What an achievement for Israel’s national girls’ basketball team. After already securing its return to Division A, the under-18 team completed a perfect tournament with an 85-66 victory over host Romania in the final to win the U18 Division B European Championship. Israel finished the tournament with an undefeated 7-0 record, following another convincing performance in which it dominated from the opening tip and left the Romanians with no real chance.
A great start by Maya Zilbershlag gave Israel a 13-6 lead. Even a timeout by the Romanians did not help, and a three-pointer by Maayan Gorin extended the gap to 18-6. The hosts responded with two consecutive three-pointers, but Zilbershlag, with nine first-quarter points, and Gorin, with 12 points in the quarter, led Israel to a 30-14 lead at the end of the first ten minutes.
The team continued to show superiority in the second quarter, mainly due to strong minutes from Mika Kanitz and Rotem Shtikelro. Conversely, the host team continued to struggle offensively and found itself trailing 47-29. Tamar Carmi scored inside the paint to put Israel up 51-29 at halftime.
Even after the break, Israel did not take its foot off the gas, and in the third quarter, the lead grew to 69-38. At one point, the advantage approached nearly 40 points, and the third quarter ended at 76-44.
The host team attempted a comeback in the final quarter with 17 consecutive points, cutting the deficit to 76-57 with six minutes remaining. However, a crucial basket by Rotem Shtikelro and a three-pointer with a drawn foul by Mika Kanitz sealed the story, paving the way to a huge victory and the title.
Maayan Gorin led five players in double figures with 22 points. Maya Zilbershlag added 21 points, Mika Kanitz had 14, Rotem Shtikelro scored 13, and Tamar Carmi had 12. Israel will play in Division A next summer.
Scored for Israel: Maayan Gorin 22 pts (6/11 for two), Maya Zilbershlag 21 pts (7 rebounds, 4 assists), Mika Kanitz 14 pts (10 rebounds, 4/8 for three), Rotem Shtikelro 13 pts (9 assists), Tamar Carmi 12 pts, Mika Yanai 3 pts.