USA Basketball captured the U16 FIBA Americas championship Sunday with a 118-38 win over Canada. The title continues America's dominance at the youth level as USA Basketball is 43-0 all-time in international competition with eight consecutive gold medals.
MaxPreps National Player of the Year
Cameron Boozer was named tournament MVP after game-highs of 24 points and 12 rebounds in the title contest while shooting 10-of-13 from the field and 9-of-9 from the free throw line in just under 20 minutes.
The U16 team left no doubt in the title game, grabbing a 45-13 first-quarter edge before winning each period by 16 points or more in the lopsided effort. They shot 51 percent from the field, while holding Team Canada to 17.8 percent from the field and forcing 32 turnovers.
Team USA was dominant throughout the tournament, winning group stage games 96-61 over Puerto Rico, 113-52 over Argentina and 122-53 over Mexico. The talented group went on to defeat Uruguay 123-45 in the quarterfinals prior to defeating Puerto Rico 122-63 in the semifinals.
Overall, the Americans averaged 115.6 points per contest and outscored their opponents by 64 points per outing over the course of six games at the FIBA Americas Championship in Yucatan, Mexico.
Five players average double-figures as Boozer led the way 16.8 points and 9.8 rebounds.
Koa Peat tallied 17.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists,
Darryn Peterson put up 16.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists,
A.J. Dybantsa compiled 13.7 points, 3.8 assists and 3.7 rebounds, and
Tyran Stokes contributed 10.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per contest. Check out the full individual stat breakdown for Team USA
here.
After running through the competition at the 2023 FIBA Americas Championship, this U16 group is considered one of the most talented teams to ever be assembled in international youth basketball.
