 20+12 boards, Sandra Linkeviciene 12, Kamile Nacickaite 10
Bulgaria: Jaklin Zlatanova 13, Hristina Ivanova 9


*****************************************************
  CANADA - Women  


Canada U17 lose two in Spain - by Eurobasket News
Canada U17 selection traveled to Spain to play a series of exhibition games. They landed in Spanish Alagon and played two friendlies. Canada surrendered in both of those.
Canada U17 opened their campaign against the US counterparts. The USA dominated in every facet of the game. They built a massive 24-point halftime advantage. Canada could not recover in the second half and surrendered 47:93 at the end. Kaleena Lewis (93) scored 17 points to lead the winners. Canada answered with 15 points from Nirra Fields (170-G-93). Karly Roser (175-G-93) accounted for 7 points in the loss.
Next Canada took on hosting Spain. And once again the North American side could not challenge their opponents. Spain led from start to finish registering a comfortable 66:45 victory. Itziar Llobet (177-G-93) knocked down 12 points to lead the home team. Nirra Fields answered with 17 points for Canada. Shalie Dheensaw (191-C-93) had 7 points in defeat.
Canada will next face Australia in Alagon


*****************************************************
  CENTROBASKET - Women  


Day One in Mayaguez - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Mexico - Dominican Republic 82-81
Mexico grabbed thriller win against Dominican Republic in Day One of the 2010 Centrobasket. Mexico escaped with 82-81 victory for 1-0 in Group A. Beside the above mentioned teams, participants of the same group are also Jamaica and the U.S. Virgins Islands. Erika Gomez (187-F/C-76) stepped up for Mexico in this game with 29 points and 10 rebounds. She was the MVP with valuation 23. Brisa Silva (168-G-84, college: Oklahoma St.) helped with 16 points and Alexis Castro (183-G/F-86, agency: 22ft, college: Vermont) added 10 pts. In the loosing squad, Sugeiry Monsac Sierra replied with 16 points and 10 boards. Carmen Guzman (175-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UAB) had 15 points, 7 boards and 9 assists, while Charlenny Frias (84) also scored 15. Mexico opened the game better making 24-20 lead after ten minutes of play. Dominican Republic woke up after that and took control on their rivals. Sugeiry Monsac Sierra and her teammates scored 20 pts in the second period, while they stopped Mexico to 13 for 37-40 lead at the half time. Than after the breather it was Mexico who dominated once again finishing Q3 with 23-14 for 60-54 turn. Dominican Republic did not give up and they grabbed back the lead in the finish. However, a basket by Brisa Silva with just 8 seconds left on the game clock secured the victory for the Mexicans, which fought the Dominicans from beginning to the end. In Day Two, Mexico will meet Jamaica. Dominican Republic will take on the U.S Virgin Islands.

U.S. Virgin Islands - Jamaica 62-73
Jamaica did a great job in Day One of the 2010 Centrobasket in Mayaguez. Jamaica outplayed the U.S. Virgin Islands 62-73 making a first step forward to Semifinals. Both teams are together with Mexico and Dominican Republic placed to Preliminary Group A at this event. Simone Edwards (193-C-73, college: Iowa) shined for the winners with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Vanessa Gidden (191-C-85, college: Hofstra) also had a very important role adding 18 points and 16 boards. Nicole Louden (172-G-83, college: Auburn) added 12 pts and 5 assists. In ISV, Tanecka Carey (175-G) responded with 19 points and 5 boards. Yanique Javois (176-G-86, college: Saint Louis) scored 16 pts. First quarter was pretty leveled. Actually, Jamaica won it by one (14-16) and they improved in the second period a lot. Tanecka Carey and her teammates drained 20 points for the next ten minutes, while limiting ISV to 14 on the other side. It means that Jamaica had nice 28-36 lead at the half time. Third period was the crucial one in this game as Jamaica moved up to plus 15 after it and the game winner was resolved. Last ten minutes, which belonged to ISV 16-12, were just the formality. In Day Two, Jamaica will meet Mexico. The U.S. Virgin Islands will take on Dominican Republic.

Group B
Trinidad and Tobago - Puerto Rico 50-69
Puerto Rico had an easy job against Trinidad and Tobago in Day One of the 2010 Centrobasket. It was comfortable 50-69 win for Puerto Rico, who has 1-0 in Preliminary Group B. Also in Day One, Guatemala destroyed Saint Vincent 105-54 in this pool. Stephanie Rosado (188-F-89) led the scorers in victory with 14 points. Michelle Pacheco (173-G-88) had 12 points and 5 boards to help her country. Esmary Vargas-Sanchez (193-C-81, college: Emporia St.) (6 rebs) and Angeiely Morales (180-F-87) (5 rebs) added 10 points apiece. In Trinidad and Tobago, Rhea Codio (165-G-88) delivered 11 points and 5 assists. Jonee Billy (188-F/C-84, college: Mount Holyoke) had 10 pts and 7 boards. Puerto Rico resolved question about the winner already in the first half. Stephanie Rosado and her teammates made nice 10-17 lead in the opening quarter sending a clear signal that Trinidad will not have a chance. Puerto Rico shined in Q2 as well (8-19) jumping to 18-36 lead at the half time. Puerto Ricans slowed down after that, but still managed to keep the big plus. Third quarter ended 14-16, while the last one belonged to Trinidad and Tobago 18-17 for the final score 50-69. In Day Two, Puerto Rico will meet Saint Vincent. Trinidad and Tobago will play against Guatemala.

Saint Vincent - Guatemala 54-105
Guatemala destroyed Saint Vincent in Day One of the 2010 Centrobasket in Mayaguez. It was a 54-105 blowout win for Guatemala, who jumped to 1-0 in Preliminary Group B. Beside Guatemala and Saint Vincent, other participants of the same pool are Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago. Blanca Amado (180-G/F-79) top-scored for the winners with 25 points. Cynthia Rivera (180-F/C-82) was the MVP of this game with valuation 31. She spent 23 minutes on the court registering 23 points and 5 boards. Diana Crespo (177-G/F-85) helped her country with 17 pts. In defeat, Sorayah Williams responded with 22 points and 10 boards. Tenicha Afeefah Gittens had 13 pts. Guatemala totally smashed Saint Vincent in the first quarter. Blanca Amado and her teammates drained magnificent 35 points and at the same time stopped their rivals to just five. It was a clear sign what to expect for rest of the game. Still, Saint Vincent improved in the second period loosing it just by one (21-22). Third quarter was another good one for Guatemela (18-28), who jumped to impressive 39-point lead before the last frame. Last ten minutes ended 10-20 for the final 54-105 blowout. In Day Two in Mayaguez, Guatemala will play against Trinidad and Tobago. Saint Vincent will meet Puerto Rico.

Day Two in Mayaguez - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Jamaica - Mexico 78-73
Jamaica made a huge step forward to Semifinals after 78-73 win against Mexico for perfect 2-0 in Group A. Simone Edwards (193-C-73, college: Iowa) was the leading player in victory with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Erika Gomez (187-F/C-76) replied with 19 points and 11 boards in defeat.

Dominican Republic - U.S. Virgin Islands 97-70
First win for Dominican Republic in Mayaguez, while the U.S. Virgin Islands are still winless with no chance to reach the Semifinals. Carmen Guzman (175-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UAB) shined for the winners with 25 points and 5 boards. Yanique Javois (176-G-86, college: Saint Louis) netted 16 pts in defeat.

Group B
Guatemala - Trinidad and Tobago 59-95
Trinidad and Tobago blasted Guatemala so both teams have 1-1 score in Group B now. Sharmion Selman (183-F-83) (13 rebs) and Rhea Codio (165-G-88) (13 as) stepped up for their team with 20 points each. Guatemala got 15 pts from Blanca Amado (180-G/F-79).

Puerto Rico - Saint Vincent 130-32
Puerto Rico destroyed Saint Vincent for perfect 2-0 in Group B. Michelle Pacheco (173-G-88) shined for the winners with 22 points and 8 assists. Saint Vincent (0-2) got 17 points and 5 boards from Sorayah Williams (84).

Standings (Women)
Standings
Group A
1. Jamaica2-0
2. Mexico1-1
3. Dominican R.1-1
4. US Virg.Isl0-2
Group B
1. P.Rico2-0
2. Trinid/T.1-1
3. Guatemala1-1
4. Saint Vinc.0-2


*****************************************************
  CROATIA - Women  


Croatia topple Serbia in test game - by Eurobasket News
Croatia - Serbia 89:83

Croatia and Serbia clashed in the first game of the exhibition series. The teams met in Croatian Velika and the hosts celebrated victory. Jelena Ivezic (184-G-84) knocked down 19 points to lead Croatia.
The teams traded baskets throughout the opening quarter. Serbia enjoyed a narrow 23:22 lead at the first break. But the hosts exploded with 34 points in the second stanza to run away. They arrived at halftime break up by as many as 13 points 46:33. The complexion of the game did not change in the third stanza. The hosts kept on mounting the pressure and stayed in charge. Croatia boosted the margin to as many as 22 points heading into the fourth frame. Serbia showed character in the final period. They limited the hosts to just 9 points and almost denied the deficit but still came up short of victory. Marta Cakic (175-G-82) delivered 14 points for Croatia. Antonija Misura (177-F-88) had 12 points in the win. Ivanka Matic (195-F/C-79) answered with 20 points for Serbia. Jelena Maksimovic (192-C-82) accounted for 16 points in defeat. Serbia and Croatia will meet again tonight.

Croatia: Jelena Ivezic 19, Marta Cakic 14, Antonija Misura 12
Serbia: Ivanka Matic 20, Jelena Maksimovic 16


Croatia U18 took another victory in Mladost - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria U18-Croatia U18 46:85

Croatia U18 took another victory in Mladost, Montana. The team beat the hosts, Bulgaria U18 85:46 that was already the second straight win for them.
Both teams opened the game on a high note and only two points separated them after the first 10 minutes. The guests enjoyed 20-18 lead and added 19-18 in the second frame. The second half however was not that interesting as Croatia pushed the tempo for good and easily won the game. They erupted with 19-8 in the third quarter and finished the game with massive 27-4.
Nina Premasunac (184-F-92) erupted with 25 points and 18 rebounds. Marija Rados (181-C-93) nailed 16, while Glorija Sikiric (165-G-95) posted 12. Kalina Marinova (180-F/C-92) and Radostina Rasheva (175-F-92) ended up with 11 points in the losing effort. Nadezhda Spasova (189-F-93) notched 8, while Stanislava Mircheva (185-F/C-93) scored 7.
Although Bulgaria lost they showed better percentage from the field. The hosts had 55% versus 48 from the guests. Croatia meanwhile was great from the three-point line as they nailed 9 out of 14. They also produced better percentage than Bulgaria from the free throw line having 58% versus 26%.
Game 3 to be played tonight.

Bulgaria U18: Kalina Marinova 11, Radostina Rasheva 11, Nadezhda Spasova 8, Stanislava Mircheva 7
Croatia U18: Nina Premasunac 25+18 rebs, Marija Rados 16, Glorija Sikiric 12

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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Women  


Dominican Republic National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
Starting five
#s#
Carmen Guzman
Guzman
Andreina Paniagua
Paniagua
Charlenny Frias
Frias
Sugeiry Monsac
Monsac
Jennifer Estrella
Estrella
#e#5
4 Carmen Guzman 175-G-85 San Lazaro Dominican Republic
5 Johanna Morton 88
6 Jennifer Estrella 88 Mauricio Baez Dominican Republic
7 Andreina Paniagua 78 Mauricio Baez Dominican Republic
8 Charlenny Frias 84 Mauricio Baez Dominican Republic
9 Melissa Santos 89 Mauricio Baez Dominican Republic
10 Wanda Gomez 78 Mauricio Baez Dominican Republic
11 Jessica Mercado 84 San Lazaro Dominican Republic
12 Marbely Montas 173-G-87 San Lazaro Dominican Republic
14 Rosa Celestino 77 Mauricio Baez Dominican Republic
15 Sugeiry Monsac 186-F/C-81 M.Tel Kabir Israel



Mexico grabs thriller win against Dominican Republic in Centrobasket opener - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Day One: MEXICO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 82-81

Mexico grabbed thriller win against Dominican Republic in Day One of the 2010 Centrobasket. Mexico escaped with 82-81 victory for 1-0 in Group A. Beside the above mentioned teams, participants of the same group are also Jamaica and the U.S. Virgins Islands. Erika Gomez (187-F/C-76) stepped up for Mexico in this game with 29 points and 10 rebounds. She was the MVP with valuation 23. Brisa Silva (168-G-84, college: Oklahoma St.) helped with 16 points and Alexis Castro (183-G/F-86, agency: 22ft, college: Vermont) added 10 pts. In the loosing squad, Sugeiry Monsac Sierra replied with 16 points and 10 boards. Carmen Guzman (175-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UAB) had 15 points, 7 boards and 9 assists, while Charlenny Frias (84) also scored 15.
Mexico opened the game better making 24-20 lead after ten minutes of play. Dominican Republic woke up after that and took control on their rivals. Claudia Sierra and her teammates scored 20 pts in the second period, while they stopped Mexico to 13 for 37-40 lead at the half time. Than after the breather it was Mexico who dominated once again finishing Q3 with 23-14 for 60-54 turn. Dominican Republic did not give up and they grabbed back the lead in the finish. However, a basket by Brisa Silva with just 8 seconds left on the game clock secured the victory for the Mexicans, which fought the Dominicans from beginning to the end.
In Day Two, Mexico will meet Jamaica. Dominican Republic will take on the U.S Virgin Islands.

Mexico: Erika Gomez 29+10 boards, Brisa Silva 16, Alexis Castro 10
Dominican Republic: Sugeiry Monsac Sierra 16+10 boards, Carmen Guzman 15+7 boards+9 as, Charlenny Frias 15

*****************************************************
  ESTONIA - Women  


Estonia level test-series against Finland - by Eurobasket News
Estonia - Finland 60:50

Estonian National Team bounced back after the starting loss to Finland in Tallinn. The hosts overcame their opponents in the second exhibition encounter in the capital. Viive-Kai Rebane (183-F-89) fired 19 points and collected 10 rebounds to lead the hosts.
The teams traded baskets throughout the starting frame. The lead changed hands for several times before Finland eked out a 14:12 lead ten minutes into the game. The visitors maintained the advantage throughout the second frame. Estonia however managed to knot things up at 25 twenty minutes into the game. Finland regained the lead but not for too long. Estonia finally gained the necessary tempo as they posted a 43:38 cushion at the final intermission. The hosts stretched the gap to 9 points midway through the final stanza. Finland failed to respond allowing the hosts to rally to the victory. Merike Anderson knocked down 12 points for Estonia. Triin Teppo (185-F-90) added 8 points in the win. Dionne Pounds (174-F-84, college: Lamar) replied with 16 points for Finland. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, college: Xavier) finished with 13 points and 12 boards in the loss.

Estonia: Viive-Kai Rebane 19+10 boards, Merike Anderson 12, Triin Teppo 8
Finland: Dionne Pounds 16, Taru Tuukkanen 13+12 boards


*****************************************************
  FINLAND - Women  


Estonia level test-series against Finland - by Eurobasket News
Estonia - Finland 60:50

Estonian National Team bounced back after the starting loss to Finland in Tallinn. The hosts overcame their opponents in the second exhibition encounter in the capital. Viive-Kai Rebane (183-F-89) fired 19 points and collected 10 rebounds to lead the hosts.
The teams traded baskets throughout the starting frame. The lead changed hands for several times before Finland eked out a 14:12 lead ten minutes into the game. The visitors maintained the advantage throughout the second frame. Estonia however managed to knot things up at 25 twenty minutes into the game. Finland regained the lead but not for too long. Estonia finally gained the necessary tempo as they posted a 43:38 cushion at the final intermission. The hosts stretched the gap to 9 points midway through the final stanza. Finland failed to respond allowing the hosts to rally to the victory. Merike Anderson knocked down 12 points for Estonia. Triin Teppo (185-F-90) added 8 points in the win. Dionne Pounds (174-F-84, college: Lamar) replied with 16 points for Finland. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, college: Xavier) finished with 13 points and 12 boards in the loss.

Estonia: Viive-Kai Rebane 19+10 boards, Merike Anderson 12, Triin Teppo 8
Finland: Dionne Pounds 16, Taru Tuukkanen 13+12 boards


Estonia level test-series against Finland - by Eurobasket News
Estonia - Finland 60:50

Estonian National Team bounced back after the starting loss to Finland in Tallinn. The hosts overcame their opponents in the second exhibition encounter in the capital. Viive-Kai Rebane (183-F-89) fired 19 points and collected 10 rebounds to lead the hosts.
The teams traded baskets throughout the starting frame. The lead changed hands for several times before Finland eked out a 14:12 lead ten minutes into the game. The visitors maintained the advantage throughout the second frame. Estonia however managed to knot things up at 25 twenty minutes into the game. Finland regained the lead but not for too long. Estonia finally gained the necessary tempo as they posted a 43:38 cushion at the final intermission. The hosts stretched the gap to 9 points midway through the final stanza. Finland failed to respond allowing the hosts to rally to the victory. Merike Anderson knocked down 12 points for Estonia. Triin Teppo (185-F-90) added 8 points in the win. Dionne Pounds (174-F-84, college: Lamar) replied with 16 points for Finland. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, college: Xavier) finished with 13 points and 12 boards in the loss.

Estonia: Viive-Kai Rebane 19+10 boards, Merike Anderson 12, Triin Teppo 8
Finland: Dionne Pounds 16, Taru Tuukkanen 13+12 boards


*****************************************************
  GUATEMALA - Women  


Guatemalan National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Alma Lopez
Lopez
Cynthia Rivera
Rivera
Blanca Amado
Amado
Mayra Fernandez
Fernandez
#e#4
4 Alma Lopez G-87
5 Mayra Fernandez 80 Bodega Radio Guatemala
6 Andrely Cisneros 84 Sagrado C. Guatemala
7 Linda Gonzalez 92
8 Ligia Del Valle 171-G-87 U.R.L. Guatemala
9 Irma Loaiza 81
10 Cynthia Rivera 180-F/C-82 U.S.A.C. Guatemala
11 Blanca Amado 180-G/F-79 Banguat Guatemala
12 Emily Rosales 181-F-94 Sagrado C. Guatemala
13 Diana Crespo 177-G/F-85 Mystics Guatemala
14 Nelly Loaiza 173-F-88 Mystics Guatemala
15 Maria Fleischmann 181-F/C-79 Sagrado C. Guatemala



Guatemala destroys Saint Vincent in Mayaguez - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Day One: SAINT VINCENT - GUATEMALA 54-105

Guatemala destroyed Saint Vincent in Day One of the 2010 Centrobasket in Mayaguez. It was a 54-105 blowout win for Guatemala, who jumped to 1-0 in Preliminary Group B. Beside Guatemala and Saint Vincent, other participants of the same pool are Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago. Blanca Amado (180-G/F-79) top-scored for the winners with 25 points. Cynthia Rivera (180-F/C-82) was the MVP of this game with valuation 31. She spent 23 minutes on the court registering 23 points and 5 boards. Diana Crespo (177-G/F-85) helped her country with 17 pts. In defeat, Sorayah Williams responded with 22 points and 10 boards. Tenicha Afeefah Gittens had 13 pts.
Guatemala totally smashed Saint Vincent in the first quarter. Blanca Amado and her teammates drained magnificent 35 points and at the same time stopped their rivals to just five. It was a clear sign what to expect for rest of the game. Still, Saint Vincent improved in the second period loosing it just by one (21-22). Third quarter was another good one for Guatemela (18-28), who jumped to impressive 39-point lead before the last frame. Last ten minutes ended 10-20 for the final 54-105 blowout.
In Day Two in Mayaguez, Guatemala will play against Trinidad and Tobago. Saint Vincent will meet Puerto Rico.

Saint Vincent: Sorayah Williams 22+10 boards, Tenicha Afeefah Gittens 13
Guatemala: Blanca Amado 25, Cynthia Rivera 23+5 boards, Diana Crespo 17

*****************************************************
  HUNGARY - Women  


Hungary split friendlies with Serbia - by Eurobasket News
Hungary and Serbia played two friendly games in Baja. The teams traded victories. Hungary eked out an 80:77 win in the opening game. The hosts built a 24:17 lead at the first intermission. Serbia bounced back in the second frame cutting the deficit at 3 points. But a 25:15 third quarter helped Hungary to clear off for good in this one. Hajnalka Szlimak (182-F-82) knocked down 13 points to pace the hosts. Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) and Nora Bujdoso (185-F-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) added 12 points each in the win. Jelena Maksimovic (192-C-82) responded with game-high 23 points for Serbia. Milica Dabovic (175-G-82) produced 11 points in the loss.
The next game was much more successful for the Serbian team. They claimed an 85:78 victory despite a slow start. Hungary led by 10 points at the first intermission but could not capitalize. The hosts conceded 32 points in the second quarter to trail by 5 at halftime. Hungary regained the lead in the third frame but once again sloppy defense proved costly for Hungary as they wasted their lead and lost the game at the end. Tijana Krivacevic (194-F-90) knocked down 19 points to pace Hungary. Anna Vida (184-F-85) added 13 points and 9 caroms in the loss.


U20: still in great shape! - by Adam Patonay
After our U20 national team beat Serbia they played against the senior national team of Hungary and showed them their power, but the seniors won. The team of Djokic-Fuzy coach couple dominated against Slovakia also on both games in Gyor.

Hungary - Slovakia 92:78
(35-19, 21-17, 23-17, 13-25)
Rujak 9, BALINT 4, Sarok 6, Horvath L. 6, SZECSI 4. Sub.: Tamis 3/3, Gergely 5, BAJNOCZY 16/3, Kovalcsik 8, Theodoran 8, Feher 2, Gyori 12.

Hungary - Slovakia 71:54
(23-10, 19-18, 13-14, 16-12)
Rujak 1, Sarok 4, Reka Balint (181-F-91) 14/6, Horvath L. 9, SZECSI 16. Sub.: TAMIS 8, Gergely 4, Bajnoczy 4, Kovalcsik 3, Theodoran 4.

*****************************************************
  JAMAICA - Women  


Jamaican National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Simone Edwards
Edwards
Nicole Louden
Louden
Angelee LaTouche
LaTouche
Vanessa Gidden
Gidden
Tarita Gordon
Gordon
#e#5
4 Simone Edwards 193-C-73 MiZo Pecs Hungary
5 Tarita Gordon 165-G-89 E.Tenn.St. USA
6 Nicole Louden 172-G-83 Cajarural Spain
7 Christina Mitchell 89 Liberty USA
8 Alecia Fung 172-G-82 Olomouc Czech Republic
10 Oberon Pitterson 177-G-71 Waulgrovians Jamaica
11 Angelee LaTouche 185-F-85 George Mason USA
13 Vanessa Gidden 191-C-85 Minnesota L. USA
14 Danielle Moseley Kean USA
15 Tajay Ashmeade 191-C/F-89 Trinity Valley JC USA



Jamaica has joyful Day One in Mayaguez - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Day One: U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - JAMAICA 62-73

Jamaica did a great job in Day One of the 2010 Centrobasket in Mayaguez. Jamaica outplayed the U.S. Virgin Islands 62-73 making a first step forward to Semifinals. Both teams are together with Mexico and Dominican Republic placed to Preliminary Group A at this event. Simone Edwards (193-C-73, college: Iowa) shined for the winners with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Vanessa Gidden (191-C-85, college: Hofstra) also had a very important role adding 18 points and 16 boards. Nicole Louden (172-G-83, college: Auburn) added 12 pts and 5 assists. In ISV, Tanecka Carey (175-G) responded with 19 points and 5 boards. Yanique Javois (176-G-86, college: Saint Louis) scored 16 pts.
First quarter was pretty leveled. Actually, Jamaica won it by one (14-16) and they improved in the second period a lot. Tanecka Carey and her teammates drained 20 points for the next ten minutes, while limiting ISV to 14 on the other side. It means that Jamaica had nice 28-36 lead at the half time. Third period was the crucial one in this game as Jamaica moved up to plus 15 after it and the game winner was resolved. Last ten minutes, which belonged to ISV 16-12, were just the formality.
In Day Two, Jamaica will meet Mexico. The U.S. Virgin Islands will take on Dominican Republic.

U.S. Virgin Islands: Tanecka Carey 19+5 boards, Yanique Javois 16
Jamaica: Simone Edwards 21+7 boards, Vanessa Gidden 18+16 boards, Nicole Louden 12+5 as

*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA - Women  


Lithuania post second win over Bulgaria - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania - Bulgaria 65:52

Lithuanian and Bulgarian National teams clashed in the second friendly encounter in as many days in Druskininkai. The hosts turned out the winners once again. They claimed a comfortable 13-point victory at the end. Gintare Petronyte (196-C-89) stepped up with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for Lithuania.
The hosts got to a confident start. They limited Bulgaria to just four points in the first term to accumulate a 10-point lead. The complexion of the game did not change in the second period. Lithuania stayed in charge as they earned a 16-point advantage at the interval. Bulgaria finally showed character after the long break. They stiffened their defense holding Lithuania to 10 points in the quarter. Both teams increased the tempo in the fourth stanza. Bulgaria fired 24 points but could not threaten the margin. The hosts answered with 23 points of their own and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Sandra Sandra Linkeviciene (176-G-82) knocked down 12 points for the home team. Kamile Nacickaite (180-G-89) delivered 10 points in the winning effort. Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88) provided 13 points for Bulgaria. Hristina Ivanova (173-F-89) added 9 points, while Zoia Stanoeva (182-F-76, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and Ekaterina Dimitrova (182-G-87) had 6 points each in the loss.

Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 20+12 boards, Sandra Linkeviciene 12, Kamile Nacickaite 10
Bulgaria: Jaklin Zlatanova 13, Hristina Ivanova 9


*****************************************************
  MEXICO - Women  


Mexico grabs thriller win against Dominican Republic in Centrobasket opener - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Day One: MEXICO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 82-81

Mexico grabbed thriller win against Dominican Republic in Day One of the 2010 Centrobasket. Mexico escaped with 82-81 victory for 1-0 in Group A. Beside the above mentioned teams, participants of the same group are also Jamaica and the U.S. Virgins Islands. Erika Gomez (187-F/C-76) stepped up for Mexico in this game with 29 points and 10 rebounds. She was the MVP with valuation 23. Brisa Silva (168-G-84, college: Oklahoma St.) helped with 16 points and Alexis Castro (183-G/F-86, agency: 22ft, college: Vermont) added 10 pts. In the loosing squad, Sugeiry Monsac Sierra replied with 16 points and 10 boards. Carmen Guzman (175-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: UAB) had 15 points, 7 boards and 9 assists, while Charlenny Frias (84) also scored 15.
Mexico opened the game better making 24-20 lead after ten minutes of play. Dominican Republic woke up after that and took control on their rivals. Claudia Sierra and her teammates scored 20 pts in the second period, while they stopped Mexico to 13 for 37-40 lead at the half time. Than after the breather it was Mexico who dominated once again finishing Q3 with 23-14 for 60-54 turn. Dominican Republic did not give up and they grabbed back the lead in the finish. However, a basket by Brisa Silva with just 8 seconds left on the game clock secured the victory for the Mexicans, which fought the Dominicans from beginning to the end.
In Day Two, Mexico will meet Jamaica. Dominican Republic will take on the U.S Virgin Islands.

Mexico: Erika Gomez 29+10 boards, Brisa Silva 16, Alexis Castro 10
Dominican Republic: Sugeiry Monsac Sierra 16+10 boards, Carmen Guzman 15+7 boards+9 as, Charlenny Frias 15

Mexican National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Alexis Castro
Castro
Brisa Silva
Silva
Abril Garcia
Garcia
Erika Gomez
Gomez
Taine Ramirez
Ramirez
#e#5
4 Alexis Castro 183-G/F-86 San Diego S. USA
5 Romina Berumen 88 Nuevo Leon Mexico
6 Brisa Silva 168-G-84 First Bank Nigeria
7 Abril Garcia 190-F/C-81 Adelitas Mexico
8 Annel Tapia 170-G-86 Michoacan Mexico
9 Erika Gomez 187-F/C-76 Bembibre Spain
11 Monica Garcia 87 Jalisco Mexico
14 Fernanda Gutierrez 187-F-84 Distrito Federal Mexico
15 Taine Ramirez 171-G-78 Estado de Mexico Mexico
Ginger Sanchez Cenhies Mexico
Veronica Arroyo Adelitas Mexico
Paola Montellanos IMSS Mexico
Yanet Campos 79 Adelitas Mexico
Jeniffer Arreola Sonora Mexico

Ray Santana Head Coach


*****************************************************
  NCAA1 - Women  


USA U17 team with 1-1 start in Spain - by Eurobasket News
USA U17 National Team arrived in Spain to play a series of exhibition encounters. The team posted one victory in two opening encounters.
The US U17 team tipped off their campaign with a 93:47 win over Canada in Alagon, Spain. The USA dominated right from the start. They earned a 20:9 lead at the first break. Canada could not challenge their opponents as they trailed by 24 points at the interval. The USA U17 won the third frame 25:7 to run away for good in this one. Kaleena Lewis (93) provided 17 points to lead the effort. Breanna Stewart (94) added 13 points in the victory. Nirra Fields (5'7''-G-93) answered with 15 points for Canada.
The USA U17 next faced their Australian counterparts. This time it was different story as the Aussies claimed a 64:58 success. Australia stormed into the game. They grabbed a 25:8 advantage at the first break. The North American side responded in the second quarter outgunning their opponents 27:12. The game was plagued by mistakes in the third quarter as the teams combined for just 17 points. Australia posted a 7-point lead heading into the fourth term. The USA worked hard but could not erase the deficit in the final minutes. Gretel Tippett (6'3''-F-93) knocked down 16 points to lead Australia. Tayla Roberts (6'3''-F/C-93) contributed 12 points in the winning case. Elizabeth Williams (92) responded with 13 points and 9 boards for the USA. Cierra Burdick had 12 points in the loss.


*****************************************************
  POLAND - Women  


Standings - PLKK
PLKK Standings
 1. Artego Bydg. 0-0 
 2. CCC Polkowice 0-0 
 3. Energa Torun 0-0 
 4. Gorzow 0-0 
 5. Inea AZS P. 0-0 
 6. Lider Prusz. 0-0 
 7. LKS Siemens 0-0 
 8. Lotos Gdynia 0-0 
 9. Odra Brzeg 0-0 
 10. Super-Pol 0-0 
 11. Utex Row 0-0 
 12. Widzew 0-0 
 13. Wisla Can-Pak 0-0 


*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL - Women  


Portugal NT edge U20 selection - by Eurobasket News
Portugal - Portugal U20 53:50

Portuguese National Team played a test game against their younger counterparts. Portuguese seniors claimed a tough win at the end. Sonia Borges (189-C-84) knocked down 20 points to pace the winners.
Portugal U20 looked more consistent in the opening frame. They fired 18 points to establish a 4-point lead at the first break. Portugal responded in the second frame. They closed their defense holding the youngsters to just 3 points in the quarter. The senior selection posted a 27:21 advantage at halftime. Portugal U20 regained the rhythm in the third term. They knocked down 21 points and pulled back in front. Portuguese U20 team led by one point heading into the fourth quarter. But the seniors turned things around in the final term. Sonia Borges helped Portugal snatched a narrow victory at the end.
Sofia Ramalho (166-G-80) and Tamara Milovac (186-C-86) added 8 points each for Portugal. Maria Correia (174-G/F-91) responded with 11 points for Portugal U20. Telma Fernandes (180-C/F-91) knocked down 8 points in the loss.

Portugal: Sonia Borges 20, Sofia Ramalho 8, Tamara Milovac 8
Portugal U20: Maria Correia 11, Telma Fernandes 8


*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO - Women  


2010 Centrobasket: Puerto Rico celebrates in Day One - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Day One: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - PUERTO RICO 50-69

Puerto Rico had an easy job against Trinidad and Tobago in Day One of the 2010 Centrobasket. It was comfortable 50-69 win for Puerto Rico, who has 1-0 in Preliminary Group B. Also in Day One, Guatemala destroyed Saint Vincent 105-54 in this pool. Stephanie Rosado (188-F-89) led the scorers in victory with 14 points. Michelle Pacheco (173-G-88) had 12 points and 5 boards to help her country. Esmary Vargas-Sanchez (193-C-81, college: Emporia St.) (6 rebs) and Angeiely Morales (180-F-87) (5 rebs) added 10 points apiece. In Trinidad and Tobago, Rhea Codio (165-G-88) delivered 11 points and 5 assists. Jonee Billy (188-F/C-84, college: Mount Holyoke) had 10 pts and 7 boards.
Puerto Rico resolved question about the winner already in the first half. Stephanie Rosado and her teammates made nice 10-17 lead in the opening quarter sending a clear signal that Trinidad will not have a chance. Puerto Rico shined in Q2 as well (8-19) jumping to 18-36 lead at the half time. Puerto Ricans slowed down after that, but still managed to keep the big plus. Third quarter ended 14-16, while the last one belonged to Trinidad and Tobago 18-17 for the final score 50-69.
In Day Two, Puerto Rico will meet Saint Vincent. Trinidad and Tobago will play against Guatemala.

Trinidad and Tobago: Rhea Codio 11+5 as, Jonee Billy 10+7 boards
Puerto Rico: Stephanie Rosado 14, Michelle Pacheco 12+5 boards, Esmary Vargas-Sanchez 10+6 boards, Angeiely Morales 10+5 boards

Guarded Gonzalez hopes rebounds are on the rise - by Raul Colon
Puerto Rico (1-0) will tackle today St. Vincent and the Grenadines (0-1) in Day Two of the 2010 FIBA Women Centrobasketball Championships being played at the renovated Sport Palace in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

The boricuas head coach, Omar Gonzalez, expressed a guarded confidence about todays match-up. 'We feel good about our chances versus St. Vincent. We know its not going to be easy', said the usually quiet Gonzalez, 'we played very well, especially in the beginning, against a good Trinidad and Tobago team. We made several errors in the later stages but I think the team copped well playing with a lead. That should help us down the road'.

This is not the same Puerto Rico team which took on the silver medal in the last Centrobasket (Morovis 2008). This is a more athletic and, maybe more importantly, taller team. 'Years past we were athletic and explosive but had lacked size inside thus rebounding became a weakness for us. Now, hopefully with the lineup we had assembled, the battle on the boards will be much closer'.

Despite Gonzalezs boast of new found rebounding prowess, Puerto Rico was out rebounded, 50-45, by an average Trinidad and Tobago. A major cause of concern for the caching staff was the 21-13 advantage T&T had over the boricuas in the offensive glass. I'ts an area (offensive rebounding) we need to work on, especially as we move along in the tournament and face-off against bigger clubs', added Gonzalez.

Still, there are signs things are improving. Forward Jazmine Sepulveda grabbed a team high 11 boards. Slasher Pamela Rosado added 6. Sandra Garcia netted 5 in just 17 minutes of play. Another hopeful sign. If she can get that number on a nightly basis, Puerto Rico should at least be competitive in that area.


*****************************************************
  SAINT VINCENT - Women  


St.Vincent and the Grenadines National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
5 Tenicha Gittens 163-G-81 Hofstra USA
6 Shanique De Shong 91
7 Sorayah Williams 84 Horsholm Denmark
9 Sheldeen Joseph 92
11 Kia Prince 93
12 Temesha Toussaint 91
14 Annette King 77
15 Suzette Jackson 86



Guatemala destroys Saint Vincent in Mayaguez - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Day One: SAINT VINCENT - GUATEMALA 54-105

Guatemala destroyed Saint Vincent in Day One of the 2010 Centrobasket in Mayaguez. It was a 54-105 blowout win for Guatemala, who jumped to 1-0 in Preliminary Group B. Beside Guatemala and Saint Vincent, other participants of the same pool are Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago. Blanca Amado (180-G/F-79) top-scored for the winners with 25 points. Cynthia Rivera (180-F/C-82) was the MVP of this game with valuation 31. She spent 23 minutes on the court registering 23 points and 5 boards. Diana Crespo (177-G/F-85) helped her country with 17 pts. In defeat, Sorayah Williams responded with 22 points and 10 boards. Tenicha Afeefah Gittens had 13 pts.
Guatemala totally smashed Saint Vincent in the first quarter. Blanca Amado and her teammates drained magnificent 35 points and at the same time stopped their rivals to just five. It was a clear sign what to expect for rest of the game. Still, Saint Vincent improved in the second period loosing it just by one (21-22). Third quarter was another good one for Guatemela (18-28), who jumped to impressive 39-point lead before the last frame. Last ten minutes ended 10-20 for the final 54-105 blowout.
In Day Two in Mayaguez, Guatemala will play against Trinidad and Tobago. Saint Vincent will meet Puerto Rico.

Saint Vincent: Sorayah Williams 22+10 boards, Tenicha Afeefah Gittens 13
Guatemala: Blanca Amado 25, Cynthia Rivera 23+5 boards, Diana Crespo 17

*****************************************************
  SERBIA - Women  


Croatia topple Serbia in test game - by Eurobasket News
Croatia - Serbia 89:83

Croatia and Serbia clashed in the first game of the exhibition series. The teams met in Croatian Velika and the hosts celebrated victory. Jelena Ivezic (184-G-84) knocked down 19 points to lead Croatia.
The teams traded baskets throughout the opening quarter. Serbia enjoyed a narrow 23:22 lead at the first break. But the hosts exploded with 34 points in the second stanza to run away. They arrived at halftime break up by as many as 13 points 46:33. The complexion of the game did not change in the third stanza. The hosts kept on mounting the pressure and stayed in charge. Croatia boosted the margin to as many as 22 points heading into the fourth frame. Serbia showed character in the final period. They limited the hosts to just 9 points and almost denied the deficit but still came up short of victory. Marta Cakic (175-G-82) delivered 14 points for Croatia. Antonija Misura (177-F-88) had 12 points in the win. Ivanka Matic (195-F/C-79) answered with 20 points for Serbia. Jelena Maksimovic (192-C-82) accounted for 16 points in defeat. Serbia and Croatia will meet again tonight.

Croatia: Jelena Ivezic 19, Marta Cakic 14, Antonija Misura 12
Serbia: Ivanka Matic 20, Jelena Maksimovic 16


*****************************************************
  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - Women  


Trinidad and Tobago National Team 2010 - by Eurobasket
#s#
Sharmion Selman
Selman
Jowan Ortega
Ortega
Rhea Codio
Codio
Ayanna Phillip
Phillip
Jonee Billy
Billy
#e#5
4 Sharmion Selman 183-F-83 Amer.Internat. USA
5 Jowan Ortega 173-G-85 UMKC USA
6 Rhea Codio 165-G-88 Kansas USA
8 Ayanna Phillip 188-F/C-82 Pantterit Finland
9 Tiffani Williams 199-C-84 Nitra Slovakia
11 Rhonda John-Davis F/G-75 Defence Force Trinidad and Tobago
12 Alicia Liverpool 188-C-85 Defence Force Trinidad and Tobago
14 Jonee Billy 188-F/C-84 Savaria Hungary



2010 Centrobasket: Puerto Rico celebrates in Day One - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Day One: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - PUERTO RICO 50-69

Puerto Rico had an easy job against Trinidad and Tobago in Day One of the 2010 Centrobasket. It was comfortable 50-69 win for Puerto Rico, who has 1-0 in Preliminary Group B. Also in Day One, Guatemala destroyed Saint Vincent 105-54 in this pool. Stephanie Rosado (188-F-89) led the scorers in victory with 14 points. Michelle Pacheco (173-G-88) had 12 points and 5 boards to help her country. Esmary Vargas-Sanchez (193-C-81, college: Emporia St.) (6 rebs) and Angeiely Morales (180-F-87) (5 rebs) added 10 points apiece. In Trinidad and Tobago, Rhea Codio (165-G-88) delivered 11 points and 5 assists. Jonee Billy (188-F/C-84, college: Mount Holyoke) had 10 pts and 7 boards.
Puerto Rico resolved question about the winner already in the first half. Stephanie Rosado and her teammates made nice 10-17 lead in the opening quarter sending a clear signal that Trinidad will not have a chance. Puerto Rico shined in Q2 as well (8-19) jumping to 18-36 lead at the half time. Puerto Ricans slowed down after that, but still managed to keep the big plus. Third quarter ended 14-16, while the last one belonged to Trinidad and Tobago 18-17 for the final score 50-69.
In Day Two, Puerto Rico will meet Saint Vincent. Trinidad and Tobago will play against Guatemala.

Trinidad and Tobago: Rhea Codio 11+5 as, Jonee Billy 10+7 boards
Puerto Rico: Stephanie Rosado 14, Michelle Pacheco 12+5 boards, Esmary Vargas-Sanchez 10+6 boards, Angeiely Morales 10+5 boards

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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women  


SHEKINAH HENRY - WTOC Girls Player of the Year! - by David Edole
Shekinah Henry of Vidalia teamed with point guard Kourtnee Williams to lead the Lady Indians to wins in their first 31 games this season.

She was their leading scorer... rebounder... and shot blocker. Henry and the Lady Indians had the whole town buzzing. Henry grew to be 6-feet, 2-inche tall and as dominating a player as you can find in Georgia. Teamed with the other Lady Indians, they won their first 31 games of the season before coming up short to defending champion Buford in the Georgia High School Association Double-A state championship game. But it was a great run.

'I love my team and I will miss them when I go,' said Henry. 'We made a lot of memories, a lot of laughing. A lot of good times, a lot of bad times, but thankfully the good times outweighed the bad.'

Shekinah and her family moved to Vidalia after Hurricane Katrina destroyed their home. 'When I first moved here, I played with Kourtnee in the 8th grade and ever since then we kept in contact and were close with all our teammates,' said Henry. 'Nobody fights here. We're a big family and that helped us get the wins.'

Coach Chunk Reid added, 'There wasn't much question as a freshman her starting. She just had all the tools, everything it took to be a great player and certainly she turned out that way.'

She averaged more than 17 points... 14 rebounds and 5 blocks a game. Over her 4 years under coach Chunk Reid she bloomed into a great player. 'I think she brings strength to the floor by being a good team player, having a good relationship with her fellow teammates,' said Reid. 'I push her to always strive to be the best and then you throw in her basketball skills, too, just makes her an all around person.'

Next year she will take her basketball skills to Virginia Commonwealth to play college ball, something she has dreamed about. 'Trying to get my education as well as becoming a better basketball player and getting to know my team,' said Henry. 'Since I'll be going so far away, I'll have to start from scratch with just about all my relationships. It's hard to find a group of girls like I played with the last 4 years. Hopefully I will find the same camaraderie I did in high school.'



Jamaica has joyful Day One in Mayaguez - by Eurobasket News
2010 Centrobasket, Day One: U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - JAMAICA 62-73

Jamaica did a great job in Day One of the 2010 Centrobasket in Mayaguez. Jamaica outplayed the U.S. Virgin Islands 62-73 making a first step forward to Semifinals. Both teams are together with Mexico and Dominican Republic placed to Preliminary Group A at this event. Simone Edwards (193-C-73, college: Iowa) shined for the winners with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Vanessa Gidden (191-C-85, college: Hofstra) also had a very important role adding 18 points and 16 boards. Nicole Louden (172-G-83, college: Auburn) added 12 pts and 5 assists. In ISV, Tanecka Carey (175-G) responded with 19 points and 5 boards. Yanique Javois (176-G-86, college: Saint Louis) scored 16 pts.
First quarter was pretty leveled. Actually, Jamaica won it by one (14-16) and they improved in the second period a lot. Tanecka Carey and her teammates drained 20 points for the next ten minutes, while limiting ISV to 14 on the other side. It means that Jamaica had nice 28-36 lead at the half time. Third period was the crucial one in this game as Jamaica moved up to plus 15 after it and the game winner was resolved. Last ten minutes, which belonged to ISV 16-12, were just the formality.
In Day Two, Jamaica will meet Mexico. The U.S. Virgin Islands will take on Dominican Republic.

U.S. Virgin Islands: Tanecka Carey 19+5 boards, Yanique Javois 16
Jamaica: Simone Edwards 21+7 boards, Vanessa Gidden 18+16 boards, Nicole Louden 12+5 as

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  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


Great Britain U20 celebrated another victory in Samokov - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria U20-Great Britain U20 53:67
Great Britain U20 celebrated another victory in Samokov beating the hosts 67:53. Great Britain U20 looked better from the very beginning and grabbed the victory over Bulgaria U20.
The guests started offensively and reached 22-9 after the opening quarter. Moreover they added 15-11 in the second period for 37:20 halftime advantage. In the third quarter the picture did not change and the guests continued to control the game. They produced 16-15 in the frame for 18-point deficit. Bulgaria meanwhile responded with 18-14 in the last stanza and reduced the gap in the end.
Tamzin Barroilhet (183-G-90) paced all the winners with 13 points. Mairi Buchan (188-F/C-90) notched 11, while Katrin Chiemeka (170-G-91) added 10. Aleksandra Kancheva (182-F-90) ended up with 15 points in the losing effort, whilst Antonia Zagorova (190-F/C-90) scored 10.
Great Britain U20 showed 45% from the field, while the hosts had 41%. Bulgaria meanwhile had a better percentage from the arc, 33% versus 30%. They also made 17/22 free throws against 13/19 of the guests.
Game 3 will be the last of the teams and will be played tonight.

Bulgaria U20: Aleksandra Kancheva 15, Antonia Zagorova 10
Great Britain U20: Tamzin Barroilhet 13, Mairi Buchan 11, Katrin Chiemeka 10


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  WNBA - Women  


Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Atlanta D. 9-4 
 2. Connecticut S. 8-4 
 3. Indiana F. 8-4 
 4. Washington M. 7-4 
 5. Chicago S. 5-8 
 6. New York L. 4-7 
Western
 1. Seattle S. 11-2 
 2. Phoenix M. 5-7 
 3. Minnesota L. 5-9 
 4. S.Antonio SS 4-7 
 5. Tulsa S. 3-8 
 6. L.Angeles S. 3-8 


Sunday: Sky drop second straight, lose 57-54 to Liberty - by Eurobasket News
Chicago S. - New York L. 54-57
Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) scored 30 points to rally the Liberty to a 57-54 victory over the Sky. Plenette Pierson (6'2''-F/C-81, college: Texas Tech) added 10 points for New York (8-9). Pondexter scored 14 points in the final 12:15 as New York rallied from a 13-point deficit late in the third quarter. Jia Perkins (5'8''-G-82, agency: Merit Sports, college: Texas Tech) had 26 points and Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) added 12 points and 19 rebounds for the Sky (8-11), who have lost two straight after winning four of five. Fowles' running jumper gave the Sky a 45-32 lead, matching their biggest of the game, with about 3 minutes left in the third quarter. The Sky made just four field goals and scored nine points the rest of the way. *Courtesy of www.chicagobreakingsports.com


Thursday:

Tulsa S. - Indiana F. 72-100
Tamika Catchings (6'1''-F-79, college: Tennessee) scored 24 points to lead the Indiana Fever to a 100-72 victory over the Tulsa Shock on Thursday night. Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) had 17 points and Shavonte Zellous (5'10''-G-86, college: Pittsburgh) scored 16 for the Fever (11-6), who won their seventh straight home game to move within two games of Eastern Conference-leading Atlanta (14-5). Washington (12-5) is one game back of the Dream. Indiana's point total was the second-highest in franchise history, behind the 103 it scored against Phoenix in September 2008. The Fever's bench set a franchise record with 50 points. Amber Holt (6'0''-G/F-85, college: Middle Tenn.St.) had 18 points, Jennifer Lacy (6'3''-F/C-83, college: Pepperdine) scored 12 and Chante Black (6'5''-C-85, college: Duke) grabbed 12 rebounds for the Shock (3-14), who lost their 11th straight game. The Fever extended a 21-18 first-quarter lead to as much as 22 points in the second. Catchings' 3-pointer gave Indiana a 56-34 advantage to end the first half and capped a franchise-best 35-point quarter. It was the third-highest point total for a half in franchise history. Indiana shot 58 percent from the field in the first half, compared to Tulsa's 31 percent. Catchings' 18 points and Briann January's 11 led the Fever. The Fever extended the lead to 79-44 late in the third quarter, and the Shock didn't get any closer than 28 in the final period. *Courtesy of www.cbsnews.com

S.Antonio SS - Minnesota L. 66-89
Rebekkah Brunson (6'3''-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) was already having a good week, but things got even better for her and the Minnesota Lynx on Thursday night. Two days after being named to the WNBA All-Star team, Brunson had 24 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Lynx to an 89-66 win over the San Antonio Silver Stars. Seimone Augustus (6'1''-G-84, college: LSU) and Monica Wright (5'11''-F-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Virginia) each added 15 points as Minnesota (6-11) snapped a two-game losing streak in the opener of a six-game homestand. Roneeka Hodges scored 15 points for San Antonio (6-10), which has lost three of four. Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) and Becky Hammon (5'6''-G-77, college: Colorado St.), each averaging just over 15 points a game for the Silver Stars, combined to shoot 3 for 21 from the field. Young hit six free throws to help her finish with 10 points, while Hammon missed all six of her three-point attempts and had only four points. Silver Stars coach Sandy Brondello said it was worth noting that the Lynx were playing for the first time in a week, while her team had played two days ago. *Courtesy of www.denverpost.com


Wednesday:

Connecticut S. - Atlanta D. 103-108 OT
Angel McCoughtry (6'1''-F-86, college: Louisville) knew the Atlanta Dream needed to compensate quickly for Sancho Lyttle's absence. McCoughtry and Iziane Castro Marques (6'0''-G/F-82) each scored 32 points to lead the Atlanta Dream to a 108-103 overtime victory against the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday night. Erika DeSouza (6'6''-C-82) had 17 points and 13 rebounds for the Eastern Conference-leading Dream (14-5), winners of five of their last six games. McCoughtry and Alison Bales - starting in place of the injured Lyttle - had 10 rebounds each. Sun rookie Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) had a season-high 27 points and 20 rebounds for her WNBA-leading 14th double-double. Asjha Jones scored 17 points, Sandrine Gruda had 16 and Kara Lawson 11 for fourth-place Connecticut (10-8), which lost its third straight for the first time this season. *Courtesy of www.msn.foxsports.com