Soon-to-be Virginia freshman Sarah Imovbioh’s dual-threat talents helped Nigeria’s U-19 team to a 3-1 record and a third-place finish at the Reze Basket International tournament last week in France. Imovbioh, a Parade All-American who averaged 29 points and 22 rebounds at St. Anne’s-Belfield last season, posted three double-doubles in the four games and averaged 13.3 points and a team-high 9.8 rebounds per contest. She capped her efforts with a game-high 19-point, 10-rebound performance during a 67-57 win over Russia in the third-place game.
Nigeria was also led by guard Promise Amukamara, another Parade All-American and an Arizona State signee who averaged a team-high 18.3 points per game. By the way, Amukamara’s brother, Prince, was a star defensive back at Nebraska who in April was selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the New York Giants. And Promise’s other siblings are named Princess, Peace, Precious and Passionate.
Next up for Nigeria is the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship for Women July 21-31 in Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas, Chile. Nigeria will play out of Group C in the 16-team tournament and will face Australia, Chile and France in pool play.
The United States U19 team, which includes former Princess Anne High star and Duke-bound Elizabeth Williams, is slotted in Group B and will take on Japan, Russia and Argentina in preliminary games.
Let's see … Promise Amukamara, Princess Amukamara, Peace Amukamara, Precious Amukamara & Passionate Amukamara!
I think I liked Passionate Amukamara the best!
R-