Arizona’s Shaina Pellington wins gold representing Canada

TORONTO, CANADA – Taking part in the Global Jam Tournament, Arizona’s Shaina Pellington helped lead Team Canada to a gold medal. 

It has been a busy summer so far for Arizona Women’s Basketball star Shaina Pellington. And as the Wildcat guard has spent time away from Tucson, the Canadian native has put that time to good use by sharpening her basketball skills.

One way she did so was by taking part in the Global Jam Tournament held in Toronto last week. The Tournament was ultimately created to help highlight some of the game’s rising international stars, which coincidentally included Pellington.

Playing host to some of the best athletes from around the world, the tournament lasted just a few days and featured eight men’s and women’s teams, all competing in an Under-23 division which is recognized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

Playing for Team Canada, Arizona’s Shaina Pellington looked sharp, helping her home country to bring home the gold.

The tournament started for Pellington as Canada faced Belgium in game one. Getting the start at guard for the Canadians, Shaina logged over 32 minutes of action, scoring 13 points while grabbing four rebounds and dishing two assists. Canada would go on to win by a 65-53.

Returning to action in game two, Pellington and Canada would have their toughest challenge as they faced the American National Team.

Once again getting the start, Shaina would log over 24 minutes of action in this matchup as she finished with 13 points, two rebounds, three assists, and a steal on 5-9 shooting. Canada would shock Team USA as they went on to win by a 78-69 final.

Wrapping up their regular round-robin action against France, Pellington would struggle in this one as she got the start but only finished with two points and five assists on 0-7 shooting. Luckily, the rest of Team Canada picked up the slack as the team cruised to a 73-56 win.

Semi-Final & Championship Rounds

Facing Team USA in a semi-final rematch, Pellington and Co. were dominant once again. The Wildcat star would log 18 minutes for Canada as she would score eight points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished three assists as she helped fuel Canada to the dominant, 85-60 win.

Squaring off with France again in the gold medal game, Shaina got her redemption as she was spectacular in the final game of the tournament.

Once again getting the start, Pellington would log 26 minutes of action in this one, scoring 10 points on 4-7 shooting while also grabbing two rebounds and dishing three assists.

Her play helped propel Canada to the 78-60 win and the gold medal finish!

For Shaina, she should be returning to Tucson with some well-deserved hardware and additional experience. We are excited to see what 2022-23 has in store for Pellington and the Wildcats!