May 7, 2013
THE FLATS – Incoming Georgia Tech women’s basketball freshman Kaela Davis has been invited to the 2013 USA Basketball U19 World Championship Team trials May 16-19 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. The world championships will be held July 18-28 in Lithuania.
Davis is one of 34 invitees born on or after Jan. 1, 1994, who will compete for a spot on the 12-member squad and is one of 13 who have previously helped USA Basketball earn gold in international competition.
“We are very proud and excited for Kaela,” Georgia Tech head coach MaChelle Joseph said. “She is very deserving of this opportunity to represent USA Basketball in the U19 World Championships. Kaela has had tremendous success representing USA Basketball already in her career. We are excited to see her continue that throughout her time at Georgia Tech.”
Davis won gold for the USA at the 2012 U17 World Championship in the Netherlands, the 2012 FIBA 3×3 U18 World Championship in Spain and the 2011 FIBA Americas U16 Championship in Mexico. The Buford, Ga., native also played in the inaugural FIBA 3×3 U18 World Championship in Italy during September, 2011. That USA team earned an honorary bronze medal after falling to host Italy in overtime of the semifinals with only two healthy players and was forced to forfeit the bronze medal game due to a lack of players.
Davis recently played in the McDonald’s High School All-American Game at the United Center in Chicago and the WBCA High School All-America Game presented by NIKE at New Orleans Arena. Davis won the 3-point shooting contest at the POWERADE Jam Fest as part of the festivities leading up to the McDonald’s High School All-American Game.
The 12-member USA team will be announced Sunday, May 19, following the trials. Drawn into Group D, the U.S. will play its preliminary and second-round games in Panevëþys, and opens against Lithuania on July 18, followed by China on July 19 and against Mali on July 20.
The top three finishing teams from each first-round group will advance to the second round, held July 22-24. The 12 nations qualifying for the second round will be divided into Groups E and F. Each team will play the three new teams in its new group, with all results of games played in the preliminary round carrying over to determine the second-round standings.
Teams finishing in first through fourth places in the second round will qualify for the quarterfinals, with the opportunity to advance to the semifinals and finals. The medal round will be played in Klaipeda, with the quarterfinals held on July 26, semifinals slated for July 27 and the gold medal game on July 28.
Fans are encouraged to follow Georgia Tech women’s basketball on Twitter and Instagram, @GTWBB, and like the Yellow Jackets on Facebook, GTWomensBasketball, for an inside look at the program.
–RamblinWreck.com–
