ARG - Argentina U19 Women set high expectations for Chile

BUENOS AIRES (2011 FIBA U19 World Championship for Women) - As Argentina prepares for the FIBA U19 World Championship for Women in Chile, point guard Melisa Gretter (pictured) has one goal in mind for her team-mates and herself - to show they belong among the top teams in the world.

To that end, the Argentinians are working flat out ahead of the tournament that will be held between 21 and 31 July in Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas.

Last Friday, they opened their third training camp and it's clear for all concerned that this summer's World Championship is the big target.

"We are training as hard as possible to try and be among the top teams at the World Championship," said Gretter.

"We have high expectations and want to achieve great things. To do that, we are giving all what have at every practice so we start the tournament in the best shape possible."

Gretter played a leading role in Argentina booking its place for this summer's event. She was the second leading scorer on the team that finished fifth at last year's FIBA Americas U18 Championship in Colorado.

Drawn in Group B alongside Japan, Russia and reigning champions USA, Gretter is aware of the tough task her team faces.

"We know we will play a very tough preliminary round, but we will give our best," said the 1.67m guard.

"The coaches are demanding a lot from us and we are giving our best efforts to reach our goals and be the best we can be."

FIBA