Toughness and defense key for New Caledonia women in FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Championship

NEW CALEDONIA (FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Championship 2017) – New Caledonia U17 Women’s coach Sylvain Bailly is happy with her team's mentality during preparations for the FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Championship 2017.

“We have trained once a week since February, Coach Bailly told FIBA.com. “It is an assiduous and motivated group. On top of the national team, the girls also train once or twice a week with their clubs.”

Coming up against Australia and New Zealand, Coach Bailly wants to keep her team progressing towards their goal.

“They must continue to progress on intensity and hardness during the sessions.”

The New Caledonia women showed glimpses of the intensity and toughness Coach Bailly is seeking from her team during the FIBA U18 Oceania Championships 2016 in Fiji.

Oriane Quenenoj, Leilani Tartas, Sophie Hamu and Maylyze Kamodji were a part of last year's team that finished fourth after falling to Samoa 65-75 in the bronze medal match.

Coach Bailly will look to build on this foundation during this year's preparations.

“We hope to offer an intense and tough defensive group. We will need to bring tough defence every possession.”

“It is only by playing a powerful game that we can succeed during the tournament.”

The New Caledonia women are determined to not leave anything out on the floor.

“The expectation is to play quality basketball with commitment and intensity. This way we will return without any regrets from the tournament.”

“The girls are eager to play the different teams. Emotions are divided between fear, excitement and joy. This is a real chance for everyone to show their skills in the tournament.”

The FIBA U17 Women’s Oceania Championship 2017 will be held on Guam from 10-15 of July.

FIBA