Fowler in sparking touch for Sapphires

JCU Townsville Fire development player Alex Fowler has guided Australia to a perfect start at the Under-17 World Cup in Belarus.

Having clinched a first-up 81-43 victory against Latvia – Fowler registered two points and five rebounds in a tick over 16 minutes of playing time – the Sapphires went up a gear against Latvia overnight.

Despite a raft of injuries, the defending champions posted a 60-41 victory over Latvia with Fowler recording 11 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.

The Sapphires led from wire-to-wire and will now enjoy a rest day before confronting Canada with the winner assured of topping Group D.

While all sides will advance to the final 16, avoiding a cross-over with Team USA, the gold medal favourites, in the quarter-finals will remain a priority.

Fowler looked dangerous in the Sapphires’ line-up last night as she was subbed in to the game early following two quick fouls on Isobel Anstey.

The Queensland Country Health Fund academy graduate made an immediate impact as she made an and-one play underneath the basket.

Meanwhile, Australia finished the Four Nations tournament in China with a 5-1 record.

With injuries to Kelsey Griffin and Jenna O’Hea, the Chemist Warehouse Opals were no match for China in the final game as they suffered a 49-75 loss.

Darcee Garbin finished with four points and five rebounds, while Tess Madgen registered three points and an assist.

Finally, Stella Beck and New Zealand will commence their William Jones Cup campaign this week after three warm-up matches in Japan.

Facing off against the Fujitsu Red Wave on Saturday, the Tall Ferns were upstaged as they suffered a 66-99 loss.

The Tall Ferns are poised to meet Japan again in the Taiwanese tournament.

Photo courtesy of FIBA.