U20 Belgian Cats cruise to Qualifying Round

At the U20 European Championship (Division B) our U20 Belgian Cats have cruised through the group phase, winning all 3 of their games and are now headed to the Qualifying Round where they will face Great Britain and The Netherlands.

Their opening game against Croatia turned into a thriller where it was eventually Louann Battiston (Ex-Duke University, now Liège Panthers) who scored the game deciding lay-up to give our young Cats the 69-67 victory. Battiston ended the game with 15 pts & 8 rebs, while Nastja Claessens (drafted by the Washington Mystics in the WNBA, currently playing for Castors Braine) ended with the 15 pts & 10 rebs Double-Double.

In their second game of the tournament they faced Albania and completely wiped the floor with them, recording an astounding 30-150 victory. Obviously everyone received plenty of playing time with Sara Remacle (Namur Capitale) recording the 16 pts & 10 asts Double-Double. Leading all scorers was Sam Daelemans (Phantoms Boom) with 24 pts, while Leni Declercq (LDP Donza) recorded 23 pts. Nastja Claessens chipped in with 21 pts & 6 rebs.

In their third game of the tournament against Greece, they immediately grabbed Greece by the throat with a 6-24 opening quarter to eventually get the 46-87 victory. Nastja Claessens was again our best performer with her 16 pts & 7 rebs. Noor Devos added 15 pts, while Sam Daelemans chipped in with 14 pts.

Next up is Great Britain (on July 10), followed by The Netherlands on July 11 as our young Cats strive to earn themselves a promotion back to Division A.

Full Selection:

Coach: Frederic Dusart / Assistant Coach: Philip Wolk, Lola Paulus.

• Louann Battiston – PG (Duke, Liège Phanters)
• Sara Remacle – G (Namur Capitale)
• Leni Declercq – G (LDP Donza)
• Renee Denys – PG (Kangoeroes Mechelen)
• Alicia Courthiau – G/F (Waregem)
• Nora Hucorne – G (Namur Capitale)
• Sam Daelemans – F (Phantoms Boom)
• Aline De Munck – F (Waregem)
• Nastja Claessens – F (Castors Braine)
• Noor Devos – F (Waregem)
• Camille Boosten – PF (Namur Capitale)
• Marine Cop – C (Liège Panthers)