Despite competing hard in every game, Scotland U18 Women ultimately finished last in the European Championships, Division B. Although Scotland had some excellent performances throughout the tournament, it seemed that they could never quite do enough to secure a win. In the final two games Scotland faced Israel and Luxembourg.

Scotland Vs Israel

Israel exploded into their game sweeping Scotland aside with a 21-6 starting score closing the first quarter. Scotland managed to match Israel in the second quarter to try and close the gap after the half. However, Israel came out just as strong in the third as they did in the first winning the 3rd and 4th by 5 and 4 respectively. The final score was 63-39 to Israel. Scotland’s top scorer for the game was Erin McGarrachan with 14 points and 12 rebounds. For more information on the game click on the link below.

Game Stats

Scotland Vs Luxembourg

Scotland started much better in their final game of the tournament, however, Luxembourg fought back to finish the quarter 9 points ahead. Scotland continued to fight throughout the match, winning the third quarter 13-9. Luxembourg proved to be too strong winning the game 50-34. Erin McGarrachan again was the top scorer for Scotland on 17 points and a massive 27 rebounds. For more information on the game click on the link below.

Game Stats

Scotland will now begin to look ahead to competing in Europe next season.

Scotland U18 Women lose to Montenegro in their first qualifying round of the FIBA Euro B, 62 – 43.

Although they were beaten by 10 points in the first they reduced that to 1 in the second. This however slipped back to diference of 10 in the 3rd. Scotland fought right to the end winning the final quarter, but it was too little too late.

Scotland’s defense was the strongest part of their game squeezing 29 turn overs out of Montenegro compared with their 25. However, they were beaten in total rebounds, steals and assists.

Scotlands top performers from the match were Erin McGarrachan (on 18points, 10 rebounds and 1 assist) and Gemma Black (6 points, 1 rebound and 1 steal).

The next match is today against Isreal at 6.30 GMT.

Game Stats

Scotland again fought hard but found the going tough at the European Championships, Division B, as they lost 38-61 to Bulgaria.

It was another improved performance by Scotland as they won the first quarter 17-13 before trailing by 5 points at half-time.

Scotland’s offense dried up in the second half as Bulgaria put the squeeze on to hold Scotland to 33% shooting and force 31 turnovers.

Erin McGarrachan led Scotland’s effort once again with 19 points (8/21 shots), 8 rebounds and 2 steals.

Jenny Lynn contributed 7 points (5/5 shots), 6 rebounds and 3 steals while Gemma Black grabbed 7 rebounds to go with 2 assists and 2 steals.

Scotland will be disappointed with a third loss but can take positives from their improvement into the classification games for 9^th to 18^th places.

Next game is against Montenegro on Thursday 5 August at 6.15pm GMT.

Game statistics

Scotland under 18 women competed hard against Estonia at the European Championships, Division B, before falling 45-60 on their second pool game.

It was a much improved performance by Scotland after their first up loss to Finland.

Down by 19 points at half-time, Scotland responded by winning the second half by four points.

Both teams shot 40% from the field while Scotland also battled their bigger opponents to gain a 32-30 edge in rebounds.

Head Coach, Donna Finnie, was proud of the effort and remarked, “We had great intensity defensively in the second half and we’re looking forward to improving again in the next game”.

Erin McGarrachan lead Scotland’s effort with 15 points (5/10 shots, 5/8 free throws) with 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.

Jenna Beattie played very well in her match up with Estonia’s tall front line and finished with 8 points (4/6 shots) and 3 rebounds.

Claire Straiton was hot off the bench, shooting 4/8 of three point shots on her way to 12 points.

Game statistics