MADRID — Before setting foot on Notre Dame’s campus, incoming freshman Hannah Hidalgo has a chance to earn a second gold medal for Team USA.
On Saturday, Hidalgo earned a trip to the 2023 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup final, as the Americans defeated France, 80-57. The 18-year-old guard broke the single-game records in both steals (8) and assists (13) prior to Saturday, and she was a major contributor once again against the French. Hidalgo had 12 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists over 21 minutes on the court.
Team USA stifled what had been a very good French offense, holding the group to just 34.4 percent from the floor. Just two players reached double figures. Hidalgo’s unrelenting defense played a huge role in getting stops.
Over six games, Hidalgo has averaged 11 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 3.2 steals. The steals record for Team USA over the course of the competition is 3.3 per game.
Team USA has yet to lose in Madrid, taking six of six contests, and is widely considered to be the team to beat. Should the American squad win tomorrow, it will be Team USA’s 10th gold medal at the event. Hidalgo won her first gold medal with Team USA at last year’s FIBA U17 World Cup.
Hidalgo isn’t the only Notre Dame women’s basketball player who will see the court on Sunday. After falling 77-70 to Spain in the semifinal round, Cassandre Prosper and Team Canada will face France with a shot at the World Cup bronze medal. She already won a bronze medal with the Canadian Senior National Team at the 2023 FIBA AmeriCup on July 9.
Against Spain, Prosper had 11 points and a pair of rebounds. To date, she has averaged 16.2 points and 2.3 assists per game in Madrid, both of which rank second on the Canadian team.
Canada-France will tip off at 12:30 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, and the USA-Spain game will follow at 3:00 p.m. (ET). They will air on YouTube, and the links for the broadcasts can be found here.