Mateusz Ponitka ('93) and his teammates of Poland will start today the U-19 World Championship of Latvia after conquering the title of the U-18 Cisternino Tournament "Memorial Peppino Todisco", held in Italy some days ago. U-18 Polish squad will compete with older prospects due to a decision of its Federation, so they can prepare the U-18 EC that will we played in their country. Big event for them. After three days of competition Poland ended the tournament with Ponitka leading the win against the hosts after an OT (80-82) with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Beside him also shined Michal Michalak ('93), with 15 points, Piotr Niedwiedzki ('93), with 14 points, and Przemek Karnowski ('93), with 14 and 5 boards. At the losing effort Amedeo Della Valle ('93) and Francesco Veccia ('93) nailed 16 apiece.

 

In the first day Italy lost to Sweden (70-76) even the good job from Della Valle (18), while Poland beat Czech Republic (77-59) behind 19 points of Ponitka. In the second journey Italy defeat Czech Republic (95-75) with Francesco Veccia ('93) scoring 24, while Sweden lost to Poland even Jonathan Person ('93), who nailed 26. In the last day Czech Republic beat Sweden (82-86) even Tobias Borg ('93), who had 20.

 

Final Standings: Poland (3-0), Sweden (2-1), Italy and Czech Republic (1-2).  

 

Photo: FIBA.COM