A Rising Star Takes the Court
Mo Farhan, a senior at Stagg High School, stepped onto the international stage when he donned the jersey of Team Palestine for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup WABA Qualifier in Amman, Jordan. The tournament, held in early July, gathered some of the region’s most promising talents, and Farhan’s presence added a distinct Midwest flavor to the competition.
Despite the team’s modest 1‑4 record, the experience proved formative. Palestine opened the competition with a win over Jordan before falling to Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq. Each loss offered lessons, but the squad’s resilience was evident in the way Farhan continued to produce double‑digit numbers night after night.
Farhan’s statistical footprint was impossible to ignore. He averaged 15.6 points and 12 rebounds per game, ranking second in the entire qualifier for total rebounds with a tally of 60. His most commanding performance came against Iran, where he posted 21 points, 12 rebounds, an assist, a steal and two blocks, earning him a place among the event’s standout players.
The roster reflected a geographically diverse cohort, featuring classmates from the Chicago suburbs, as well as players from North Carolina and Minnesota. Farhan shared the court with Omar Yousef, a rising junior from Shepard, forging a partnership that blended local familiarity with international ambition.
Pre‑tournament workouts had been instrumental in building chemistry. Repeated drills and scrimmages allowed the group to develop a rhythm that translated into on‑court cohesion, a factor that coach Marty Strus highlighted when he praised Farhan’s work ethic and competitive spirit.
Looking Ahead to the Prep Season
The exposure to high‑level competition has sharpened Farhan’s perspective on what it takes to excel at the next tier. With a blend of skill, tenacity and a growing sense of responsibility, he is poised to lead his high school team toward new heights, carrying the lessons from Amman into the next chapter of his athletic journey.