Monash help Gems to fifth place at World Championships

Tuesday 4 August

Australia's U19 Women's team, the Gems, have won fifth place at the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship for Women, overwhelming Russia 78-38 in a one-sided affair in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday 2 August.

Stephanie Cumming, who captained the team, will study a Bachelor of Education at Monash University from next year.

The Gems shook off a disappointing Quarter Finals loss to overthrow the Russians and finish the tournament with an 8-1 win-loss record.

Dale Waters, Director of Basketball at Monash University is the teams Assistant Coach and as previously reported, is set to take over the role of Head Coach in 2011.

“In the history of the event, no other team has finished with such a record and come 5th place.  Unfortunately in this style of championship, the quarter final game is the critical one, and going down to Canada by 1 point ultimately cost us the opportunity to play for a medal.”

USA won the tournament with 8-1 record, Spain finished second with a 8-1 record and Argentina claimed the bronze medal with a 5-4 record, who the Gems beat in their first qualifying game by 24 points. 

“Pretty cruel really, but that's the way the championship is shaped.  Win the quarter final, and in you're medal contention.  Lose it, and regulation from 5th to 8th is the outcome.”

Dale is looking forward to 2011 where four of the girls who played in this championship will still be eligible to play and seek further success.

“Our preparations for the next campaign start early next year, and hopefully we can achieve that all elusive medal in 2011.”

Stephanie Cumming looking to pass against Russia

Dale Waters, pictured coaching the Dandenong Rangers WNBL team