Full Breakdown
Israel’s U-18 Girls’ Basketball Team Clinches Division B European Title
8/12/2026, 2:13:51 AM
Core Event
Israel’s national under-18 women’s basketball squad captured the Division B European Championship, defeating host Romania 85-66 in the final. The victory secured the team’s promotion to Division A for the next season, completing an unbeaten 7-0 run through the tournament.
Tournament Performance
From the opening tip, Israel dominated, establishing a 13-6 lead within the first minutes. By the end of the first ten minutes the score stood 30-14, thanks to early scoring bursts from Maya Zilbershlag (nine points) and Maayan Gorin (12 points). The second quarter saw continued pressure, with contributions from Mika Kanitz and Rotem Shtikelro expanding the lead to 47-29, and a halftime margin of 51-29 after Tamar Carmi’s inside play. Israel’s advantage grew to 69-38 after the third quarter, peaking at a near-40-point gap before the final period. Romania rallied with a 17-point run, narrowing the deficit to 76-57, but Israel sealed the win with decisive baskets from Rotem Shtikelro and Mika Kanitz.
Standout Players
- Maayan Gorin – led the team with 22 points, joining four teammates in double figures.
- Maya Zilbershlag – contributed 21 points, sparking the early lead.
- Mika Kanitz – added 14 points, including a crucial late three-pointer.
- Rotem Shtikelro – tallied 13 points and a key basket in the final minutes.
- Tamar Carmi – posted 12 points, anchoring the paint throughout the game.
Future Outlook
The championship win guarantees Israel’s participation in Division A next summer, positioning the squad among Europe’s elite under-18 women’s teams. The performance underscores the depth of Israel’s youth basketball program and sets expectations for continued success at higher competition levels.
