IRAPUATO, Mexico (July 16, 2024) - Canada finishes group play at the top of Group D, going 3-0 with a 68-52 victory over France heading into the Round of 16 at the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup.

Following the trend of the first two games, Canada started the first quarter on a 6-0 run. Savannah Swords scored seven out of the team’s first eleven points, including an impressive reverse layup after the offensive rebound.

Swords continued to score, getting fouled on a made three, shooting 60 percent from beyond the arc. Swords finished the game with 25 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Deniya Prawl, followed by 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, remains a steady presence for Canada.

“It’s amazing knowing we have great scorers, and everyone will have their day to shine,” said Prawl. “I believe this is the best U17 team Canada has had in a while, and I can’t wait to see how far we can go as a collective.”

France made a quick run late in the second quarter, bringing the score to 35-30 at halftime, with Canada up by five after leading by as many as 15 in the first half.

Agot Makeer, who scored 20 or more through her first two games, saw her first bucket be a three with seven minutes to go in the third quarter, giving Canada a 44-36 lead. Makeer went on a 6-0 solo run, which would spark Canada to rise to a 58-38 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Cearah Parchment finished with nine points and eight rebounds, while Agot Makeer had seven points and eight rebounds in the win.

“The potential is limitless with this group,” head coach Fabienne Blizzard said.  “We are the best in Canada with athletes who are operating at an elite level IQ-wise and skill-wise. We couldn’t be more blessed as coaches to coach these athletes. Canada has yet to see the best of them. Every time we get 2% better, that is our goal for every game, and we got 2% better in each game.”

Canada will now face the fourth-place team in Group C (Puerto Rico or Croatia) tomorrow, July 17, in the Round of 16 (time TBD). With a win, they would move into the quarterfinals.

Fans can watch all the action live on FIBA's YouTube channel.

Box Score