Last-second free throw hands Team Kärnten a 40-39 win over Champ Academy Jesenice - Kranjska Gora
In a game that swung like a pendulum, Team Kärnten eked out a 40-39 victory over Champ Academy Jesenice - Kranjska Gora in the LWB U13 round 4 clash. What began as a one-sided first quarter turned into a tense, end-to-end finish decided in the final seconds.
The early stages belonged to Champ Academy, who opened with a 16-8 first period built on balanced attack and timely three-point shooting from Meija Sara, who finished with two triples among her 8 points. Yet Team Kärnten stayed within touching distance, and the complexion of the game shifted as the minutes ticked away.
At the heart of Kärnten’s comeback was an extraordinary effort on the glass from Guggi Johanna. Her stat line was one for the record books: 22 rebounds (10 offensive), 12 points and an efficiency rating that reflected her dominance. Those offensive boards produced second-chance opportunities that repeatedly extended possessions and kept Kärnten in the fight.
Standing opposite that presence was Đaferi Nejla, who led Champ Academy with 16 points and drew a torrent of fouls throughout the contest. Nejla’s aggressiveness to the rim forced the defense into difficult situations; she attempted 10 free throws and converted enough in the dying moments to give her side one final shot at the win. Her late free throw with two seconds left narrowed the margin to a single point, but it was not enough to flip the result.
Key supporting productions came from Troedsson Sophia and Scharf Lena for Team Kärnten. Troedsson finished with 11 points and six rebounds on highly efficient shooting, while Scharf’s 11 points included multiple triples that punctured mid-game cushions and helped keep Kärnten close. For Champ Academy, besides Nejla and Sara, Vilić Anaya offered physical play inside and contributed six points and six rebounds.
Tactically the contest was a study in contrast: Champ Academy found early rhythm through ball movement and perimeter scoring, whereas Team Kärnten leaned on rebounding and conversion in the paint late. Fouls played a decisive role; several late trips to the stripe altered possession value in the final two minutes and ultimately determined the scoreline.
For neutral observers this was a compact drama of youth basketball — tight defense, energetic rebounding, spurts of outside shooting and a finish that hinged on free-throw execution. The narrow margin underlines how small details — an extra offensive rebound, a missed free throw, a successful closeout — can be the difference between celebration and heartbreak at this level.
This post was generated by AI.
