MADRID — Hannah Hidalgo is already something special.
On Friday, the incoming Irish freshman guard helped Team USA rout the Czech Republic, 121-61, to earn a semifinal bid at the 2023 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup. In the win, Hidalgo had 16 points, 5 rebounds, 13 assists and 4 steals. Her 13 assists shattered the tournament’s record, with the previous mark having been 10.
The assists mark is the second record the New Jersey native has broken during the U19 World Cup, which began in Madrid on July 15. Hidalgo had 8 steals on Wednesday in a Round of 16 win over Argentina, 112-36.
In total, the soon-to-be Irish guard has been one of the biggest contributors on a Team USA that is poised to win the gold medal on Sunday. Over five games, Hidalgo is averaging 10.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 3.8 steals in 18.9 minutes per contest. She leads the team in assists per game and ranks third in points. Her 29 total assists leads all players in Madrid.
Up next, Team USA will face France on Saturday with a trip to the World Cup Final on the line. France beat Japan, 80-78, on Friday.