MVP: TEAM USA
Balanced squad often had 4 players in double figures. Excelled with team defense leading to fastbreak baskets and an efficient half-court offense. Went 8-1 on the tour including win over China’s National B Team (65-55) in Xiangyang.
Casey Garrison
Casey Garrison, 5’11 G – USA
Possibly the best all-around player in the tournament, scored, rebounded, passed, and excelled on defense. Earned All-Zhongxian while averaging 11 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.3 steals, 2.3 assists over 3 games, all wins by the USA, including 16 points in win over Aussies. Was the MVP of the All-Xiangyang Team where she averaged 10 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3 steals per game in the final stop including a stellar 10 point/10 rebound double-double with 5 assists, & 3 steals against China’s National B Team in Final.
Katie Bussey, 5’9 PG – USA
Was named to All-Zhongxian after she poured in 23 points (a tourney high) in win over Australia then continued hot streak by being named to the All-Xiangyang team. Posted 10 points against Aussies, then 11 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals vs. New Zealand. Had an outstanding Final game against the China National B Team with 15 points.
Katie Bussey
Tiana Mangakahia, 5’6 PG – Australia
The most dynamic passer in the tournament. The leader of the Aussie team was named all-tournament in Fuling and Zhongxian both with a 22 point effort against New Zealand and by leading Aussies to win over China in Fuling with 14 points, 4 assists, 4 steals. Led the Australians to 4 wins on the tour and will lead them to the World Championships in The Netherlands this summer.
Rebekah Gardner
Rebekah Gardner, 6’1 G – USA
Led Americans in scoring through early stages of the tournament when she scored 16 points and grabbed 4 rebounds against China. She had 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals in a win over Australia and 12 points against New Zealand, earning nomination to the All-Fuling team. Followed that up by earning All-Zhongxian MVP honors with 14 points and 4 rebounds vs. Aussies, 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals vs. New Zealand and a double-double vs. China, 10 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists.
Panina Davidson, 6’3 F – New Zealand
Extremely talented young forward led the Kiwi’s in several categories including scoring and rebounding. Had huge 20 point game in near upset of China in Chongqing District and scored in double figures vs. American team twice. Earned spots on the All-Fuling and All-Zhongxian tournament teams, this versatile inside/outside player who has a bright future.
Talisa Rhea, 5’11 G – USA
One of the top all-around players in the tournament playing three (PG, SG, SF) positions for the Americans, Rhea was named to the All-Fuling squad with 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists against China. Poured in 16 points and grabbed 3 steals against Aussies and 9 more points with 5 assists vs. New Zealand. Also earned All-Xiangyang when she had 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists vs. New Zealand. 12 points, 4 boards, 4 assists against Aussies, and hit a big bucket late to seal win over China in finale.
*China had two different teams represented on the tour and thus did not have anyone named to the all-tourney team although several were chosen at the various city stops along the tour.
Throughout her High School and Ccollege careers, Casey Garrison was viewed as a slow starter because it seemed she scored most of her points in the second half. The truth of the matter was that she spent the first half of a game getting her team mates involved in the game and scoaring, Several times during her Senior Year at Missouri State University, Casey”s coach had to encourage her to come out hot in the first half and get the team rolling, Casey always responded and it usually led to a win.
Very proud of her tour in China and her All-Staar selection.
Very appreciative of Carl Berman and Net Scouts for their reporting and support of Women’s Basketaball. Thanks much!!!!
Paul Hungerford
Paul Hungerford
Thanks Paul. Casey played really well and according to Chris had a great time!
Carl Berman
Paul, It was an absolute joy to coach Casey and get to know her as a person. She’s a great one!
Cheers,
Chris
Chris Denker
Carl,
Thanks for the feedback on the games, all of the Aussie parents were looking at your site as there was no other to look at so it was much appreciated. Congrats to the US team and we are especially proud of our girls as they are only an U18 team. They played hard and playing these tougher squads definately helps their development. Looking at the improvement through the tournament, it hopefully will help the team when it attends in the 17 and under World Championships in Amsterdam at August.
Thanks again for covering the tourney,
Shane Froling
Shane Froling
I am so grateful for this opportunity that Casey had to play in China. She REALLY did have a great time all around. She loved playing basketball with all of the girls and made lifetime friends with her teammates….and her coaches! This experience has been so valuable in broadening her perspective in life. She’s still trying to recover and finish up all her finals. I’m anxious to see what the next chapter in her life holds!
Thank you again for EVERYTHING!
Blessings and Success to both of you,
Susie
Susie Garrison