Time for a little USA Basketball update. The U-21 team is suffering through their stay in.... wait for it... Monte Carlo.

The team is preparing to defend its world title at the 2007 FIBA U21 World Championship, held this year June 29-July 8 in Moscow, Russia. In the first of a 3-game series against France, a sluggish start saw the game tied at the half, 36 apiece. A superlative third quarter, during with the US outscored the French 31-7, led to a 82-59 victory.

Candice Wiggins scored 16, DeWanna Bonner and Kia Vaughn dropped 12 each, while Essesnce Carson chipped in 10. Abby Waner and Courtney Paris snagged eight and seven rebounds, respectively, with Waner dishing out a team-best four assists. Check out post-game quotes from coach McCallie and players here.

Meanwhile, some of the best high school players were putting on a show at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs during the 2007 USA Basketball Women's Youth Development Festival.

USA White, featuring UConn recruits Tiffany Hayes and Caroline Doty, finished 5-0 to win the gold medal. Glenn Nelson and Chris Hansen over at HoopGurlz covered the Festival, writing about Lynetta Kizer (who recently committed to Maryland), Kelsey Bone (the top ranked player in 2009) and Samantha Prahlis and Alyssia Brewer. They also put together a YDF top 12. Check it out and get the early scoop on the next generation of college players.