BOURGES (EuroLeague Women 2017) – The next generation of French stars are ready to take it up a gear at Tango Bourges, with teenage sensation Alexia Chartereau a potential future EuroLeague Women hit.

As the French giants waved goodbye to the likes of established Les Bleues heavyweights such as Celine Dumerc and Helena Ciak at the end of last season, they opted to turn their heads towards the best young talent available in French basketball.

Top of the list were Marine Johannes and Chartereau. While the older Johannes was excelling at the Rio Olympics, the latter was helping France take the FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship 2016 in Sopron.

Chartereau was outstanding and deservedly heralded as the MVP of the tournament as France strode to the podium summit with a jaw-dropping and emphatic 74-44 Final success against neighbours Spain.

"It’s a nice title and great we achieved our goal," reflected Chartereau when reflecting on France taking only their second ever title at the event and avoiding a fourth successive Final defeat.

"It’s a feeling that I had not had – to be on the top of the podium and I still have chills thinking about it.

"I am very happy [to have been named MVP] as it adds something else, although I was already full of happiness at being a champion. I also don’t forget that without my team-mates, I am nothing. We did it together."

The most promising aspect of the forward’s efforts as far as Bourges fans are concerned, is that if she remains at Le Prado in the medium to longer-term – she looks to have the temperament to do the business during crunch time. That was evident in vital matches such as the one against Hungary where she scored ten points in the last quarter and against Lithuania when she hit the decisive basket.

"I love these hot moments where everything is important and you do not have the right to make mistakes," enthused the young star.

"In these moments, I do not reflect or act too quickly –I just try to make the best decision at the right time.

Chartereau sounds like a top drawer player who might one day be able to make clutch shots in a high level competition like EuroLeague Women season – albeit there is a long, long way to go. At least she will be able take her basketball education up a significant step after opting to switch to her new club - as will Johannes who has been nominated for a prestigious award.

"I am looking forward to the training,” smiled Chartereau as the team hit the practice court in preparation for the 2016-17 campaign.

"I am also looking to the start of the championships and particularly to see the level."

So while some big-hitters have moved on, the Bourges locals have two special reasons to continue flooding to Le Prado this season as they watch how Chartereau and her fellow rising star Johannes are able to continue their impressive upward trajectory.

FIBA