Warracknabeal’s Chloe Bibby and the Australian Gems will kick off their under-19 World Cup campaign in Italy against Japan on Saturday.
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Chloe’s parent’s, Adrian and Leigh-Anne Bibby, will be sitting in the stands cheering their daughter on.
They also travelled to Mexico when she played in the under-17 world championships in 2014.
“As soon as she made the final squad we pretty much knew that we would be coming across as well,” Adrian said.
“Another big part of the reason we wanted to come was because she will only be spending 10 days at home after this before heading to the United States.
“We’re just trying to spend as much time with her as we can at this point.”
The team travelled to France for a series of warm-up matches against France, Canada and China in the week leading into the championships.
Wins in all three games means the squad will head into the world cup full of confidence.
Adrian said Chloe was excited for the experience.
“We’ve been talking to her pretty much each day leading in,” he said.
“She’s one of only four top-age players in the squad. A lot of them played in the under-17 world championship win just six months ago.”
Chloe started in all three wins and will co-captain the team during the world cup.
Australian Gem’s Schedule
Full schedule – here.
July 22 v Japan at 9.30pm
July 24 v Mexico at 12.15am
July 25 v Hungary at 10.00pm
July 26 Round of 16
July 28 Quarter-finals
July29 Semi-finals
July 30 Final
- Games will be streamed live via the FIBA YouTube channel.
- Times shown are Eastern Standard Time.
- Finals matches could be scheduled for the early morning on the following day due to time difference.