England's U16 Women received an eye-opener to the strength of Division A basketball as they finished their 2012 European Championship campaign with a ninth straight loss, 60-48, to Germany on Sunday.

 

Their winless record places England in last place (16th overall) and they will compete in Division B in 2013 along with Germany and either Serbia or Turkey.

 

Shooting was again an issue for England, as they went 31% from the floor compared to Germany's 43% and they were also out-rebounded 41-31. Shanice Norton, Leah McDerment and Savannah Wilkinson all struggled from the field against a tough German defense.

 

Apart from when Samantha Clement hit a three to make it 20-19 to England two minutes into the second period, Germany led for the game's duration. England was always within a few baskets, however, until the fourth quarter when Germany's lead never dropped below double digits.

 

Californian-born Clement was the only England player to reach double figures in the scoring column against Germany including 3 of 3 from behind the arc. She was also the only England player to connect from outside in the game. Emma Stach was arguably Germany's top performer with 24 points, 6 steals and 5 rebounds.     

 

Manchester Mystics guard Leah McDerment was England's tournament scoring leader with a 9.8 point per game average, 17th overall in the European Championship. Evelyn Adebayo was the rebounding leader hauling in 5.2 boards per game while Shanice Norton led in both steals (1.9/game) and assists (1.8/game).