​TOPEKA (KSNT) — A rising Wildcats prospect has helped her national team reach the pinnacle of a major youth tournament. Tea Cleante, a second-year student and Penn State transfer, has been instrumental as part of Team France’s run at the 2026 FIBA Women’s U20 Eurobasket Championship, guiding the squad toward the title.
France clinched the championship with a 79-66 victory over Israel on Sunday, a game in which Cleante delivered a standout performance, recording a team-high 19 points while shooting efficiently at 7-for-11 from the floor. Her consistent scoring ability and versatility have been on display throughout the tournament, contributing across multiple facets of the game and helping France navigate a competitive field to reach the final rounds.
Throughout the tournament, Cleante has been a steady presence for France, averaging 7.1 points and 2.1 assists per game. Her impact extends beyond the box score, as she has played an essential role in Team France’s offensive flow and transition play, providing scoring punch and playmaking when needed and helping to balance the guard rotation with her experience and composure on the court.
Cleante’s emergence is particularly notable given her status as an incoming sophomore who transferred to Penn State, underscoring the strength of her development during the offseason and her readiness to compete at a high level on the international stage. Her performance has drawn attention to the talents emerging from the program and signals continued potential as she continues her collegiate career.
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