Slovenian ace Sivka named MVP to lead All-Star Five

SOFIA (Bulgaria) - An influential force behind Slovenia  finishing top of the podium at the FIBA U18 Women's European Championship, Division B, Ajsa Sivka scooped the MVP award to make it a double celebration.

The all-action winger showed her quality again, having already turned heads recently at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup. Sivka continued her rich vein of form in the Bulgarian capital and averaged 11.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game, with her team beating Portugal 59-44 in the Final to earn promotion.

While disappointed to miss out on promotion, there was consolation for the outstanding Portugal star Ines Bettencourt who landed an All-Star Five spot. She did it at both ends of the court and averaged 14.4 points, 4.6 steals, 3.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.

Sara Vasiljevic impressed for Serbia at both ends of the floor as they claimed a third place finish in the competition, with the guard averaging 8.9 point. 4.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per outing.

Dorja Iva Zaja was a colossus for fifth placed Croatia and she recorded a classy tournament double-double of 14.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, as well as showing her passing vision with 3.1 assists.

Meanwhile Faith Ehi Etute deservedly claimed the last spot in the All-Star Five lineup after the Luxembourg leader posted an absolutely epic 19.3 points and 17.1 rebounds per game, as well as 3.9 assists to achieve a phenomenal performance efficiency average of 31. 

FIBA