Additional Quotes: USA 87, El Salvador 27
• Game Story
• Box Score
USA head coach Jeff Walz (Louisville)
On the game:
I thought we played well. They really tried to do what we asked them to do as a staff. We were more patient offensively and tried to run through some things and work on our execution. So, it was a good performance.
Did you think they stayed focused despite the big lead?
We played very well defensively in the second half. When you get leads to that amount, sometimes you can get sloppy, trying to come up with steals and trying to score, but I thought they a great job of focusing and staying disciplined.
What are your thoughts on the semifinals?
It is definitely going to be a ballgame. We are going to have to come prepared to play. It’s going to be interesting. I think the Colombia-Puerto Rico could be a really good ballgame. So, it is going to be interesting to see who we play, but I think everybody knows the competition now takes a step up.
Maori Davenport (Charles Henderson H.S./Troy, Ala.)
On the game:
We played well. We just need to start off a little bit better with our energy. But, we are getting better and better every game.
What were you focusing on in the second half?
Honestly, I was focusing on playing hard.
How does it feel headed into the semifinals?
It feels great, but I won’t be happy until we get a gold medal.
Rhyne Howard (Kentucky/Cleveland, Tenn.)
On the game:
I think we executed well, and did everything coach wanted us to, and the start was better than all the other games.
How does it feel headed into the semifinals?
It feels good. It means that we are doing what we are supposed to do, and we’ve been preparing right and executing everything.
Ashley Joens (Iowa State/Iowa City, Iowa)
On the game:
We came together as a team and executed, so we made a lot of improvements.
What were the things the team was trying to accomplish?
We wanted to play defense and get a bunch of stops, execute our offense and get open looks for other people.
How does it feel headed into the semifinals?
It is a great feeling. We just need to keep executing moving forward.
Anaya Peoples (Schlarman H.S./Danville, Ill.)
On the game:
We were trying to get all of our plays in and execute them right, get easy shots for our posts, lobbing the ball to our posts instead of bounce passes, which we still need to work on, but just overall being disciplined and playing together. We got better at it towards the end. I think with two more games to come, we are going to continue getting better.
How does it feel headed into the semifinals?
I’m excited.