Israel's U18 Girls Basketball Team Wins Division B European Championship, Secures Promotion to Top Tier

Israel's U18 girls basketball team completed a flawless tournament on Sunday by winning the Division B European Championship. After securing promotion to Division A the day before, the team defeated host nation Romania 85-66 in the final, finishing the tournament undefeated with seven wins in seven games. This victory guarantees Israel's return to the premier level of the European Championship next summer.

Israel started the final strongly, quickly building a 13-6 lead led by Maya Zilbershlag, who was named the tournament MVP. Maayan Gorin, also selected to the all-tournament team alongside Zilbershlag, extended the lead to 18-6 early on. Despite Romania's attempts to close the gap, Israel maintained control, ending the first quarter ahead 30-14. The Israeli team continued dominating in the second quarter, with Mika Kanitz and Rotem Shtikelro contributing significantly, pushing the halftime score to 51-29.

The second half became a celebration for Israel as they expanded their lead to nearly 40 points by the end of the third quarter, leading 76-44. Romania mounted a 17-0 run early in the fourth quarter to narrow the deficit to 76-57, but Israel responded decisively. Shtikelro scored crucial baskets, including a three-pointer, and Kanitz completed a three-point play to seal the victory. Gorin led Israel with 22 points, Zilbershlag added 21 points along with 7 rebounds and 4 assists, Kanitz posted a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, Shtikelro scored 13 points and dished out 9 assists, and Tamar Carmi contributed 12 points.

In contrast, Israel's U16 girls team suffered a heavy 101-62 loss to Spain in their final group stage game of the European Championship. Spain dominated from the start, leading 30-12 after the first quarter and maintaining control throughout. Spain finished first in Group C, while Israel placed second and will face Germany, who finished third in Group D, in the round of 16.