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. The people are welcoming and there is a good crowd at the games,” 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 match. (Caroline Gregoire/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.
The American team finally won the tournament played in Quebec by defeating the solid Canadian team 21 to 13 in the semi-final before defeating the Dallas 3XBA team 20 to 17 in the final.
Sarah-Jane Marois and Léa Dominique for the Quebec training. (Caroline Grégoire/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 jobs during the day and we now only play basketball in our free time. We no longer do bodybuilding specific to our sport and these are things that appear at such a high level. I’m not saying that the result would be different since they are very talented, but I believe that we are capable of competing against them and the gap would be closer,” explains Marois, who won the player of the year title. USPORTS at its last 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 Capitale 3X3 Classic is gaining popularity and Mathieu Rousseau is delighted. He was all smiles when he took stock of 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 more. The only thing that was missing was the temperature because playing outside brings a really enjoyable dimension, but we are still really satisfied.”
