The final day started with a thrilling game. Both teams were eager for the win, and that showed on the scoreboard, which remained close throughout the game. The final three minutes of the first half belonged to Bosnia and Herzegovina, who went on a nine-point run to take a seven-point lead into halftime (37:30). Slovenia fought their way back into the game, but at the end of the third quarter, Bosnia and Herzegovina hit two consecutive three-pointers to extend their lead to 52:42. In the final quarter, Slovenia stayed focused and managed to tie the game with just one minute remaining (59:59). That minute was crucial. With just six seconds left on the clock, and 61:60 for Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina had possession. That was when Umma Šukić drove to the basket and made the layup winning Bosnians their first U14 game in years with 62:61. Happy tears streamed down their faces. They showed us what sport is all about. The most efficient player was Umma Šukić with 18 points, five rebounds and three assists for an efficiency rating of eight.

After a close first quarter, Romania scored eight consecutive points to take a 10-point lead (29:19). The difference remained around that mark throughout the second quarter, and Romania went into halftime with a 33:25 lead. In the third quarter, Croatia fought their way back into the game, making up the deficit and tying the score at 39:39. They opened the final quarter with two consecutive three-pointers, giving them the momentum they needed to take control of the game. Croatia scored 23 points in the final quarter while allowing just seven, securing a deserved 62:46 victory, and with it, fifth place. The most efficient player was Mia Grgurević with eight points, 10 rebounds and one assist for an efficiency rating of 17.

When Slovakia and Hungary stepped onto the court, it was time for the battle for bronze. Slovakia quickly took the lead, but Hungary stayed close behind. As halftime approached, Hungary had narrowed the gap to just three points (33:36), setting the stage for an exciting second half. Both teams continued to play well, but Slovakia maintained a small, consistent advantage. They appeared to have the game under control until the final 30 seconds, when Hungary came within three points again (60:63). With the game on the line, both teams had to be extremely careful, one in defence, the other in offence. In the end, the defence prevailed. Slovakia held on for a 63:60 victory, securing third place and the bronze medals. The most efficient player was Rebeka Jurčová with 10 points and eight rebounds for an efficiency rating of 17.

At five o’clock, the final two national anthems were heard. Bulgaria and Poland stood proudly under their flags, ready for the final challenge of the tournament – the championship game. The first quarter was a tight affair, with Bulgaria trailing 9:12 after ten minutes. Poland then took control in the second quarter, extending their lead to 14 points by halftime, 34:20. After the break, Bulgaria came out stronger and quickly cut the deficit to 34:38. From that moment on, the game truly came alive. With three minutes remaining in the third quarter, Poland hit a three-pointer to make it 41:36, seemingly putting themselves in a comfortable position. Instead, the shot sparked a remarkable Bulgarian response. Bulgaria completely shut down Poland defensively and scored nine unanswered points, taking the lead with a spectacular three-pointer at the buzzer to make it 45:41. From there, Bulgaria remained focused and composed. They controlled the final minutes and entered the last minute with a 12-point advantage. The celebrations could begin – when the clock hit zero, the result showed 69:57, Bulgaria were officially crowned the champions of the U14 Slovenia Ball 2026. The most efficient player of the final was Siyana Georgieva, who finished with an impressive 29 points, nine rebounds and one assist for an efficiency rating of 30.

1. BULGARIA

2. POLAND

3. SLOVAKIA

4. HUNGARY

5. CROATIA

6. ROMANIA

7. BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

8. SLOVENIA

Siyana Georgieva (BUL)

Anđela Ban (CRO)

Lilla Csaplár-Nagy (HUN)

Milena Świerkot (POL)

Rebeka Jurčová (SVK)

Siyana Georgieva from Hungary was also named the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament.

Umma Šukić from Bosnia and Herzegovina scored the most points in the tournament with a total of 94 points in five games, averaging 18.8 points per game. The prize for the highest number of rebounds in the tournament went to Siyana Georgieva from Bulgaria, with 64 rebounds and an average of 12.8 jumps per game. Slovakia's Nela Dediková won the award for the best passer of the tournament with a total of 19 assists, averaging 3.8 per game.

We would like to thank all the teams for their cooperation, sportsmanship, and the unforgettable moments they brought to the tournament. The girls’ tournament may be coming to an end, but the excitement of U14 Slovenia Ball continues. A second week full of basketball is still ahead of us, as the boys take to the court at the Slovenj Gradec Sports Hall.