Our U18 women’s national team will depart for Portugal on Thursday to compete in the FIBA Europe U18 Division A championship. This 12-day event will feature 16 teams fighting for the championship title, divided into four groups. Luxembourg has been placed in Group B, where we will face France, Finland, and Israel. It is the first time ever that Luxembourg participates in an Division-A championship thanks to a historic result in 2023 behind tournament MVP Ehis Etute and all star Isa Hämäläinen.
The coaching staff and the girls were challenged over the last weeks to prepare for the big event: „Our team has undergone intensive preparation, giving 100% in every training session. We’ve played numerous friendly games, progressively improving our basketball skills after each match. The team has had three exchanges against high-quality French teams, as well as against Ireland. Additionally, we participated in a competitive tournament in Portugal, playing against Portugal, Lithuania, and the Netherlands. The team is now focused and highly motivated to compete on the international stage. The coaching staff is hopeful that the girls will represent Luxembourg well and showcase some impressive basketball.“
The roster of Luxembourg:
Blasen Emma, Drui Marie, Hämäläinen Isa, Lepage Post Lara, Marin Dawid Elena, Skrijelj Seila, Beffort Neuman Sophie, Gerges Sofia, Jemming Lara, Krings Alana, Schalbar Lena, Etute Joyce
Head coach: Galabov Rumen
Assistant coach: Sinka Andrea
Team manager: Mazjoukhina Irina
Video coach: Toussaint Christophe
Kine: Weber Eve
The program in group B
Saturday:
16:30 Luxembourg – France (LUX TIME)
Sunday:
14:00 Luxembourg – Finland (LUX TIME)
Monday:
16:30 Luxembourg – Israel (LUX TIME)
Live Stream –> FIBA YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Stats, pictures –> FIBA.COM U18
On FIBA’s website, Joyce Etute is mentionned in the article 10 players to watch , she is described as a „huge prospect – like sister, Faith. She is used to playing against older players and racked up an astounding double-double of 15.8 points and 18.2 rebounds at the FIBA U16 Women’s EuroBasket 2023, Division B. While her impact might be diluted slightly at the older level and the higher tier Division A, she will still pack a punch. A handful down low, it’s money if she catches it on the block.“
Picture of the U18 team in 2023, the team that reached the second place at the Division B tournament and realized the promotion to Division A.
After playing the U17 World championship this summer, Nicole Torresani will also be part of Italy’s U18 team in this competition.
