FlaBasquete's U-19 team ended the State Championship round with the best possible result: the lead. The team, which remains undefeated in the tournament, beat Municipal last Saturday (09), 73x52, in Gávea, and confirmed the good moment throughout the first phase of the championship. 

With 14 points and 8 rebounds, Thiago Carvalho, known as Sorriso, stood out and was the red-and-black's top scorer. Point guard João Camargo also contributed well offensively, chipping in 13 points and 4 assists, contributing to the Mais Querido's strong offensive performance. 

After the victory, coach Fernando Pereira took stock of the match and highlighted the group's progress. 

"It was a very important victory for our team, as with this result we finished the first half of the season undefeated and in first place. During the game, we had a somewhat inconsistent performance, but I believe that was due to having been out of action for almost a month, just training. We had some very good moments; our defense was very efficient, especially in the second quarter, where we conceded only seven points, and our offense is gradually finding a more dynamic game, with ball movement and extra passes. The players are assimilating the concept very well, and I believe we will improve even more in the second half. We will strive for this improvement," analyzed the coach. 

The team's next challenge will be on June 17th, against Municipal, away from home. The match will be played at 15 pm, and Flamengo will be looking to maintain its position at the top of the table. 

The Flamengo Regatas basketball teams receive funding from their sponsors – Thinkseg, TIM, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, and EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and the State Incentive Law/Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat of Sports, Recreation, and Youth (Seelje), as well as support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC) through the decentralization of funds from the Pelé Law. The Flamengo Guardian Angel Project, a personal tax transfer, benefits all Olympic sports of the club.