Poland took an amazing result in the U-17 World Championship, held in Hamburg (Germany), earning the silver medal losing only one game, the final. Polish prospects lost against USA (111-80) after fighting in the first third quarters. But in the last ten minutes americans crashed them (33-18). Tomasz Gielo ('93), who has made a great tournament, finished as the best scorer for Poland with 21 points (9/15 FG), 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Beside hime shined Mateusz Poinitka ('93) -at the pic- with 14 and 6/14 FG.

 

In the game for the bronze medal Lithuania couldn't beat Canada in a tied contest (83-81). Tiny point-guard Marius Paliukenas ('93) wasn't enough even he scored 18 points pulling down 6 boards and dishing 5 assists. The good job of forward Osvaldas Olisevicius ('93) -17 with 8/13 FG- and Mantas Mockevicius ('93) -16 with 7/14 FG- didn't help either. Simonas Kymantas ('93) added 9 points, 14 rebounds and 1 block.

 

Serbia finished fifth after winning Australia (64-74) with Luka Mitrovic ('93) showing his skills: 18 points (8/11 FG), 9 boards and 5 assists. Nenad Miljenovic ('93) added 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists, while Dorde Milosevic ('93) nailed 12 with 7 boards and 2 steals.

 

Finally Germany finished eigth after losing against China (65-64). Hosts were winning by 15 points at half time, but this advantage wasn't enough. Besnik Bekteshi ('93) was too alone: 23 points (9/19 FG), 6 rebounds and 5 steals.

 

About the awards... The MVP was for Bradley Beal ('93), from USA. The All-Tournament team was: Bradley Beal ('93) and James McAdoo ('93) from USA, Mateusz Ponitka ('93) and Przemek Karnowski ('93) from Poland and Kevin Pangos ('93) from Canada.  

 

Final standings: 1-USA, 2-Poland, 3-Canada, 4-Lithuania, 5-Serbia, 6-Australia, 7-China, 8-Germany, 9-Argentina, 10-Spain, 11-Egypt and 12-Korea.

 

Photo: FIBA.COM