Tokyo Bound

Lima Peru. Team USA punched their ticket to Tokyo with their 58-47 win over rival Canada in the gold medal final of the Parapan American Games Lima 2019.

Canada took the first score but it would prove to be the only time they were ahead of the Americans today. The U.S. mounted a strong defensive effort that forced costly turnovers by the Canadians throughout all four periods. This strategy, coupled with an aggressive scoring plan, led the Americans to play a nearly flawless match. Top scorers for the U.S. today were Chuck Aoki with 18, Josh Wheeler with 14 and Joe Delagrave with 11.

“We’ve been working on this moment for seven to eight months, said Coach James Gumbert. To see the team that we put together go out and execute the plan was tremendous. Today we looked and played like a team of one.”

Chuck Aoki echoed those sentiments. “To have played such a phenomenal game makes this win even sweeter. Everyone on this team lifts each other up and brings us together that is what makes us great. Leaving on top of the podium is the best feeling in the world. To hear our anthem, to have the gold medal around our neck that’s why we do this.”

Final Standings Parapan American Games Lima 2019
1- United States
2- Canada
3- Colombia
4- Brazil
5-Argentina
6- Chile