A new edition of the Nike Global Challenge was held some days ago in the Liberty High School, at Hillsboro (Oregon, USA). Eight U-19 teams competed in the tournament: Brazil, Canada, INSEP (France), All-Asia, USA East, USA Midwest, USA South and USA West. The title was for USA South, while the french squad ended fourth shining in their games. In the quarter-finals contest INSEP, with a very young group, beat USA West 108-112. Guard Benjami John ('93) -at the pic- led the win with 24 points (5/7 threes) and 3 assists. Beside him guard Ulysse Adjagba ('93) added 18 with 3/6 from downtown and 5 boards, while Malela Mutuale ('91) scored 15 with 2/2 threes, dishing 7 assists. In the semifinals battle they couldn't do anything against USA Midwest (78-59). Finally in the game for the third place they lost against Canada (75-85). In that case John ended as their best scorer again with 18 (2/7 from downtown), adding 2 assists. William Howard ('93) poured 13 with 3/8 threes and 1 steal and Adjagba, 10 with 2/8 behind the arc and 2 assists.

 

In Brazil 2.10 center Lucas Riva ('92), who plays with spanish team Asefa Estudiantes, showed things even his squad ended seventh. In three contests he averaged 16.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks.

 

Final standings: 1-USA South, 2-USA Midwest, 3-Canada, 4-France, 5-USA East, 6-USA West, 7-Brazil and 8-All Asia.

 

Howard and John, from INSEP, and Riva, from Brazil, were choosen in the All International Team.

 

Check some highlights of the event.

 

Photo: FIBA Europe / Tomas Tumalovicius