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Dakari Johnson scores 16, USA Basketball U-17 takes down Czech Republic, 95-57

Dakari Johnson

Top 2014 prospect Dakari Johnson posted a double-double, scoring 16 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, as the United States U-17 team cruised to a 95-57 victory over the Czech Republic Saturday at the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship in Lithuania.

“I just tried to come in the game and crash the offensive boards and really played hard,” said Dakari Johnson, who had four points and four rebounds in the USA’s first game. “I think I wasn’t as effective yesterday as I should have been. I just tried to increase my play today.”

Alongside Johnson, 2013 prospect Jabari Parker scored 12 points and Kansas commit Conner Frankamp had 11. All 12 American players contributed points in the rout.

The United State won the battle on the boards, outrebounding the Czechs, 64-35, and forcing 18 turnovers.

“Our emphasis was getting a good start in the first quarter,” said USA head coach Don Showalter. “The defensive intensity was really good. To hold somebody like the Czech Republic to 22 points in a half means we’re doing something right on defense. First of all, we’re dominating the glass. We’re getting a lot of rebounds. If you can do that, get some deflections, some steals, you’re doing okay.”

Next up for the United State is Egypt (0-2), a game that takes place tomorrow at 6:30 AM EDT. They then have an off day before taking on France (1-1) Tuesday afternoon.

Daniel Martin is a writer and editor at JohnnyJungle.com, covering St. John’s. You can find him on Twitter:@DanielJMartin_