Meet The USA U17 Women’s World Championship Team

Courtesy of FullCourt.com:

The final roster for the 2012 U17 World Championship Team has been set with a mix of experience and first time players

“It feels great; I’m really excited”, said Kai James (William T Dwyer High School) who is one of five first time players on the squad. “It’s very surprising. It shows that all your work, your hard work in the gym, it pays off.”

Brianna Tuner (Manvel H.S.), Oderah Chidom (Bishop O’Dowd H.S.), Jessica Washington (Jenks, H.S.) and Lindsay Allen (St. John’s College) are also proud to represent the USA for the first time. “Unbelievable, like I hope I don’t wake up soon because I’m dreaming”, said an excited Turner. “I thought in the beginning I didn’t play too solidly, but as it went on I think I improved a lot.”

Seven players returning to the team from gold medal performances last year including Diamond Deshields (Norcorss H.S.), who is the only two time gold medalist having won gold with the 2010 FIBA Americas U18 Team and the 2011 USA Basketball U19 World Championship Team. Despite being a shoe in to make the team, Deshields still had nerves. “Honestly? This is the most shocking selection that I’ve been a part of yet. This is the most nervous, the most anxious that I’ve been. You may think like, ‘why is she nervous?’ But, there was such a high expectation for me coming in and then everyone just showed up.”

Joining Deshields from the FIBA Americas U16 Championship Team is Kaela Davis (Buford H.S.), Rebecca Greenwell (Owensboro Catholic H.S.), Linnae Harper (Whitney Young H.S.), Erica McCall (Ridgeview H.S.), Taya Reimer (Hamilton Southeastern H.S.), andMercedes Russell (Springfield H.S.).

Additionally, Kendall Cooper (St. Anthony H.S.), LaJahna Drummer (St. Bernard H.S.), Allisha Gray (Washington County H.S.), Stephanie Mavunga (Brownsburg H.S.); Jannah Tucker (New Town H.S.), and Jatarie White (Providence Day School) have been selected by the USA Basketball Women’s Junior National Team Committee to stay and compete in the 2012 USA Women’s U18 National Team Trials, which are currently taking place and run through May 21 at the USOTC.