USA and Canada Stay Perfect as the Group Stage Closes at the U18 Women's AmeriCup

The United States and Canada wrapped up the group phase of the FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup the way they began it in overwhelming fashion while Argentina and the Dominican Republic came through stiffer tests on a busy stretch of action at the Inforum.
The USA were once again in a class of their own, racing past Paraguay 123-41 in a wire-to-wire rout. The Americans led 40-10 after the first quarter and never relented, rattling off a 27-0 run bridging the first and second periods and a 20-0 surge in the fourth. Jordyn Palmer (185-F-2008, college: USA NT U16) led the way with 21 points, six steals and a plus-50 rating in under 19 minutes, Kaleena Smith (168-PG-2008, college: USA NT U16) added 17 points and nine assists, and Bella Flemings (183-G-2008) grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds. Agustina Fernandez (176-F-2008)'s eight points paced Paraguay.
Canada matched their rivals stride for stride, dismantling Venezuela 104-63. The Canadians built a double-digit lead in the first quarter and blew it open with a 10-0 second-quarter run that made it 48-15. Jordyn Wheeler (180-F-2008) top-scored with 23 points on 9-of-12 shooting, Savannah Swords (182-F-2008) added 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Brooke McLeod (184-F-2008) posted a 10-point, 15-rebound, five-assist double-double. Astrid Inojosa led Venezuela with 20.
The Dominican Republic edged a feisty Puerto Rico 80-72 behind a brilliant all-around night from Nathaly Santana, who finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, five steals and four blocks. After Puerto Rico led early, Santana sparked a second-quarter surge that flipped the game, and the Dominicans carried a double-digit cushion into the break. Natalia Valdez (2008) added 16 points and Yarianna Torres (171-SG-2008) 13, while Lucianna Parrotta (183-SF-2009) posted a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double in defeat.
In the one genuinely tight contest, Argentina pulled away from host Mexico 71-50 on the tournament's final group day. The game featured nine lead changes and was deadlocked after the first quarter before Renata Scordo (185-F-2008)'s three-pointer late in the second sparked the decisive swing. Scordo led all scorers with 24 points and eight rebounds, Santina Cherot (168-G-2009) added 14, and Matilda Campo (165-G-2008) controlled the glass with 12 boards. Aislin Tamez led Mexico with nine points.