Day: July 19, 2024

Malta’s Women U18s set for FIBA EuroBasket Division C Tournament

The Malta national basketball selections are gearing up for the end of a busy summer, with the Under-18 women’s team set to compete at the FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket Division C in Pristina, Kosovo, next week.

Following a triumphant gold-medal performance last year, where the Malta U18 women clinched the Division C trophy by defeating hosts Albania 56-47, the team is eager to show their skills and defend their title. Last year marked their first championship win since 2007, raising hopes for a repeat success in the 2024 edition of the tournament.

Malta will kick off their campaign in Group A against Cyprus on Tuesday, July 23 (tip-off: 2.30pm), followed by a crucial match against hosts Kosovo on Thursday, July 25 July (tip-off: 7.30pm). All fixtures will take place at the Tetori Sports Hall.

The tournament’s structure will include the first classification match and semi-finals on Saturday July 27 July, with the final matches slated for Sunday July 28.

Coach Roderick Vella has carefully selected a squad of 12 players for the tournament, who will depart for Kosovo on Sunday.

The team boasts an interesting line-up, featuring three sisters – Anna, Rebecca, and Sara Fenech Pace, adding a unique dynamic to the squad.

Assisting Vella are Caroline Schiavone and Matthew Borg, with Kevin Magro serving as the team’s fitness trainer.

Malta U18 Squad

Ylenia Ferrando, Philippa Riolo (all Starlites); Sarah Sciberras, Anna Fenech Pace, Michela Marmara, Rebecca Fenech Pace, Vanya Baldacchino, Jada Said, Gwen Carabott, Shanice Farrugia, Ella Abela, Sara Fenech Pace (all Luxol).

Starlites set for Cyprus trip to face Anorthosis in FIBA Europe Cup qualifiers

Malta Division One champions Starlites discovered their opponents in the qualifying round of the FIBA Europe Cup on Friday as the Naxxar side were pitted against Anorthosis Famagusta.

At the draws held in Munich, Starlites were part of the group of unseeded teams and now face the Cypriot side in a home-and-away format in September with their first fixture taking place on September 24 at Ta’ Qali and their away fixture in Famagusta on three days later.

Starlites’ opponents Anorthosis have consistently participated in the FIBA Europe Cup, showcasing their talent on the international stage. However, they have never reached the later stages of the competition.

Domestically, Anorthosis are a dominant force in the Cypriot Basketball Division 1. They consistently compete for the championship title and finished second in the regular season this past campaign. This means Starlites will have a tough bone to pick in two months’ time.

In a club statement after the draws, Starlites president Ivan Riolo said: “We are looking forward to facing Anorthosis Famagusta next September for our Qualifying Game. The club has received significant support and interest locally following its announcement on Tuesday. This is not just a first for the club, but something Maltese Basketball clubs should keep looking at year after year, as it will allow the Maltese Basketball game to develop further and Maltese Basketball players to gain international exposure.”

“This is not just an achievement for Starlites Naxxar Basketball Club, but an achievement for the Maltese Basketball community.”

Were they to progress into the regular season, Starlites would then play in Group B of the competition against the likes of Casademont Zaragoza, Bursaspor, and the loser of the Basketball Champions League qualifiers’ semifinal.