As the dust begins to settle from an action packed FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup in Czechia the Sapphires will return home with a bronze medal and an immense amount of pride.
One of the hardest things to do in FIBA Basketball is overcome a painful loss in a semi final and reset for the bronze medal game.
Head Coach, Tom Garlepp and the Australian Sapphires did just that.
"After the semi-final loss it was difficult but it’s never as bad or even as good as you think," Garlepp told basketball.com.au.
"I simply told them I appreciated that they went for it, and sometimes you fall short, but how awesome we can play for a medal tomorrow."
"Today showcased the teams depth," he said.
Australia led for large portions of the 64 – 57 triumph over Canada but found themselves down by four points with six minutes to play.
If the Sapphires managed to put the fourth quarter fade out against Spain completely out of mind – the jitters would have been creeping back when Canada surged ahead in the last quarter.
"All in all the girls walking away with something is a good feeling,” said Garlepp.
"The team really supported each other and enjoyed the experience which was a difference maker. Losing a couple of emotional games is hard but bouncing back required positivity and they were able to create internally which was awesome."
The maturity of the group shone through at the clutch. Issy Smith kept driving. Madison Ryan hit a textbook worthy jumper three.
The scores were locked at 55 a piece with just over a minute to play. And Olivia Olechnowicz hit the go ahead bucket, the biggest of her young international career.
Australia competed fearlessly to grind out the remaining minute to earn a deserved medal from Brno.
As mentioned by Garlepp, the unsung hero of the Sapphire bronze triumph was the depth and role players across the group.
Australia outscored Canada 16 – 9 from the bench. Jay Sebasio was 4 from 5 to eight points, Sophie Richardson was a threat across the board and the energy and hustle of Daisy Hocking and Jasmine Jones snatching rebounds made a massive difference.
Although the usual suspects get the attention; see Madi Ryan selected in the All Star 5 and Olechnowicz as Best Defensive Player, All Second Team.
It was a team victory and a demonstration of the incredible depth of talent available in Australian basketball.
"The future of Australian women’s basketball is in a good spot,” summarised Garlepp.
We agree Tom. The best part of it all is we get to watch this group progress through the FIBA age brackets for two more years.
Statistical leaders for the tournament detailed below.
LEADERS
Total Points
Madison Ryan – 99
Olivia Olechnowicz – 85
Isabel Smith – 83
Sophie Richardson – 56
Matilda Trout - 44
Total Assists
Matilda Trout – 22
Madison Ryan – 20
Jade Sherrington – 16
Olivia Olechnowicz – 15
Jasmine Jones – 14
Total Rebounds
Matilda Trout – 53
Madison Ryan – 42
Jemyma Manyok – 34
Olivia Olechnowicz – 33
Sophie Richardson – 20
Total Steals
Olivia Olechnowicz – 23
Madison Ryan – 10
Isabel Smith – 10
Matilda Trout – 4
Lily Mapp – 4
Total Blocks
Jemyma Manyok – 16
Madison Ryan – 9
Lily Mapp – 6
Sophie Richardson – 5
Isabel Smith – 4
Total + / -
Madison Ryan – 84
Olivia Olechnowicz – 80
Matilda Trout – 68
Jemyma Manyok – 56
Isabel Smith 52
Total Efficiency
Madison Ryan – 113
Olivia Olechnowicz – 97
Matilda Trout – 93
Jemyma Manyok – 51
Isabel Smith 53
