MATOSINHOS (FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship 2016) – After claiming their first youth medal at the FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship last year in Lanzarote, a high number of returnees sees Netherlands favourites to take pole position in Group C.

Their big-hitters from last summer are mostly all back on board, led by playmaker Laura Cornelius, center Emese Hof and the athletic Janis Ndiba. That trio alone will catapult Netherlands into being one of the frontrunners - not only for the opening phase, but also for the tournament.

Cornelius and Hof bring NCAA experience as team-mates at Miami University, as well as their extensive experience together with the youth national teams. Both are two of the most highly regarded players of their generation and Hof found herself in last year’s All-Star Five in Spain after averaging more than 14 points and seven boards per game.

With one of the best point guards in the competition and a great partnership in the paint, Netherlands look strong and also because they have shooters such as Fleur Kujit and Esther Fokke to provide ammunition from the wing positions.

France took silver last year, but the entire team was made up of 1995-born players who no longer qualify and so it will be an entirely new-look side when the competition gets underway. What will be interesting is that it will contain several talented members of the team which reached the Final in Matosinhos at the FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship a couple of years ago.

Louise Dambach and Marylie Limousin are very capable guards, with the addition of the highly-rated Lisa Berkani an added bonus. The forward slots will be filled by the hard-working Camille Cirgue and powerful Marie Milapie, with France needing to perform to a high level if they want to take their country to what would be an impressive third consecutive Final appearance at the event.

Digna Strautmane excelled last year in Lanzarote at the last edition of the tournament

Latvia had to work hard to ensure they preserved their Division A status last year, but did so thanks mainly to the efforts of Digna Strautmane. The forward was highly influential and led her team in scoring and rebounding, so it’s a real boost that she is back on the roster.

Meanwhile Kate Kreslina is one of the big hopes for the future of Latvian basketball. She never played at a youth tournament last year, but has spent time playing with the senior team and given a glimpse of her potential, which should make her a force to be reckoned with. With this duo operating in tandem, Latvia could be a dark horse. Especially as they have some of the players moving up who are high on confidence after celebrating promotion from the FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship Division B 2015.

Greece will be ready to take on the label as underdogs and yet may be confident of causing some upsets. That is because their main source of joy is likely to come from the excellent Maria Fasoula, who is a star under the basket and averaged a spectacular tournament double-double last year as Greece secured promotion from Division B.

There are also some other players returning who can have a big impact and who will want to finish their youth careers on a high note. Look out for the all-action Georgia Stamati and the offensive capabilities of the free-scoring Eleanna Christinaki.

FIBA