Rising Stars Shine on Day Two
The second day of the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 unfolded in the historic Czech city of Brno, where the arena buzzed with anticipation as teams vied for early momentum.
China's Hanyun Sun was the standout of the session, pouring in 26 points while also pulling down 8 rebounds and dishing out 4 assists in a commanding 79‑54 victory over Germany.
Across the court, the United States' Ivanna Wilson Manyacka posted a double‑double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 11 rebounds to help her side edge Australia 74‑72 in a nail‑biting finish.
Slovenia's Veronika Ferjancic fought valiantly, contributing 17 points and 13 rebounds, but Japan's disciplined play proved just enough to secure a narrow win.
Japan's Miya Takeuchi added 17 points, 5 assists and 2 steals, underscoring the depth of talent on the Japanese roster.
Colombia's Diocelin Zuniga Hurtado played a pivotal role, recording 7 points, 13 rebounds and 3 steals as her team recorded their second consecutive U17 win, defeating Czechia.
The day's results not only highlighted individual brilliance but also signaled a shifting balance in youth basketball, with traditional powerhouses meeting fierce challenges from emerging nations.