Czech Republic crowned U16 European Women champions
MATOSINHOS (2015 U16 European Championship Women) - It was a case of third time lucky for Czech Republic who finally got their hands on the U16 European Championship Women title for the first time having
MATOSINHOS (2015 U16 European Championship Women) - It was a case of third time lucky for Czech Republic who finally got their hands on the U16 European Championship Women title for the first time having suffered defeat in the previous two editions of the Final.
Played out in front of a capacity crowd of 4,500 people and with many more locked out due to the unprecedented demand, Czech Republic eased their way to the top of the podium with a 79-55 win against host nation Portugal.
It was built off the back of a blistering 32-12 start which left their opponents trailing as Tereza Vitulova amassed a fantastic 18 points and 11 rebounds, supported by 17 points from Adela Smutna.
While not on the winning team, the selection of Ana Ramos as the Most Valuable Player was a hugely popular choice after driving her country to unprecedented heights. Portugal had never before finished in the top eight of the tournament.
The Portuguese playmaker headlined the All-Star Five and was joined by her team-mate Beatriz Jordao. The quintet also included Veronika Sipova of Czech Republic who had double cause for celebration, as did Italian center Lorela Cubaj. Russia's Kamilla Ogun rounded out the team.
In Sunday’s Third-Place Game, Italy breezed past Spain 70-54 to reach the podium for the first time since 2012, as Sara Madera racked up a vital 14 points and nine rebounds to provide the main thrust for the win.
In addition to each of the Semi-Finalists, France and Latvia will also appear at the 2016 FIBA U17 Women's World Championship after finishing fifth and sixth respectively, with the former ready to step out at the event for the first time - as is the case with Portugal.
The tournament witnessed relegation to Division B for England, Netherlands and Belgium who will be replaced by Belarus, Lithuania and Sweden in 2016 after the trio gained promotion from Division B in Ohrid, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (MKD).
Final Standings of 2015 U16 European Championship Women:
1. Czech Republic
2. Portugal
3. Italy
4. Spain
5. Latvia
6. France
7. Hungary
8. Russia
9. Germany
10. Serbia
11. Turkey
12. Croatia
13. Slovak Republic
14. Belgium
15. Netherlands
16. England
Go to http://u16women.fibaeurope.com/en/default.asp for full coverage of the 2015 U16 European Championship Women.
FIBA