All-Star Five Crowned

PORT MORESBY (Papua New Guinea) – The All-Star Five of the  FIBA Under 17 Oceania Women’s Championship have been announced.

Two Australians, two New Zealanders and one Samoa have been named in this edition of the Championship.

 Australia – Saffron Shiels

One of the tournament’s top performers averaging 9.5 points per game, Shiels was a dominant force in every game for the Australian Gems.  She averaged 8.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists for the tournament showing her development on the back of attending the 2023 FIBA U19 Women’s World Basketball World Cup earlier in the year and successful Asian Champion campaigns in 2022.

New Zealand – Kavanah Lene

The top points scorer for the Junior Tall Ferns, Lene wrapped up her Championship outing with an average of 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists.  She was the shining light for her team in the gold medal clash, to finish the match with 27 points.

Samoa – Malia Ruud

Ruud was the top performer, points scorer (average of 19.8) and rebound queen (11.6 average) for the tournament earning her All-Star Five selection.  Standing tall for Samoa under the rim, and across the court, she was a dominant force.  Building on her form from the 2022 FIBA U18 Women’s Asian Championship (Division B) where Samoa finished fourth, Rudd is shaping up to be a player to watch in the future.

Australia – Lara Somfai

One of the tournament’s top rebounders, Somfai put together consistent performances throughout the week, guiding her team to top of the podium.  The 16-year-old represented Australia earlier this year at the U16 Asian Women’s Championship and has built on that form in Port Moresby to earn All-Star Five honours.

 New Zealand – Elise Gilbert

Leading her team on the court, Gilbert finished as one of her team’s top performers, and scorers (11.2 average).  Her consistency and tenacity throughout the week were on display as she led her team to another gold medal match after a gritty semi-final win over Samoa.