Game hightlights from the U17 World Championship game against Brazil. The United States dominated the game, winning 80-38.
Diamond DeShields leads U17 team to rout of Brazil
Jessica Washington #5, hangs in the air on the shot attempt during the USA vs Brazil game. (photo by Kelly Kline)
ORLANDO, FL – From open to close, the U17 World Championship Team put together a dominating performance for a lopsided 80-38 win over Brazil on Thursday night at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando.
It started with Taya Reimer (Hamilton Southeastern H.S.) scoring off the opening tip, followed by a pull-up bank shot by Rebecca Greenwell (Owensboro Catholic H.S.) then a back door lob to Diamond DeShields (Norcross H.S.). Before Brazil could catch their breath Team USA was up 20-4 just 4 minutes into the game.
Brazil, who is expected to be a formidable opponent in the upcoming World Games in Amsterdam, was playing with a depleted bench due to a handful of players not being able to make the trip to the United States.
The starting lineup for Team USA consisted of Lindsay Allen (St. John’s College H.S.), Mercedes Russell (Springfield H.S.), DeShields, Greenwell and Reimer. This crew set a defensive tone for the team, which forced 12 turnovers and pulled down 24 defensive rebounds in the first half. Strong on-ball pressure held Brazil to just 16 percent shooting from the field. Meanwhile the United States shot a blistering 55 percent from the field and was up by 32 points at the intermission.
The U17’s also won the battle on the boards, out-rebounding Brazil 57-35 for the game. Russell led with 9 rebounds and 5-foot-7 point guard Linnae Harper (Whitney Young H.S.) was second best with 7 boards.
Despite the dominating performance, Team USA has plenty of places to improve; they shot a dismal 50% from the free throw line and went 1-9 from behind the arc.
Brazil did manage to cause some disruption, forcing 21 USA turnovers. But unable to convert on the other end, the South Americans had little opportunity to cut the lead. Isabella Macedo was the only Brazilian in double figures with 11 points.
DeShields lead all scorers with14 points, Kaela Davis (Buford H.S.) added 11, followed by Greenwell and Reimer with 10.
