''The best has yet to come for Tahiti'' - LeFranc
Tahiti barely scraped by the Group Phase of Pacific Games Women's Basketball tournament but key player Oceane LeFranc believes that their team is capable of playing better in the Qualifying Finals.
Apia (Samoa) - Tahiti barely scraped by the Group Phase of Pacific Games Women's Basketball tournament but key player Oceane LeFranc believes that their team is capable of playing better in the Qualifying Finals.
The Tahitians ended their Group Phase campaign with a 1-2 card after their 61-85 loss to American Samoa, 63-72 loss to Guam and a crucial 70-66 win over Papua New Guinea.
Despite the less than stellar performance you would expect from the 2011 Gold Medalist and 2015 Bronze finisher, LeFranc is positive that their team has yet to hit their stride.
"We have been struggling the whole tournament because we have a really young team compared to the last two editions (which she is a part of) but I believe that the best has yet to come for us, as we prepare for the Qualifying Finals," said LeFranc.
LeFranc mirrors the struggle of her team, after her scintillating All-Star Five campaign in the FIBA Polynesia Cup where she averaged 21.0 ppg and 12.2 rpg, the 5'10 forward is down to 10.7 ppg and 11.7 rpg in the Pacific Games.
"The other teams have done a good job defensively but honestly I know I can do better, I just need to compose myself so I can help our team win games," she acknowledged.
Oceane's sister Alizee, has picked up the scoring cudgels averaging 21.7 ppg to lead the team in scoring, Alizee strongly believes that Oceane will be there for the team as they go into the knockout rounds of the tournament.
"Oceane is one of the best players our country has seen and it's only a matter of time before she hits her rhythm and when that time comes our team will definitely better," said Alizee.
Tahiti will face a tough Samoan team that will be backed by huge crowd support in their Qualifying Finals match-up on Monday and the LeFranc sisters will be expected to lead the charge for the Tahitians in a win or go home scenario.
"Facing Samoa on their home floor will be tough but we will leave everything we have on that court and give our best to make our country proud. Despite our youth, I still believe that we are talented enough to win it all," Oceane said.
FIBA