USA win gold at FIBA U16 Americas Championship 2023

YUCATAN (Mexico) – The United States put the finishing touches on their dream week, outclassing Canada, 118-36, to win gold at the 2023 FIBA U16 Americas Championship.

The team coached by Sharman White was relentless from the jump, uncorking a 19-2 run midway through the first quarter en route to a 45-point opening period that set the tone for the rest of the night.

Team USA saved its best for last, as the 82-point difference was their widest margin of the competition (beating the 78-point margin against Uruguay in the quarterfinals) and Canada's 36 points were the fewest they allowed all week (9 fewer than the 45 they allowed against Uruguay).

Forward Cameron Boozer led the way with 24 points (10/13 from the field) and 12 rebounds in just under 20 minutes and was named as the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

The Americans had 5 other players scoring in double digits, including Tyran Stokes (15 points), Darryn Peterson (13), Anicet Dybantsa Jr. (12), team captain Koa Peat (11) and forward Jayden Quaintance (10 points and 10 rebounds).

Conversely, Team USA held Canada to just 17 made baskets, 7 free throws and 17.8 percent from the field. Canada didn't have any players in double digits, with guard Jordan Charles leading the way with 8 points.

Big man Paul Osaruyi, who was named to the All-Tournament team alongside Boozer and Peterson, was held to 7 points on 3/13 from the field.

The U.S. squad shot 51 percent from the field, outrebounded Canada 73-37 and had 31 assists on 51 made baskets. They also held a 47-8 edge in points off turnovers and an eye-popping 86-12 advantage in points in the paint.

Along the way, Team USA won its 8th consecutive gold medal at the competition that held its first edition in Argentina in 2009.

FIBA