The 2024 edition of the prestigious youth tournament in Mexico was one to remember.
MIES (Switzerland) – There was plenty to love at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2024 in Leon and Irapuato as the cream of the globe's rising stars congregated in Mexico for another fabulous tournament.
There were almost too many magical and momentous moments to remember from the competition, so we've picked out the 10 most memorable.
After opening with a 28-point defeat to France on their debut in the competition and then a tough 53-point reverse against Canada, things looked bleak for Chinese Taipei. But showing great resilience, they shrugged this off to pull off a famous first victory by beating Egypt in style by 69-45.
It was the moment when the super-talented Robinson not only picked up the deserved and ultimate individual honor, but it also confirmed the potential presence of a possible senior USA star of the future.
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Something had to give when two new-timers met on the opening day. History was going to be made by either Puerto Rico or Croatia and it was the latter that got the job done with a historic 77-65 triumph. A certain Olivia Vukosa was the centerpiece of the win and this won't be the only time her name is mentioned in the list!
It was a standout game for McKenna Woliczko in the Quarter-Finals against Japan as the frontcourt ace cleaned up on the glass to help put USA into the last four. Considering all the amazing players who followed her in previous years, it was quite the feat to tie the all-time USA rebounding record by pulling down 17 boards in the contest.
The records tumbled from day one in Mexico and it was Aina Cargol of Spain that started the ball rolling – or in this case started passing it with style and substance. It turned out to be an amazing debut day for the guard at the event.
She became the first Spanish baller to dish the rock 9 times in a game as she excelled in her nation's one-sided opening win against Argentina.
Finland landed in Mexico for their first appearance and had to be patient for their maiden victory. After opening up with a pair of losses, including a heart-breaker against Japan, it was third time lucky. They made history with a 64-58 success against Argentina that will live long in the memory.
With a string of Japanese guards down the years who have lit it up on the biggest stage at the senior level, a possible new star of the future came into sight in the shape of Sara Yamada. Time will tell if she can be the next Yugo Oga or Rui Machida.
But when she handed out 10 assists in back to back games, she became the first player in U17 Worlds history to accomplish the achievement. It also helped Japan make history with their highest ever assists total of 31.
There were countless records smashed by USA throughout the tournament and the biggest headline was their scoring exploits and offensive firepower. But perhaps the moment that defined just how challenging it would be to break their dominance of the competition came when they set a new steals record. The defensive intensity was maybe overlooked up until they grabbed a spectacular 30 steals in their game against Croatia – the first time anyone has hit the landmark.
Canada broke new ground when they slipped past Spain 76-73 in an absorbing Semi-Final matchup that saw them make the title game at the event for the very first time. While Sara Okeke lit it up for Spain, it was Canada and their teamwork that helped to squeeze out the win in what was arguably the most compelling game of the tournament.
OIivia Vukosa signed off on a magnificent campaign by becoming the first ever baller to rack up a phenomenal performance efficiency valuation of 50. The Croatian center achieved the feat on the last day of the competition. She harvested a jaw-dropping double-double of 31 points and 24 rebounds, while also blocking an outstanding 6 shots, snapping up 3 steals and dishing out 2 assists. She was also named as the Best Defensive Player at the event.
FIBA
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