Daishan, China – The NetScouts Basketball Women’s USA All-Stars squared off in an opening match against a formidable squad from Australia on the first day of the Daishan City Tournament. Both teams struggled to get going early after having just arrived to the location from a long day of international travel. In the end the Americans were able to force enough turnovers to put the game well out of reach for the final margin of 72-54. The USA outscored the Aussies in each quarter, however struggling mightily in the 3rd quarter. The Americans are still playing with lineups a bit to find the most favorable matchups.
As is to be expected on the first day of the tournament, the USA All-Stars struggled to execute well enough to provide easy scoring opportunities but yet still did enough on the defensive end to come away with the victory. The Aussies however, continued to battle and grind, keeping the Americans within striking distance, but could not get closer than 15 points throughout the second half. 
Leading the way for the USA All-Stars was Jazmine Perkins with 15 points, five rebounds and four steals, while Brittany Crain chipped in 14 points, four rebounds and three steals. Lexi Peterson (11 points) and 6’5 center Shelby Cheslek (10 points) also scored in double-figures. Stephanie Lee (9 points) rounded out the bulk of the scoring. Danielle Rodriguez (2 points, 4 assists, 4 steals) and Marquelle Dent (2 points, 3 assists, 3 steals) helped lead the Americans transition game picking the pockets of several Aussie guards and passing ahead to teammates for easy buckets. While Talia Walton (4 points) and Kaylon Williams (2 points) didn’t score much they both did solid work in other areas, picking up six and nine rebounds respectively.
For the Aussies, they battled hard, and though they didn’t necessarily shoot a great percentage, they relentlessly hit the offensive glass trying to get extra opportunities. This is the main reason the Aussies were able to keep the game close. Inside players, Ezi Magbegor, Lara McSpadden and Rebecca Pizzey kept the rebounding pressure on. Magbegor finished with seven points, seven rebounds and six blocks. Jazmin Shelley (14 points) and Jasminon Simmons (13 points) lead the scoring charge for the Aussies, with Shelley dropping floaters and 3’s while Simmons did a vast majority of her work getting to the FT line converting on 7-of-8 freebies.
Daishan City is host to the first two days of the tournament. Tomorrow, the USA All-Stars will square off against Lithuania, who dropped their opening match against China in a high scoring 88-72 game.
Jazmine Perkins
NetScouts Basketball USA All-Stars
Marquelle Dent (Wyoming) 2 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 3 steals
Danielle Rodriguez (Utah) 2 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds, 4 steals
Lexi Petersen (Oregon) 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
Brittany Crain (UC Riverside) 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals
Jaime Patrick (Colorado State) 3 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
Jazmine Perkins (Washington State/Finland) 15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals
Stephanie Lee (Northern Colorado/Germany) 9 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist
Talia Walton (Washington) 4 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals
Kaylon Williams (Oklahoma) 2 points, 9 rebounds
Shelby Cheslek (Gonzaga) 10 points, 4 rebounds
Inquiries can be directed to Carl Berman at carl@netscoutsbasketball.com.
Information on NetScouts Basketball can be obtained here. Detailed articles on the tour will be found on the NetScouts Basketball Blog. Email carl@netscoutbasketball.com to get on the mailing list for tour related articles, information and photos
