LEON & IRAPUATO (Mexico) - The FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2024 has once again been a great platform for some of the best young ballers in the sport to showcase their skills.
With the first phase of the competition now over, let's look at who the best players were in each of the four groups and also check out their highlights so far.
Group A - Sara Okeke (Spain)
Statistics: 21.0 efficiency, 15.0 points, 2.3 assists, 10.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game, 58.8 percent two-point field-goal shooting
The frontcourt ace has been breathing fire for Spain and her tournament double-double so far underlines the incredible impact she has had. Okeke is potentially en-route to individual honors come the end of the competition and is the blocks leader with 2.3 per outing.
Group B - Bailey Flavell (New Zealand)
Statistics: 20.7 assists. 22.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.7 blocks per game.
The New Zealand star has shown a superb do-it-all attitude and performance across the Group phase. Putting her team on her back at times, she has been the inspiration behind a creditable 2-1 record. Flavell is currently the leading scorer in the competition which demonstrates how she had held the hot-hand so far.
Group C - Jordyn Palmer (USA)
Statistics: 20.3 efficiency, 11.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 3.3 steals per game, 58.3% percent field-goal shooting.
Palmer has given a masterclass in how to make your presence felt despite modest game time. On a stacked USA team, she has played just under 18 minutes per game but used it brilliantly with some super smart outings. The 3.3 assists and 3.3 steals epitomizes the balance she has attained offensively and defensively, helping her to lead the reigning champs in efficiency.
Group D - Savannah Swords (Canada)
Statistics: 26.0 efficiency, 19.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.3 steals, 2.0 assists per game, 70.4% field goal shooting
It's been an extraordinary start for the Canadian forward who has excelled at both ends of the floor and looks destined for All-Star Five honors at this rate. Taking her team to an unbeaten 3-0 start, she leads tournament in steals and it is this defensive intensity that has been the foundation for Canada's success so far.
FIBA