Johnson Records Double-Double in Team USA's Gold Medal Win
Aug. 2, 2009
Courtesy of USABasketball.com
BANGKOK – University of Miami forward Shenise Johnson recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds as Team USA defeated Spain, 87-71, in the gold medal game of the 2009 U19 World Championship Sunday night in Bangkok, Thailand. In addition to Johnson’s performance, Nnemkadi Ogwumike (Stanford / Cypress, Texas) posted game-highs of 22 points and 20 rebounds.
For her play throughout the tournament, Ogwumike, who ranked seventh overall in scoring (13.6 ppg.) and third for rebounding (9.9 rpg.) among the 16-team field, was named to the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship All-Tournament Team.
The U.S. now owns a record four gold medals and one bronze at the FIBA U19 Worlds and has posted a 49-11 all-time record in U19 World Championship play.
Argentina (6-3) claimed its first medal at this event with a 58-51 victory over Canada (4-5) in the bronze medal game.
The U.S. was aided in the victory by 21 points from Samantha Prahalis (Ohio State / Dix Hills, N.Y.); Kelsey Bone (Dulles H.S. /Stafford, Texas) scored 18 points; while Skylar Diggins (Washington H.S. / South Bend, Ind.) celebrated her 19th birthday by scoring 10 points and collecting seven rebounds.
“We started out better than any team I’ve seen play,” said Carol Owens, USA and Northern Illinois University head coach. “We were ready; we were focused. Our intensity was very good. We knew at some point Spain was going to make their runs at us, but I think we held our composure. This was a gold medal team, and we earned every bit of it. We started out slow, but we got better and they believed in the vision that we had for them.
“Nneka was awesome, as usual. I’m always probably harder on Nneka because I know she can do so much. She takes it in stride, she gets better. She knew rebounding was important. She got a lot of offensive rebounds. With her and Kelsey inside, when they’re ready to go there’s no one who can guard them. No one.”
The U.S. exacted a bit of revenge against its opponent. After opening the tournament with a heartbreaking loss to Spain, the United States proved it was not about to lose again, especially with a gold medal on the line.
