Israeli Girls' Basketball Team Heads to Europe B Division Championship Aiming for Promotion

The Israeli girls' basketball team has departed for the European Championship Division B, which begins this Saturday in Romania. After being relegated to Division B last summer, the team, led by coach Roy Eisenberg and his staff, aims to secure a top-three finish to return to Division A. The tournament features 20 teams divided into four groups of five; Israel was drawn into Group B alongside Ukraine, Bulgaria, Norway, and Switzerland. Israel will face Switzerland in their opening match on Friday.

Key players include Maya Zilbershlag, who previously starred in the U18 European Championship with an average of 18.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, and who also plays for the reigning Israeli champions Maccabi Ashdod. Zilbershlag has committed to Purdue University for the upcoming season. Another standout is Maayan Gorin, a point guard playing in Canada, recognized by FIBA as a player to watch. Other notable players expected to contribute are Tamar Carmi, Mika Yanai, and Savion Kamer.

The full roster includes Maayan Gorin, Adi Gotstadt, Rotem Shtikelro, Mika Yanai, Or Gadot, Maayan Aviram, Liam Yasso, Mika Kanitz, Hatiana Jraisi, Tamar Carmi, Maya Zilbershlag, and Savion Kamer. The coaching team consists of head coach Roy Eisenberg, assistant coach Tal Dvik, physiotherapist Chen Gaz, fitness coach Nadav Lensman, and team manager Bruria Hadar.

Eisenberg previously led the girls' team to a fourth-place finish in 2024, the best result for Israeli women's basketball teams until the recent silver medal by the U20 team. The current mission is clear: to finish in the top three and restore Israel's place in Division A, reclaiming its status as the only Israeli basketball team relegated to Division B.