Who was the MVP of each Group?

MADRID (Spain) - There have been plenty of stellar displays at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup so far and with the opening phase now in the books, we look at who took the unofficial MVP honors for each Group. 

Here are the four risings stars who have caught the eye in Madrid with their respective contributions so far.

Group A: Iyana Martin Carrion (ESP)

 

GUARD

Height: 1.74 M (5'9")
Birth Date: January 18, 2006 (17 years old) 

Tournament Statistics: 13.7 EFF; 12.7 PPG; 68.4% FG; 2.7 APG; 2.3 SPG

While Spain have certainly done it as a team to get through the so-called 'Group of Death' unscathed, Martin Carrion has done her part with a usual super smart shooting effort. While she labored in the last game against Argentina when her nation had already secured pole position, she had previously went 12 of 14 in the big games against Australia and France. As well as shooting more than 68 percent from the floor, she is also her team's co-leader for steals too and has handed out 2.7 assists per outing.

Group B: Maimouna Haidara (MLI)

 

FORWARD 

Height: 1.87 M (6'2")
Birth Date: June 2, 2004 (19 years old) 

Tournament Statistics: 28.0 EFF; 17.3 PPG; 14.7 RPG; 5.7 SPG; 3.0 APG

Haidara could be heading for MVP of the entire tournament at this rate after some spectacular performances, including that amazing and rare triple-double against Chinese Taipei. That display also included the competition's all-time steals record and it is no surprise she leads the competition in that category - as well as efficiency too. Propelling Mali to a 2-1 record after beating Germany also, she has truly shown why she stepped out for her country at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Sydney last year. 

Group C: Juste Joctye (LTU)

 

GUARD / SMALL FORWARD

Height: 1.88 M (6'2")
Birth Date: November 19, 2005 (17 years old) 

Tournament Statistics: 20.0 EFF; 15.0 PPG; 7.7 RPG; 4.7 APG

Lithuania were only one basket away from topping Group C and had to be content with a very close second to Japan, with Jocyte at the center of everything they have done so far. That was always to be expected and she has delivered against her big reputation not only with impressive numbers but also with the leadership and smarts she has shown on the floor. Plus, it still feels like she is just warming up and there could be even more to come. 

Group D: Toby Fournier (CAN)

 

FORWARD 

Height: 1.88 M (6'2")
Birth Date: October 3, 2005 (17 years old) 

Tournament Statistics: 18.3.0 EFF; 12.0 PPG; 15.3 RPG; 2.0 BPG

Leading unbeaten Canada to the top of Group D with a massive tournament double-double, Fournier has picked up where she left off last year at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup. Her performances in the paint continue to be dominant and she gives her team a great base to launch their title challenge, although she did have stiff competition from teammate Cassandre Prosper for this MVP accolade since she has also been outstanding. 

FIBA