Three group games and three wins for the United States U-17 team at the U-17 World Championships in Kaunas, Lithuania after their 111-73 victory over Egypt on Sunday.
Kansas commit Conner Frankamp and Jabari Parker, the top-ranked player in the 2013 class, led the way with 18 points apiece and three other Americans reached double figures.
Parker made eight of his ten shots from the field in his best shooting performance in Lithuania thus far after missing the two tune-up games in the Canary Islands with a foot injury.
Kendrick Nunn added 12 points while forwards Jahlil Okafor (2014) and Johnathan Williams scored ten apiece while combining to grab 12 rebounds.
Four other players scored either eight or nine points in the win, just one day after seven players reached double figures in the 95-57 victory over the Czech Republic.
If there’s one concern for the Americans it would be free throw shooting, as they managed to make just six of their nineteen attempts against Egypt.
But that came on the heels of a 23-of-26 night against the Czechs, so it may not be much of a long-term concern for head coach Don Showalter and his staff.
Next up for the Americans is a game against France on Monday, and it’s safe to expect that they’ll come out aggressive given Showalter’s displeasure with their start on Sunday.
“Egypt came out prepared to play. We jumped out to an eight- or 10-point lead early, but then they got back into the game,” said Showalter. “They felt they could play with us the first half and obviously they did.
“Our kids just have to understand that there’s not a switch that’s going to turn on or off. They have to come out more prepared mentally than they did today.”
Photo credit: USA Basketball/FIBA
Raphielle is also the assistant editor at CollegeHoops.net and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.