USA Basketball U16 team wins ninth-straight gold medal with 108-71 victory over Canada at FIBA AmeriCup

USA Basketball's U16 team wrapped up a dominant run to its ninth consecutive gold medal at the FIBA AmeriCup in Juarez, Mexico on Sunday, defeating Canada 108-71.

The United States was led by a team-high 16 points and 10 rebounds from Class of 2027 standout C.J. Rosser of Northern Nash (Rocky Mount, N.C.). Nine other players contributed eight or more points.

The championship contest was never in doubt as the United States jumped to a 28-19 lead after the first quarter before opening things up in the second period. The USA extended its lead to 60-35 at the half and maintained its advantage 85-52 at the end of the third quarter.

Marcus Spears of Dynamic Prep (Irving, Texas) tallied 14 points in the win, Nasir Anderson of Norcross (Ga.) contributed 12 points, seven assists and three rebounds, Colton Hiller of Coatesville (Pa.) piled up 10 points and three blocks and Shalen Sheppard of Brentwood (Los Angeles, Calif.) had 10 points. A.J. Williams of Dutchtown (Hampton, Ga.) and Beckham Black of Southeastern Prep Academy (Orlando, Fla.) both flirted with a double-double in the title game as Williams put up nine points and a collected a team-high 11 rebounds while Black had nine points while dishing out a team-high 10 assists.

In the title game victory, the United States shot 50.6 percent from the field, 31.8 percent from 3-point range and 80.8 percent from the free throw line. Canada was held to 31.2 percent shooting from the field and 20 percent from beyond the arc.

USA more than doubled its opponents scoring during the competition, winning by an average of 58.7 points per contest across six games.

Following three lopsided victories in the group stage, the Americans knocked off Brazil 129-50 in the quarterfinals before taking down Puerto Rico 106-68 in the semifinals.

Anderson was named tournament MVP after averaging 12.3 points, 6.8 assists, 3.5 steals and 2.3 rebounds per outing while shooting 66.7 percent from the field, 37.9 percent from 3-point range and 80 percent from the free throw line.

The United States U16 team is now 49-0 all-time in FIBA competition.