By R.L. Bynum
The United States team, which includes five-star Carolina Class of 2025 commitment Lanie Grant, plays three pool play games at the FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship beginning Tuesday night.
Grant, a 5–9 guard ESPN ranks as the No. 20 player in her class and No. 11 in the below video, is one of four players her age on the team.
The U.S. team plays three games in Pool A: Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. against Puerto Rico, Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. against Colombia and Thursday at 10 p.m. against host Mexico. In Pool B are Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Argentina and Canada.
The top two teams from each pool advance to Saturday’s quarterfinals. The semifinals are on Sunday, and the championship game is on Monday.
The United States is 34–1 all-time in women’s U16 competition and has won the last three gold medals. The games will stream on FIBA’s YouTube channel.
Grant is a rising junior at James River High School in Midlothian, Va. Last season, Grant averaged 28.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists while shooting 41% from 3-point range and 86% from the free-throw line.
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Projected roster if all players with eligibility other than Elina Aarnisalo, Lanie Grant,, Taliyah Henderson and Liza Ashtakhova and Liza Ashtakhova return, with years listed for next season (UNC is one below the 15-player limit)
| Year | No./ Stars | Players | Pos. | Height | |
| Freshman | 5 star | Kate Harpring | PG | 5–10 | |
| Freshman | 52/4 star | Noelle Bofia | F | 6–4 | |
| Sophomore | 3 | Gabby White — W | G | 5–10 | |
| Sophomore | 7 | Nyla Brooks | W | 6–1 | |
| Sophomore | 26 | Taissa Queiroz | G | 6–1 | |
| Junior | 34 | Blanca Thomas | C | 6–5 | |
| Junior | 1 | Jordan Zubich | G | 5–11 | |
| RS junior | 21 | Ciera Toomey | F | 6–4 | |
| RS junior | 4 | Laila Hull | W | 6–1 | |
| Senior | Sophie Burrows — X | G | 6–2 | ||
| Senior | 11 | Achol Akot — Y | F | 6–1 | |
| Senior | 10 | Reniya Kelly | G | 5–7 | |
| Senior | 15 | Sydney Barker | G | 5–6 | |
| Graduate | 13 | Chloe Clardy — Z | G | 5–9 |
WW — Virginia transfer; — Virginia transfer; X — Syracuse transfer; Y — Oklahoma State transfer; X — Stanford transfer
Entered transfer portal
| Player | Class next season | Pos. | Hgt | Next school |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elina Aarnisalo | Junior | G | 5–10 | UCLA |
| Lanie Grant | Junior | G | 5–9 | TCU |
| Taliyah Henderson | Sophomore | W | 6–1 | Clemson |
| Liza Astakhova | Sophomore | G | 6–2 | BYU |
Photo courtesy of USA Basketball
