POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Gladyshka Gerena
Group A
Puerto Rico - Dominican Republic 93-45
Puerto Rico earned the first win at the U17 Centrobasket in El Salvador. The defending champions rallied past Dominican Republic in Group A action. Yamaris Guevarez (98) stepped up with 13 points for the winning side. Puerto Rico fired 24 points in the opening frame to gain a 13-point lead. They stayed aggressive throughout the second period. The gap grew at 24-point mark at the interval 48:24. Puerto Rico maintained the pressure throughout the third quarter. They accumulated a 35-point advantage at the final intermission. They did not slow down in the fourth frame and secured the winning outcome at the end. Gladyshka Gerena (165-PG-97) had 12 points, while Chelsea Robinson added 11 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Nicole Guerrero (97) responded with 13 points for Dominican Republic. Lismier Rodriguez had 10 points in the loss.
Costa Rica - Honduras 47-26
Costa Rica earned the opening win at the U17 Centrobasket on San Salvador. They overcame Honduras in Group B opener. Yamilah Solano (96) netted 12 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to pace the winners. Costa Rica earned a 16:13 lead after ten minutes of action. They held Honduras to just 3 points in the second frame. Costa Rica ensured a 30:16 halftime lead. Costa Rica kept their opponents at bay throughout the second half. Honduras managed just 10 points in twenty minutes and had to surrender at the end. Emily Mora (97) finished with 10 points and 10 steals for the winners. Danna Grenald (99) answered with 9 points and 14 boards for Honduras. Victoria Callejas netted 7 points in the loss.
Group B
U.S. Virgin Islands - Mexico 39-87
Mexico got to a confident start of their U17 Centrobasket campaign. They defeated US Virgin Islands in the opening game. Narda Lopez (96) recorded 20 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge. Mexico held their opponents to just 6 points in the opening quarter and gained a 13-point lead. They stretched the advantage in the second frame. They accounted for a 38:16 halftime lead. Mexico stayed dominant in the third term. They dropped 24 points to enter the fourth period up by 32 points. Mexico never looked back cruising to the victory. Paulina Rodriguez (174-SG-98) finished with 16 points, while Nayeli Ortiz chipped in 12 points in the victory. Ranai Evans (97) answered with 13 points and 11 boards for US Virgin Islands. Akia Frettt had 8 points in the defeat.
Bahamas - El Salvador 66-84
El Salvador claimed victory over Bahamas in the opening day of the U17 Centrobasket. The hosts were paced by Hillary Martinez (172-SF-97) who nailed 23 points. El Salvador claimed an 18:13 lead at the end of the opening quarter. They maintained the lead throughout the second quarter. El Salvador accounted for a 41:24 halftime advantage. Bahamas and El Salvador exchanged baskets throughout the third term. The home side ensured a 17-point lead heading into the fourth period. El Salvador unleashed 28 points in the final stanza and marched to the victory at the end. Ana Iglesias (97) posted 22 points, while Claudia Hernandez had 17 points in the victory. Lashae Rolle answered with 14 points and 9 rebounds for Bahamas. Valerie Nesbitt and Sha-Londa Neely had 13 points each in the defeat.
