PILSEN (FIBA World Championship for Women) - While the outstanding Debora Dubei has received most plaudits for unbeaten Hungary en-route to their Semi-Final place at the U17 FIBA World Championship for Women, the post-play of Virag Kiss has been another highly prominent and positive factor.

The center has been a colossus in the paint for the debutantes, who had to work hard to win a high-tempo clash against Japan in Friday's Quarter-Finals, which registered a fabulous fifth win in a row to maintain their flawless record.

Kiss was typically influential, claiming 12 points and seven rebounds to show great signs of development from last summer having been given the chance to play in her homeland with PEAC-Pecs, one of the leading club teams.

"Playing my first full season has helped in every aspect of my game," revealed the Kaposvar native.

"It was important for me that I had the full trust from my coaches and because of this, I was given court time in every competition.

"It really did make me better in every way and also mentally stronger - things which I have tried to use in this tournament."

Kiss admitted that the team had struggled to maintain the high standards set in Klatovy when they stepped out for the first time on the floor in Pilsen, but is already waiting for the USA in the last four.

"The first quarter was not very good against Japan as we started really slow, but then we got a little better.

"We became much tougher in our defence and this was important at the end of the game.

"It's a big thing for any team from Hungary to make the Semi-Final of a FIBA World Championship event.

"It will also be great to play USA, but we really aren't afraid of anybody including them and we will play very hard in this game."

There is also an added incentive for Virag and Dubei in particular, since the two leaders are acutely aware that Hungary are co-hosts of EuroBasket Women 2015 and leading their nation to a medal in Pilsen would be a great boost leading up to the event.

"I think it is a source of great pride that we will be co-hosts of the competition and it can help to inspire many more young players," said Kiss.

"We hope that there are five of six players here in our team who can one day play with the senior side.

"It's also important that we build a solid base and do well at all levels to give the fans in Hungary something to cheer as we probably haven't been as successful as we could have been during the last few years."

FIBA