Shelley a leading light for classy Sapphires

ZARAGOZA (2016 FIBA U17 Women's World Championship) - Sapphires star Jazmin Shelley is a difference-maker for the first time FIBA U17 Women's World Championship Finalists and just one of many Australian jewels.

Having never previously made the Semi-Finals, the 2015 FIBA Oceania U16 Women's champions are now only 40 minutes away from title glory after they produced a scintillating performance against the USA to take a 73-60 victory.

It was the first time that the USA had tasted defeat in the four editions of the FIBA U17 Women's World Championship and when Shelley left the court, she was initially bordering on being speechless at the way her team had effectively dismantled USA.

"I'm stoked," was her response. Translated, it's an Australian expression to summarise feelings of extreme happiness and elation. It was fitting that she replied in such a way, since it really was Australia’s day.

Shelley's three-point shooting was a key pillar of success, along with some stunning transition play. She hit the momentum shifter on the stroke of half-time with a massive triple from the corner which handed Australia a nice cushion of a 36-27 lead.

"I am not sure exactly what I was thinking at that point but it was an important shot and I am just glad I made it," said Shelley, who made another big three-pointer from the opposite corner when the action resumed as she netted 23 points in the contest.

"I think it's just important that once again we saw how many players we have on our team that can all contribute in so many different ways. For example, when we had Ezi [Magbegor] in foul trouble, we all stepped up when she had to sit down.

"It's an incredible feeling to be part of another historic moment and we can’t wait to play Italy in the Final now."

Her contribution may have seen her lead the team in scoring, but it was genuinely one of many similarly impressive performances from her team-mates.

Meanwhile Shelley had already dazzled earlier in the tournament with her plays, including sinking something of a circus shot from long range during the group phase. Yet this performance and her three-point shooting can’t be dismissed as being lucky.

Not least because she has always had basketball in her blood and knows the game, with her passing skills also amongst the best in Zaragoza.

"My mum and dad both played and so do my brothers," she explained. "Basketball has always been a big part of my family’s life and we all enjoy it. Now I definitely have something special to talk about when I go home and we get together."

The question is, will it be the guard talking about reaching a first-ever U17 Final with Australia and being the top scorer when USA’s unbeaten record at the FIBA U17 Women’s World Championship was ended?

Or, might she be talking around the kitchen table with her family about standing on the top step of a FIBA podium? We will soon find out.

FIBA