July 11, 2005

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Playing with the Under-20 Israeli National Women's Basketball Team, Maryland guard Shay Doron led her countrywomen to history, as the Israeli squad went 6-0 in the Division B European Championship in Brno, Czech Republic, and captured the country's first-ever women's tournament title in international competition. Doron was named Most Valuable Player for the championship.

A Kodak/WBCA Region II All-American this past season and a first team All-ACC pick, Doron (Great Neck, N.Y./Christ the King) led Israel in scoring in all but one game, including a 32-point outing vs. Ireland and a 30-point performance vs. Sweden. She averaged a tournament-best 24.7 points per game and nearly posted a triple-double in the 60-56 victory over Lithuania on July 6, tallying 25 points, 10 steals and nine rebounds.

The Israeli squad opened the tournament on July 1 with a convincing 75-51 win over Portugal. Doron tied for the team lead with 21 points and added seven rebounds and four steals. The team then pulled out a 60-53 decision over Slovenia the following day, with Doron pacing the attack (21 points, five steals and five boards). A 32-point effort by the Terrapin guard lifted Israel to a 76-53 win over Ireland to remain perfect in tournament play. On July 6, Doron was one rebound short of a triple-double in the crucial 60-56 win over Lithuania and then followed up with another 30-point outing, 15 coming in the fourth quarter, in a 72-66 victory over Sweden. The Israelis made history on July 8, topping Bulgaria, 78-71, to claim the country's first-ever women's international title.

Doron, who was born in Israel, will also be playing for the USA Jewish team at the Maccabiah Games July 11-21.