Benjamin Berue makes debut for Latvia U16 with impressive double-double
Latvia U16 basketball team lost their second friendly against Israel 81:87, but newcomer Benjamin Berue shined with 34 points and 11 rebounds in 27 minutes.
The Latvia U16 men's basketball team played their second friendly match against Israel on consecutive days as they prepare for the European Championship in Romania. After a convincing 80:62 victory the day before, the Latvians suffered a narrow 81:87 defeat this time.
Finally joining the team was Benjamin Berue, a talent based in the USA. In 27 minutes on the court, he delivered a spectacular double-double: 34 points (2-pointers 10/12, 3-pointers 1/3, free throws 11/15) and 11 rebounds. He also recorded three steals, two assists, and one block, but turned the ball over seven times. No other Latvian player scored more than seven points.
Following the first friendlies, three players — Edvards Freimanis, Emīls Dumpis, and Ralfs Valenieks — left the candidate list. Power forward Ralfs Barlots and now Berue have been added to the roster. The preparation phase will conclude with the Baltic Cup in Riga from July 31 to August 2, featuring Lithuania, Estonia, and Spain.
The U16 European Championship will be held in Oradea. Latvia starts in Group B, facing Italy (August 7), Turkey (August 8), and Czech Republic (August 9). The round of 16 will pit them against a team from Group A (Serbia, Lithuania, Poland, or Romania). Winners proceed to medal contention, while losers compete for places 9–16. The bottom three teams will be relegated from Division A.
