Canada win a place in Under-16 Americas semi-finals, Under-17 World Cup
With a comprehensive quarter-final victory over Mexico, Canada move further up the bracket in the Under-16 Americas Championship and win a spot at next year’s Under-17 World Cup.
Mexico put the first points on the board, but Canada quickly asserted themselves, ending the first quarter ahead by eleven points. Mexico closed the gap to one just before half time, but Canada responded with eleven unanswered points.
Canada’s superior rebounding and play in the paint - where they scored 72 from - saw them stay in control of proceedings in the second half. They went on to lead by as many as twenty points, and finished ahead by 95 points to Mexico’s 78.
Even an outstanding performance from Yahir Bonilla - 27 points and 20 rebounds - could not turn the game around for Mexico. For Canada, Enoch Boyake also recorded a double-double of 19 points and 17 rebounds, while Caleb Houstan scored 21 and Ryan Nembhard had 20 of his own.
Canada advance to face the Dominican Republic in the semi-finals, after the Dominicans saw off hosts Brazil in the last second of play. A layup from Huascar Cuevas broke the deadlock, winning the game for the Dominican Republic 73-71.
Elsewhere, the USA doubled their opponents score for the second time. Though they trailed Puerto Rico in the first quarter, they went on to beat them 102-51. Argentina led neighbouring Uruguay from start to finish, with Francisco Conrradi posting 25 points as part of Argentina’s 62-53 win.
Reaching the semi-finals, Canada, as well as the Dominican Republic, USA and Argentina, earned a place in next year’s Under-17 World Cup, which is due to be held in Bulgaria. With their place in that tournament decided, all that’s left for Canada is try and go the distance in Belem - but there's still a lot of big obstacles in their way.
For more information, visit the official tournament website, and keep checking back here for updates on Canada's progress in the Under-16 Americas Championship.
Picture: FIBA.com
