The U18 Gems defeated China 81-55 to end China’s run as five-time consecutive defending Champions. Australia asserted their dominance early in the group phase getting comfortable wins against India (116-49), New Zealand (111-44) and Korea (96-66) to advance straight through to the Semi-Final. The Gems were challenged for the first time in the Semi-Final against Chinese Taipei, who were always close enough behind to put pressure on the Gems. But Australia proved too strong, with Isobel Borlase (19 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 steals) and Isla Juffermans (15 points and 16 rebounds) leading the way, taking a 70-61 victory to set up the Grand Final Match against China. In the Final, Juffermans once again stood up for Australia putting up 26 points along with 15 rebounds and 3 steals in her best performance on the tournament. Dallas Loughridge also had her best game of the competition with 17 points and 8 assists to help the Gems clinch the title. Led by Head Coach, David Herbert along with Tom Garlepp and Kristen Veal, this is Australia’s first ever Under 18 Women’s Asian Championship after finishing at 3rd place in 2018. Isla Juffermans was named MVP of the tournament following her dominant performance for Australia throughout the competition. The 1.93M (6’4”) centre was only one of two players to average a double-double throughout the tournament with 17 points and 11 rebounds per game. Juffermans was also among one of only two players to shoot over 60 percent from the field in the competition, finishing with a field goal shooting percentage of 66.1 per cent. Isobel Borlase was also named in the All-Star Five. The Guard was in the top five amongst all players in scoring (14.4 points per game), assists (4.4 assists per game), and steals (2.8 steals per game). She was also sixth in rebounds with 7.6 rebounds per game after grabbing 14 in the Final. Australia, China, Japan, and Chinese Taipei are qualified for the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2023 which will be played in Madrid, Spain.
