Warracknabeal’s Bibby off to Italy

Warracknabeal basketballer Chloe Bibby will represent Australia at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Italy.

Bibby is among 12 players to make the Australian Gems under-19 team following a final selection camp in Canberra.

The Gems advanced through the FIBA Oceania tournament late last year to qualify for the FIBA World Cup, which runs from July 22 to 30.

They defeated New Zealand 10752 to win gold.

Coach Dee Butler said the world cup selection process was a tough one.

“Selection was not easy with the quality of the squad, but we are really excited about the depth and versatility of the team,” she said.

“The team has a wealth of experience underpinned by their development at the Centre of Excellence through their state-based high-performance programs, while some have previous world championship involvement.

“We are really looking forward to the exciting challenges in our preworld cup tournament in France and then our ultimate objective to medal at the world cup in Italy.”

The Gems are in Group D for the tournament and will be aiming to get on the podium for the third straight time after winning bronze medals in 2015 and 2013.

The Gems also won silver in 1997 and gold in 1993.

“We know that we will face strong opposition with a number of the European teams, and Japan and Korea as always will be highly skilled and extremely quick,” Butler said. Australia’s Schedule for the Under-19 Women’s World Championships (all times AEST): July 22: Australia v Japan, 9.30pm July 24: Australia v Mexico, 12.15am July 25: 10pm July 26: Round of 16 July 28: Quarter-finals July 29: Semi-finals July 30: Bronze and gold medal games Australia v Hungary,