FC Barcelona added another title to the club's history winning the U-18 spanish final round championship, played from Tuesday till today in Lanzarote (Canary Islands). Team coached by Alex Garcia beat Gran Canaria in the big final (68-62) with guard Joan Creus ('92) leading the winners and being named MVP of the game: 23 points (6/10 threes), 2 rebounds and 2 assists. Guard Lluis Costa ('93) also made a good job (12 with 2/3 from downtown) while center Aitor Gómez ('93) added 9 and 10 rebounds in only 20 minutes showing his credentials to make the U-17 NT roster. For Gran Canaria guard Christian Diaz ('92) poured 16 with 3/7 behind the arc, while youngster Tridon Makonda ('94) made a double-double (10 points and 11 rebounds) and Jonay Cazorla ('92) another one (10+12).

 

In the game for the third final position Asefa Estudiantes won Unicaja Malaga (70-72) with Jaime Fernández ('93) finishing as the best valorated of the winners: 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals. For Unicaja center Malick Fall ('92) nailed 14 points pulling down 8 boards.

 

Cajasol Sevilla finished fifth after beating Unelco Tenerife (58-65). Pape Amadou Sow ('93) made a good job leading the win (13 points, 15 boards and 3 steals), while Mansour Sow ('92) finished as the best of Canary Islands group with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks.

 

Finally DKV Joventut finished seventh after winning European College Majadahonda with an easy 56-93.

 

Final standings: 1-Barcelona, 2-Gran Canaria, 3-Asefa Estudiantes, 4-Unicaja, 5-Cajasol, 6-Unelco, 7-Joventut, 8-Majadahonda, 9-Valencia, 10-Easo, 11-Valladolid and 12-Lugo.

 

Awards:

MVP of the final: Joan Creus ('92), from FC Barcelona.

MVP of the tournament: By Konate ('93), from Gran Canaria.

Best scorer: Christian Díaz ('92), from Gran Canaria.

Best rebounder: By Konate ('93), from Gran Canaria.

Best passer: Fabio Santana ('92), from Gran Canaria.

Best coach: Alex Garcia, from FC Barcelona.

 

Photo: FEB.ES