Isaac
Years ago
Screen takes a hit on Gems tour
Press release from BA concerning the U19 Women's tour and a mention of Jenni Screen:
World Champion defencejobs Opal Jenni Screen was left wobbly on her feet in Australia's Under 19 women's basketball team's narrow loss to Italian club side Parma in Italy this morning.
Screen plays for Parma in the premier Italian women's league, Serie A, while the Australian Gems are on a tour of Italy to prepare for July's FIBA world championship for Under 19 women.
The hit occurred when Australian Gem Ellie Manou stopped Screen with a solid defensive screen, but showing her world championship mettle, the Opal then made both resulting free throws.
"She walked right into it," said Gems manager Michele Menso. "And she was stumbling around for a little while afterwards."
Parma defeated the younger Gems 81-76, but considering the Europeans are ranked second in their league, the narrow loss could easily be considered a success.
After a 20-point loss to Italian club side La Spezia just 24 hours before, the refocused Gems began the game well with consecutive 3-point baskets from defencejobs WNBL Championship winner Abbie Bishop and defencejobs WNBL Rookie of the Year Cayla Francis.
Parma responded with a disciplined physical effort that resulted in Gems turnovers and scoreboard ascendancy by quarter time.
The Gems' sustained defensive effort in the second quarter forced Parma to work hard in the half-court for scoring opportunities and when Bishop converted two free throws on the half time siren, Parma's lead was reduced to 9 points, 45-36.
The Gems used their quickness to score high percentage baskets in the third quarter while continuing to apply pressure on Parma.
Emma Langford and Ellie Manou made excellent defensive plays, but the experience of the Parma players ensured their team took advantage of every error from the young Gems.
The Gems rallied together in the last quarter to mount another attack on Parma, reducing the margin to just two points on the back of Mia Newley's two 3-point baskets.
But the experienced Parma players slowed the game down to safeguard victory.
The Gems will take a 2 hour drive to Varese tomorrow to undergo recovery and training sessions before a game on Tuesday morning, Australian time.
