By R.L. Bynum
The United States team got off to an impressive start at the FIBA U16 Women’s Americas Championship, and future Tar Heel Lanie Grant also showed why she’s a five-star recruit in the Class of 2025.
Carolina’s only commitment so far in the class, ranked No. 20 by ESPN, came off the bench to score more than a point per minute in the first quarter and finished the game with 12 points as the Americans rolled to a 124–39 victory over Puerto Rico at Poliforum Zamna arena in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, on Tuesday.
Grant, who dribbled out the final seconds of the blowout, finished 5 of 10 from the floor, 2 of 6 from 3-point range with two rebounds, one assist, four steals and two turnovers. The 5–9 rising junior at James River High School in Midlothian, Va., played a team-high 21 minutes, 25 seconds.
The U.S. (1–0) plays its second of three games in pool play at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday against Colombia before facing host Mexico at 10 p.m. Thursday.
In the other Group A game on Tuesday, Colombia beat Mexico 67–59. In Group B games, Argentina topped the Dominican Republic 72–62 and Canada rolled by Brazil 69–37.
Grant scored seven points in less than six minutes as the U.S. jumped out to a 38–8 lead after one quarter, scoring her first two points on drives. She led the Americans with 12 points at halftime when they led 68–18.
The Americans reached the century mark early in the final quarter after taking a 98–32 lead in the fourth.
Jerzy Robinson paced the U.S. team with 21 points.
The Americans won the turnover battle against Puerto Rico 36–15 and finished with 56 points off those Puerto Rican miscues.
The 124 points were the highest for the U.S. in an opener of this tournament since scoring 129 against the Dominican Republic in 2009.
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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 |
Photos courtesy of FIBA
