Warley helps US to victory

The 2011 Women’s Basketball Pan American Games, featuring Liberty center Avery Warley, in Guadalajara, Mexico have come to a close. Eight countries competed in the Games for a shot at the gold medal.

Warley had the opportunity to be among the 12 players that took part in representing the United States.

“I enjoyed being able to wear USA across my chest,” Warley said. “I also enjoyed the respect that we got from just being American.”

USA started the first two games of the tournament against Argentina on Oct. 21 and Puerto Rico on Oct. 22. In each game, USA had a double-digit lead after the first quarter, but lost to Argentina 58-55 and to Puerto Rico, the eventual gold medal finalist, 75-70. According to USAbasketball.com, turnovers were among the biggest setbacks to USA’s success.

After readjusting, USA defeated Mexico on Oct. 24 and Jamaica on Oct. 25 to finish seventh overall with a 2-2 record.

According to Libertyflames.com, Warley contributed a total of 10 points and 16 rebounds during the Pan American Games. She shot 42.9 percent from the field and 100 percent from the free throw line. She played a total of 28 minutes.

Playing alongside a different set of skilled players and underneath a new set of coaches were a few challenges that Warley experienced while in Mexico.

“Being around superstars, the whole experience, was a challenge,” Warley said.

However, if the opportunity presented itself, Warley would choose to put on the United States jersey again.

“Just being able to see basketball in a different perspective, I would want to try it and do it all over again,” Warley said.

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