FIBA U17W - Quarters spots up for grabs in Group B

AMSTERDAM (2012 FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) – There is no overwhelming favorite in Group B of the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship as the group dynamics can change on a daily basis for which teams are Quarter-Finals bound.

The first day has three good games straight away as Brazil take on Japan, who look to show that their undefeated run to the 2011 U16 Asian Championship was no fluke; while Australia face 2011 U16 European champions Spain in a showdown of expected top challengers for the group crown, and Turkey hook horns with Netherlands with the hosts looking to steal a first day victory.

The results from the first Friday will at least give an indication in what direction the group could be heading.

One thing is for certain, there will be a number of superb talents on display as Izabella Sangalli will lead the Brazilians – coached by the legendary Janeth Arcain; Vanessa Panousis will be a key figure for the Australians; and Japan will only go as far as the Ghana-born Evelyn Mawuli can carry them.

Turkey for their part will rely heavily on point guard Bürsa Akbas; while Spain’s leaders will be Leticia Romero and Maria Arrojo. The Dutch will have a young team including a number of players from the U18 European Championship that qualified for the 2013 FIBA U19 World Championship for Women including Isabella Slim and 16-year-old Laura Cornelius.

With each team having a strong leader, Group B should be a tight battle, also with the grouping including three European sides.

FIBA