Bronze for Brassard and the Gems

JCU Townsville Fire coach Claudia Brassard has secured a bronze medal with Australia at the Under-18 Asian Championships in India.
Needing a top-four finish to qualify for next year’s Under-19 World Cup, the Chemist Warehouse Gems achieved that goal when they eliminated New Zealand in the semi-final qualifier.
Just two wins away from victory, the Gems suffered a set-back in the semi-finals as Japan secured a 90-77 triumph.
The Gems were able to bounce back the next day against Korea, however, as they extracted revenge for their pool loss to secure a 75-58 victory and a place on the podium.
Former Fire development player Miela Goodchild finished with 21 points, nine rebounds and four steals in the bronze medal game and was a standout for the Gems all tournament.
The Gems have now qualified for the 2019 Under-19 World Cup which will be held in Thailand from July 20-28.
FIBA Under-18 Asian Championships:
October 28: Australia def. Indonesia (96-28)
October 29: Australia def. Chinese Taipei (106-66)
October 30: Australia def. by Korea (62-63)
November 1: Semi-Final Qualifier: Australia def. New Zealand (82-66)
November 2: Semi-Final: Australia def. by Japan (77-90)
November 3: Bronze Medal Playoff: Australia def. Korea (75-58)