MK Breakers’ U16 guard Athena Thompson played a pivotal role in the Great Britain U16 Girls team winning the Bronze Medal at the European Championships Division B in Konya, Turkey.
With the victory over hosts Turkey in the third place game, Great Britain earn promotion to Division A for the 2025 European Championships, the top 3 Division B teams achieving the feat.
Thompson, who led the MK Breakers U16 Girls to the clubs first ever Junior National Title this season, continued her fine form for Great Britain, leading the European Championships in scoring with an average of 22.6 points per game. She also ranked third in the tournament in efficiency (20EFFPG) and steals (4.4SPG)
Athena was recognised by FIBA for her play throughout the tournament and was named to the All-Star 5, highlighting the top 5 performers from the 20 teams at the tournament.
Great Britain finished the group stage with a 3-1 record, claiming victories over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland and Estonia, their only blemish coming to basketball powerhouse Lithuania. They went on to dominate Denmark 86-61 in the quarter-final before coming up just short to Czechia in the semi-finals, losing 61-65.
With hopes of a gold medal dashed, GB still had the chance at Bronze and promotion to Division A for 2025 if they could defeat hosts Turkey on the last day. Despite a raucous homes crowd, GB dominated from outset, winning the first quarter 26-3, eventually cruising to an 84-62 win, with Thompson again leading GB’s scoring with 24 points.
Well done and congratulations to Athena and all of the players and staff involved with the Great Britain U16 team on their outstanding achievement.
Thompson will continue her basketball career at Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut, USA next season.
