Israel's U18 Girls Basketball Team Dominates Ukraine to Secure Top Spot in European Championship

Israel's under-18 girls basketball team secured their fourth consecutive victory at the Division B European Championship in Romania on Tuesday, defeating Ukraine 80-59. This win guaranteed Israel the first place in their group, setting up a quarterfinal match against the runner-up from Group A. The first half was marked by many missed shots from both teams, with Israel holding a narrow 32-30 lead at halftime. Ukraine led for most of the third quarter, but a 5-0 run by Israel late in the period gave them momentum. In the final quarter, standout performances from Maayan Gorin and Maya Zilbershlag helped Israel dominate with a 31-11 run, sealing the victory under coach Roy Eisenberg.

Key contributors included Maya Zilbershlag with 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals; Tamar Carmi with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks; and Maayan Gorin with 11 points. Other scorers were Mika Kenitz (9 points), Or Gadot (6 points), Rotem Shtikelro (4 points, 9 assists), Liam Yasso (3 points), and Mika Yanai (2 points, 10 rebounds).