The small left-handed guard was very solid throughout the match and admitted to enjoying herself in the Old Capital.
“This is my second year participating in this tournament and I really like the city. We live in Old Quebec and I find it simply splendid. People are welcoming and there are good crowds at the parties,” explains the woman who is a real celebrity on social networks with 1.2 million subscribers on her Instagram account.
Van Lith was solid throughout the game. (Caroline Grégoire/The Sun)
The player who will play at TCU University next year likes her level of play so far in the tournament.
“You’re always learning when you play 3X3 and it’s important not to get angry on the pitch and to stay patient. We’re a young team that hasn’t played a lot together, but I think we’re improving every day.”
The five-foot-seven athlete says she will be in her best shape for the Paris Olympics where she will be part of the American squad.
“We have two players who are currently playing in the WNBA who will be joining us, but I know for a fact that Cierra Burdick and I will be ready,” concluded the basketball player just before her semi-final match against Canada.
Sarah-Jane Marois and Léa Dominique for the Quebec training. (Caroline Gregoire/The Sun)
Rewarding experience
For Léa Dominique and Sarah-Jane Marois, this defeat in the quarter-final demonstrated that it was difficult to hope to beat a team as solid as the United States by not playing basketball full time.
“It’s true that we prepared for the tournament, but the fact remains that we have day jobs and we only play basketball in our free time now. We no longer do basketball-specific strength training and these are things that show when you play against such a high level. I’m not saying that the result would be different since they are very talented, but I think we are capable of competing against them and the gap would be closer,” explains Marois, who won the USPORTS Player of the Year title in her last game with the Rouge et Or.
Same story for Dominique who was already salivating at the idea of having another chance next year.
“It’s a very high level, but it just makes me want to work even harder to come back. The other point that must be mentioned is that it is difficult to simulate this type of adversity in Quebec.”
Both basketball players were proud of their overall performance.
“We showed that we can play at this level and the atmosphere was perfect with full stands. These are the types of events that are needed to continue to increase the popularity of basketball in the region and especially among girls,” conclude the two accomplices.
The crowd was present throughout the tournament. (Caroline Gregoire/The Sun)
Positive Bilan
The Capital 3X3 Classic is gaining popularity and Mathieu Rousseau is delighted. He was all smiles when reviewing the event.
“It went really well and there was a great turnout throughout the tournament. It was packed yesterday on the men’s side and the show in the final was really solid. Jimmer Fredette showed why he’s special by winning the tournament MVP award.”
Not knowing what to expect on the final day, Rousseau was pleased to see the crowds were back out for the women.
“We could hardly ask for better. The only thing missing was the temperature because playing outside brings a really pleasant dimension, but we remain really satisfied.
