Tualatin’s Love Lei Best Leads Northwest Contingent to U16 National Team Tryouts Love Lei Best is continuing her outstanding freshman season, showcasing her talent and earning a coveted spot among 52 players from across the nation selected to participate in the USA Basketball Women’s U16 National Team trials. These trials, set to commence on May 21st in Colorado Springs, represent a significant step towards potential selection for the 12-player roster aiming to compete in the FIBA U16 Women’s AmeriCup. Alongside Best, Benson freshman forward Jayla Lackey and Eastside Catholic freshman post Amy Nduka are also traveling to Colorado Springs, forming a powerful Pacific Northwest contingent of young basketball players. This group of talented individuals is united by their aspirations to secure a place on the roster for the upcoming FIBA U16 Women’s AmeriCup, a crucial event scheduled for June 16-22 in Irapuato, Mexico.
Love Lei Best’s exceptional performance as a first-team High School On SI/SBLive Oregon all-state selection for the Tualatin Timberwolves last season was instrumental in leading the program to its historic first Class 6A state championship victory. Her impressive statistics further solidify her standing as a rising star in Oregon high school basketball, averaging an outstanding 15.1 points, 4.4 assists, and four steals per game. These numbers demonstrate her versatility and all-around impact on the court, highlighting her ability to consistently contribute to her team’s success. The selection of Love Lei Best is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and undeniable talent. Her journey to the national trials is an inspiring story for young athletes everywhere, showcasing the rewards of perseverance and a commitment to excellence. The Tualatin Timberwolves’ championship win was a remarkable achievement, and Love Lei Best played a pivotal role in securing that victory. Her future in basketball looks incredibly bright, and her selection to the U16 National Team trials is a well-deserved recognition of her potential.
Jayla Lackey’s selection as a first-team all-PIL selection for the Benson Astros was equally impressive, as she spearheaded the Astros’ charge to the second round of the 6A state playoffs. Her leadership and scoring ability were vital to the team’s performance. Amy Nduka, the standout post player for the Eastside Catholic Crusaders, led a young team to a dominant 3A Metro League district title, earning her a second-team SBLive Washington all-state pick. Her ability to control the paint and secure rebounds proved crucial for the Crusaders’ success, demonstrating her potential as a key player. The success of these young athletes highlights the importance of strong coaching and a supportive team environment. Their dedication and teamwork were key to their achievements, and they serve as an inspiration to aspiring basketball players across the region. The contributions of Jayla Lackey and Amy Nduka were essential to their respective teams’ victories, and their selection to the U16 National Team trials is a testament to their skill and potential.
The United States has a remarkable track record at the FIBA U16 Women’s AmeriCup, having secured the gold medal in seven of the eight editions of the competition, including the past four. This impressive achievement underscores the strength and depth of American talent at the U16 level and the high expectations surrounding these young athletes. The upcoming AmeriCup represents another opportunity for these talented players to showcase their skills and contribute to the nation’s legacy in international basketball. The SBLive App provides live updates on your phone — as well as follow your favorite teams and top games — you can download the SBLive Sports app: Download iPhone App | Download Android App
