FIBA Basketball: NJ & NY Representation
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Few players are blessed with the opportunity to represent their country in FIBA basketball. It’s a prestigious honor that requires next-level skill and commitment as nations look to put together the best possible squad to compete on an international stage.…
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Continue ReadingFew players are blessed with the opportunity to represent their country in FIBA basketball. It’s a prestigious honor that requires next-level skill and commitment as nations look to put together the best possible squad to compete on an international stage. The U16 Women’s Americas Championship held in Yucatan, Mexico and the Women’s Asia Cup held in Sydney, Australia. The top 4 teams from the Americas Championship will advance to the FIBA U17 World Cup to be held in Turkey in June of 2024. The top 4 teams from the Asia Cup will qualify for the Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments. Truly an experience of a lifetime, these ladies are sure to soak it all in and enjoy every moment along the way.
Jaida Guerra Jaida Guerra 5'6" | PG Union City | 2025 State NJ | Union City/ NJ Shoreshots | Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico finished the Group Stage in Group A with a 2-1 record behind the United States and now moves on to the knockout stage. In a tough loss to juggernaut USA in the tournament opener, Jaida was a starting guard and finished with 6 points (2-6 from 3-point territory), 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. It didn’t take long for her to get going, as she had a quick turnaround in a game against host nation Mexico. Her quickness, 3-point shooting & scrappy defense proved too much for Mexico to handle as she finished with 20 points (4 for 10 from deep), 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals in a 78-76 win. They simply had no answer for her burst of energy and electricity. That momentum carried over to the next game against a tough Colombian team, where she finished with a team-high 21 points (5 for 9 from deep), 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block in a tightly contested 67-62 win. Jaida’s efficient shooting from behind the arc and excellent defense has been a huge reason why Puerto Rico has had such a successful tournament. Puerto Rico will take on Brazil in the Quarter Finals.
Arianna Mercado | ENY Family Academy/ New Heights NYC | Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic had a tough showing in the Group Stage finishing 0-3 in Group B, but enter the knockout stage with newfound confidence and unwavering determination. Arianna was selected as a starting guard in their opener vs Argentina, where she did a little bit of everything and finished with a phenomenal stat line: 17 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals. Argentina’s defense rarely had answers for her, especially out in transition where she was practically unstoppable. Although she had a tough showing in the next game against Canada (2 points, 1 assist & 1 steal), she bounced back nicely in the following contest vs Brazil, finishing with 15 points (including 4 for 4 from the charity stripe), 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Her ability to penetrate the defense and initiate contact at the rim was superior. Once she gets to the free throw line, she’s as good as automatic! Arianna must have her offensive firepower clicking on all cylinders as the Dominican Republic takes on juggernaut United States in the Quarter Finals.
Ava Fajardo Ava Fajardo 5'4" | PG Blair | 2026 State NJ | Gill St. Bernard’s/Exodus | Philippines
Ava will join the Gilas Women’s team for the FIBA Asia Cup in Syndey on June 26th-July 2nd and look to make an immediate impact. They have been placed in Group B and will kick things off against host nation Australia on June 26th before facing Japan on the 27th and Chinese Taipei on the 28th. Ever since Ava made a splash onto the high school scene last Fall, her stock has risen exponentially and continued to climb this AAU season. Her speed in combination with strong handles and elite court vision allow her not only to create for herself, but also find open teammates and distribute the ball for the best possible shot. She will bring her efficient 3-level scoring and fearless style of play to international ball in hopes of a successful FIBA tournament.
GiGi Battle GiGi Battle 6'0" | CG Rutgers Prep | 2026 State NJ | Rutgers Prep/Exodus | United States (team trials)
Although Gigi was not selected as one of the final 12 to represent the United States U16 squad in Mexico, she was one of only 55 young women (and the only one from New Jersey) invited to Colorado Springs to compete in team trials this past May! That, in itself, is a monumental accomplishment. But truly, it’s no surprise she was invited to camp, because anyone who has witnessed her hoop knows just how special she is. The scary part for opponents? She still has three years of high school basketball left to continue perfecting her craft and establish herself as one of the best players in the nation. Gigi will take her experience at team trials and turn it into even greater things. Look for her as a member of Team USA in the very near future!