Standout stars: Six players who lit up the Group Phase

KLAIPEDA / VILNIUS (Lithuania) - With the Group Phase now complete at the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2023, it's time to check out which ballers have been standing out on Lithuanian soil.

Here's a selection of just some of the players who have impressed during the first phase of the event. 

Matilde Villa - Italy

Point Guard

Birth Date: December 9, 2004 (18 years old)
Height: 1.70m (5ft 7in)

Expected to shine and ball out for Italy, that scenario is unfolding in a comprehensive manner, with Villa really cementing her status as one of the most gifted and exciting young players around. The leading scorer so far with a majestic 21.0 points per game, she has also passed the rock and average of 4.3 times. Meanwhile 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game is also indicative of her leadership prowess.

Carla Leite - France

Point Guard

Birth Date: April 16, 2004 (19 years old)
Height: 1.75m (5ft 9in)

It's always more difficult to stand out on a stacked team that is winning games comfortably like France and yet Leite has undoubtedly managed to showcase her quality. Helping her team through the first phase unscathed, she has posted a classy 17.0 points per game, helped by some nice shot selection and sharp-shooting from long range. Her 4.3 assists have also highlighted her creative ability too. 

Vanesa Jasa - Latvia

Forward

Birth Date: July 9, 2003 (20 years old)
Height: 1.78m (5ft 10in)

Always likely to be a leader for Latvia, Jasa has shown why she has EuroLeague Women minutes on her resume with some terrific displays. She is one of only two players who have averaged more than 20 points per game and it could have been even more had she upped her modest downtown percentage. Also weighing in with 5.0 rebounds 3.0 assists and 2.7 steals, it's been an all-action effort.

Nastja Claessens - Belgium

Power Forward

Birth Date: December 2, 2004 (18 years old)
Height: 1.84m (6ft 0in)

Placed onto the tournament watch-list, the forward has lived up to the billing with some very productive displays for Belgium so far. Claessens has shifted up a great in terms of her scoring with a stellar 19.7 points per game which is the third best in the competition. However it's been her all-around displays that have really impressed while harvesting 7.3 boards, 3.3 assists and 2.7 steals per game.

Elina Aarnisalo - Finland

Point Guard

Birth Date: July 26, 2005 (18 years old)
Height: 1.76m (5ft 9in)

Exceptional at the FIBA U18 Women's European Championship in Konya, the guard has continued her red hot form into this competition. The scoring touch of Aarnisalo has been seen with 17.7 points per game and she has shown why she has played for the senior team in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 Qualifiers by also adding an eye-catching 5.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists per outing.

Berfin Sertoglu - Turkey

Guard

Birth Date: August 19, 2004 (18 years old)
Height: 1.75m (5ft 9in)

Turkey have been driven by the excellent play so far of Sertoglu who is leading her team in efficiency and scoring. She has averaged a near tournament double-double of 17 points and 9 rebounds per game and without her, Turkey may still be searching for a first win. One of the most memorable displays of the competition so far was her 24 points and 13 boards in the victory against Belgium.

FIBA