Williams, U.S. advance to final at U17 Worlds

Elizabeth Williams

Elizabeth Williams (Princess Anne High) survived a blow to one of her eyes to finish with 14 points and 11 rebounds to help the U.S. wear down China 97-74 in the semifinals of the U17 World Championships Saturday in France. The Americans will face either France or Belgium in Sunday's championship game.

Williams sustained her injury with 2:43 left in the first half and had to leave the game, but she returned to help the U.S fight off a game challenge from the Chinese. Thanks to some deadly 3-point shooting, China trailed by just six points at halftime and seven through three quarters. The U.S. outscored China 24-8 in the fourth quarter. The Princess Anne rising senior wound up playing a tournament-high 25 minutes.

Through seven tournament games, Williams is averaging 13.3 points - second on the team to Breanna Stewart's 13.4 - and a team-best 8 rebounds.