USA Hit 125 as the Favorites Stay Perfect on Day 2 of the U18 Women's AmeriCup

The contenders tightened their grip on the FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup on the second day of group play, led by a United States side that produced the most explosive performance of the tournament so far at the Inforum.
The Americans were simply irresistible against host Mexico, racing away to a 125-53 rout behind a sensational shooting display from Kaleena Smith (168-PG-2008, college: USA NT U16). The guard poured in 30 points on 11-of-12 from the field, including 7-of-8 from three, in just 21 minutes, setting the tone with back-to-back triples early. Jordyn Palmer (185-F-2008, college: USA NT U16) was almost as devastating inside with 24 points and 10 rebounds in 18 minutes. The USA led by as many as 43, with a first-quarter 12-0 surge effectively ending the contest before the second period.
Canada kept pace with a comprehensive 96-46 win over the Dominican Republic. After a competitive opening the Dominicans actually led by three early Jordyn Wheeler (180-F-2008)'s transition layup sparked a run that flipped the game, and a crushing 18-0 burst in the third quarter blew it open. Savannah Swords (182-F-2008) led the way again with 19 points, nine rebounds and four assists, Wheeler added 16, and Chante Murray (180-F-2008) drained four three-pointers for 14. Yarianna Torres (171-SG-2008) top-scored for the Dominican Republic with nine.
Venezuela also made it two from two, pulling away from Puerto Rico for an 84-65 win on the strength of a 28-point masterclass from Mezharith Beleno, who hit 8-of-9 from the field and 10-of-13 from the line. After Puerto Rico's early four-point lead, Venezuela answered with a decisive first-quarter run, Beleno scoring seven during the surge. Albanys Ramirez (174-G/F-2009) orchestrated things with 17 points and seven assists, and Greidysmar Camacaro (167-SG-2009) posted an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double. Lucianna Parrotta (183-SF-2009) led Puerto Rico with 14.
Argentina bounced back from their opening loss to the USA with an 84-38 demolition of Paraguay, leading from the opening tip. Sofia Lombardero (180-G-2008) was supremely efficient with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting plus four steals in 16 minutes, and Santina Cherot (168-G-2009) matched her with 17. Micaela Gimenez (2008) led Paraguay with just five as the South Americans were held to 38.