The FIMBA GB +50 Women returned from the Masters Basketball World Cup in Croatia with a Bronze medal, despite competing in the +45 age category.
This was the first version of the Masters Basketball World Cup, so the age categories were limited, but keen to push themselves the +50 Women entered to gain more experience despite the younger age category.
Following a 6th place finish in last year’s European Championships, the +50 Women have become a stronger team and this tournament allowed them to show just how much they have grown. They were more than capable of holding their own in the younger age group and showed themselves to be a force to be reckoned with.
We started the tournament a little apprehensive offensively but more than made up for it with our outstanding intense defence. We had depth in our bench and any substitutes that came on played with the same intensity. We were able to hold most teams to below 20 points. We battled through getting stronger with each game and finally got it together on offence. We finished on a high achieving a bronze medal for our efforts. We can now carry this energy forward into our preparations for Portugal. Let’s hope we can come back with another medal, but a different colour this time!
Hazel Shaw – Captain, FIMBA GB +50 Women
The tournament was excellently organised on and off the court, with a host of ex-NBA and Euroleague players across the men’s and women’s competitions culminating in a very tough, physical tournament played at a very high standard.
I am delighted with the evolution and development of this wonderful team, as we head towards the European Masters in Portugal. We showed great determination and resolve competing in the younger category in Croatia, collecting our first medal as a competitive unit.
Mal Gander – Head Coach, FIMBA GB +50 Women
Next up for the +50 Women is the European Championships in Portugal this summer, where they will be looking to continue their progress and hunt for medals.
Final standings of all FIMBA GB teams below:-
Men’s +35: 6th GB +35
Women’s +35: 4th GB +35 Blue team; 5th GB +35 Red team; 6th GB +40
Men’s +40: 3rd GB Wolfpack
Women’s +45: 3rd GB +50; 4th GB +55
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