Best of 2022: Fournier dunks; Egypt has got game and USA'S U17 WWC dominance

MIES (Switzerland) - The 2022 edition of the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup marked a welcome return of the competition after the pandemic had previously forced the cancellation of the 2020 event.

Here's what happened in 2010 and 2012

Best of 2010: Meesseman, Li and Stewart step out

Best of 2012: Mali history, 13 year old Park, USA still perfect at U17 Worlds second edition

That meant there were even more reason to celebrate the talking points of what went down in the Hungarian city of Debrecen.

Here's what happened in 2014 and 2016:

Best of 2014: Salvadores hits 40 points in title game; Ionescu a hidden star

Best of 2016: Australian Sapphires sparkle with stunning first FIBA U17 Worlds title

Here's what happened at the 2018 edition

Best of 2018: USA back to their best; Alvarez sinks 10 game triples at the U17 Worlds

Top of the podium: USA roll on relentlessly

USA completed an 84-62 victory against Spain to secure their fifth title in six editions. They had too much for Spain and jumped out on their rivals from the tip-off and never had cause to look back. USA were driven by 16 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds from Jaloni Cambridge in the backcourt, while Breya Cunningham excelled in the frontcourt with a 10-point and 10-rebound double-double. Spain picked up their third silver medal, having previously finished second in 2012 and 2014.

Meet the MVP: JuJu Watkins (USA)

Watkins enjoyed a double celebration after being named TISSOT MVP, adding to her title success. Heading into the tournament with a big reputation, the guard didn't disappoint as USA took yet another crown. She finished with an average of 13.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.3 steals per game.

Watkins was joined by USA colleague Jaloni Cambridge who averaged 9.4 points, 5.1 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 steals. Iyana Martin picked up a silver medal with Spain and accumulated 13.4 points, 6.1 assists, 2.9 steals, and 2.3 boards per game.

Dominique Malonga of France averaged a tournament double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Canadian Cassandre Prosper netted 14.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.6 steals, and 2.4 assists per game.

On absolute fire: Toby Fournier (Canada)

Yes, there was THAT DUNK by Fournier which captured all the headlines, but her amazing performance against Korea also attained a spectacular performance efficiency valuation of 46. The Canadian star amassed a stellar 32 points, 17 rebounds, 5 assists,3 steals, and 2 blocks in the victory.

Five-star entertainment: Malonga takes France to bronze

What a game this was for the last podium step! France came out on top against Canada 84-82 in a game for the ages as Dominique Malonga went into beast mode with a phenomenal 28 points and 17 boards. The contest was delicately poised with 90 seconds remaining, but a huge block by Dominique Malonga and a go-ahead triple from Ines Salahy got France onto the front foot heading into the last minute.

The hidden star: Syla Swords (Canada)

All the buzz was around Toby Fournier and Cassandre Prosper who posted huge numbers for Canada. However, out of the limelight and not necessarily noticed as much as she should have been, was guard Syla Swords.

Unlike her teammates, she never averaged double-digits in scoring but did enough for a senior team fast-track. She's since played for Canada at the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2023 and 2025, as well as balling at Paris 2024.

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FIBA