England Girls Strike Gold at Jr. NBA Tournament in Rome

England’s girls returned from Rome with gold after winning the Jr. NBA tournament in Italy, beating the hosts 34-28 in the final.

The victory rounded off a strong weekend for the England Talent Programme, with the girls’ side holding Italy to just nine first-half points before seeing out the championship game at Palafonte Roma.

England’s boys also produced an impressive run, reaching their final after a 44-34 win over Denmark. They were denied a double triumph in dramatic fashion, losing 49-48 to Italy on a buzzer-beater.

The tournament featured four teams in each competition. England faced Italy, Denmark and the Netherlands in the boys’ event, while Germany replaced the Dutch in the girls’ field.

Basketball England said the event formed part of the England Talent Programme, giving young players and coaches more opportunities to train, compete and experience different international playing styles before possible future Great Britain selection.

Head of Talent and Performance Steve Bucknall praised the girls’ success and said the boys’ narrow defeat would still provide a valuable learning experience.

For English youth basketball, it is another useful marker of progress: international games, pressure moments, and a trophy-winning finish for the girls’ group.

Source: Basketball England.