In a standout weekend for youth basketball, a remarkable under-18 women’s team secured their sixth medal of the summer with a hard-fought victory. The squad earned gold contention by reaching the European final in Heraklion, Greece, after defeating France 54-36 in the semifinal. The late-season run showcased a blend of skill, discipline, and relentless effort that reflected strong coaching and dedicated players from the Spanish program.
Under the guidance of coach Bernat Canut, the team set the pace from the opening whistle. They controlled the tempo, built an early lead, and maintained pressure throughout the game. The first quarter saw them establish a modest advantage, while the defense limited the opponents to a total of six goals before the break, with France adding a tough challenge later in the frame. Marina Aviñoa delivered a decisive late-quarter burst, and the squad carried a 25-20 edge into the second period, fending off periodic French surges with composure and poise.
Despite facing shooting challenges in the early stages—first-half percentages hovered around the low 20s—timely adjustments and increased ball movement sharpened their cutting edge. The Spaniards surged in the third quarter with a dominant 16-2 run, pushing the score to 41-26 and giving them a ten-minute cushion to close out the semifinal with confidence and control.
In the final stage, the Spanish team leveraged its momentum to seal the win and set up a Sunday showdown for the sixth medal of the summer in the broader summer basketball program. Lithuania stood as the next major hurdle in the title pursuit, while France and Germany prepared for the consolation match in the third-place bracket. The outcome underscored not only talent but the resilience of a team that had grown together over the summer and found its form at the most meaningful moment.
Carla Brito stood out with 13 points, eight rebounds, and a 16-point impact rating, while Ariadne Thermis contributed 3 points, 12 rebounds, and a 19 efficiency score. These performances highlighted the contributions of a core group that guided the squad through a demanding schedule and into the medal rounds, reflecting the effectiveness of the system under Bernat Canut.”