Bingham strikes gold in France (Basketball)
Anchorage’s Dorena Bingham today picked up her second career gold medal with Team USA, serving as an assistant coach for the Women’s U-17 National Team that won a FIBA world championship in France.
The Americans beat the French 92-62 in the title tilt.
“It was pretty exciting to win a world championship,” Bingham told me. “This experience was fantastic. We traveled to the pre-tourney in Spain and learned firsthand what it was like to face teams that were as good as you are and teams that in certain areas did things better.
“It truly let you know that this experience is unparalleled … nothing else like it. The coaches and staff were fantastic, the administration was organized, caring and detailed, and the girls were truly inspirational in their play on the court and a lot of fun off the court. Basically, I was living the dream.”
Bingham, of East High fame, won her first gold medal (yes, coaches get one too) with the U-16 National Team at the FIBA Americas tournament in Mexico City.
“I feel honored and blessed to work with USA Basketball,” she said. “This is my fourth time getting an opportunity to work with them and it is the highlight of my coaching career.”
There is no rest for the weary, though.
Bingham will arrive in Alaska tonight and before heading to San Diego on Monday for an AAU tournament with Team Alaska.
