Race for All-Star Five and MVP heats up in Bourges

BOURGES (FIBA U16 Women's European Championship 2017) - As we approach the business end of the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship 2017, the race for the All-Star Five and MVP is coming alive.

We take a look at some of the leading candidates in battle to land the prestigious individual recognition. 

Ilaria Panzera - Italy

Panzera missed out on a medal last time around and seems determined to put that right this time. She is leading Italy with 10.8 points per game and also has 3.6 assists to her name.

Caterina Gilli - Italy

Only just missing out on a double-double across the first five games with 9.8 points and 10.4 rebounds per game, she is a colossus in the paint for her country. The 23 boards she had against Spain in the Quarter-Finals was fundamental to the success.

Laura Meldere - Latvia

Leading the competition in both scoring and efficiency, Meldere is averaging a sparkling tournament double-double of 16.4 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. That means you can see why she is a prime MVP candidate.

Kendra Chery - France

The super athleticism of Chery has made many people sit up excitedly about her future potential. She is also delivering in the here and now, averaging 12 points per game and setting the tempo well for a French team that loves to run when it can.

Zoe Wadoux - France

When the top scorer for France gets hot, it's hard to slow her down because of her explosive shooting skills. Wadoux has racked up a team-high 15 points per game so far - despite having had some injury issues.

Iliana Rupert - France

As the tournament unfolds, Rupert is becoming more and more of a factor in each game which bodes well for the business end of the competition. She is second for efficiency in the competition and is leading the way on the glass for the hosts.

Reka Dombai - Hungary

Now growing in influence, Dombai has good strength and is tough to knock out of her stride. She is the leading scorer with 11 points per game and also harvests 5 boards per outing too.

Aliz Varga - Hungary

The forward has been a tower of strength for her team and with her eye-catching consistency, is well set to challenge for the All-Star Five. She currently leads Hungary in both efficiency and rebounding.

Nora Wentzel - Hungary

Her movement and fundamentals are very impressive and she brings a real dynamic and versatility to the team which encapsulates everything about the Hungarian style. She has 9.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2 assists per game but also has the 'X-Factor'.

Raquel Carrera - Spain

Seemingly destined to compete for MVP until the champions were dramatically derailed in the Quarter-Finals by Italy, Carrera remains a power. She is the competition's leading shot blocker with 3.4 swats - as well as 13.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.

Emily Bessoir - Germany

Talked about as possible MVP material prior to Germany's surprise loss to Latvia in the Quarter-Finals, she could still make the All-Star Five. She has averaged a mammoth tournament double-double of 14.8 points and 14.2 boards per game.

Nika Muhl - Croatia

While unlikely to make it because Croatia did not even reach the Quarter-Finals, her exceptional performance deserves recognition. She is leading the competition with a magnificent 7 assists per game and also in steals with 4.8 per outing.

Finally, with two big games to go in this competition for the top teams, it's likely other candidates could yet emerge from the pack and ride their way into contention.

FIBA