Sao Paulo, Brazil • August 1-7, 1988

The United States, directed by University of Virginia head coach Debbie Ryan, rolled through its six opponents to claim the gold medal at the 1988 COPABA Junior World Championship Qualifying Tournament in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In doing so, the U.S. qualified for the 1989 FIBA Junior world Championship, along with silver medalist Brazil and bronze medalist Cuba.

Opening preliminary round play on Aug. 1 against Guatemala, the USA earned its most convincing victory of the tournament, 106-53. University of Georgia's Stacey Ford paced the U.S. attack with 19 points, while Auburn University's Patrina Scruggs and Stanford University's Trisha Stevens pitched in 13 points apiece and Oregon State University's Kari Picott added 12 points.

After holding onto a 36-30 halftime lead over Argentina on Aug. 2, the United States pulled away in the second half to secure a 73-58 decision with the help of University of Texas freshman-to-be Vicki Hall's 15 points.

Closing out preliminary round action, the U.S. advanced to the medal round after edging Cuba 64-60 on Aug. 3. Stevens notched a team high 12 points, while University of Tennessee's Kris Durham and Stevens added eight points for the red, white and blue.

Advancing to the medal round, the U.S. was pitted against Cuba to open semifinal action on Aug. 5. In another tight battle, the United States again came out on top, 76-70.

On Aug. 6 the United States kept its winning streak alive after a 74-69 win over Canada to advance to the gold medal game.

Facing a tough Brazilian squad and a very vocal home crowd, the U.S. went down to the wire to best host Brazil 70-68. With less than a second remaining on the clock, and the score tied at 68-apiece, Stanford University's Sonja Henning iced a pair of free throws to clinch the gold medal victory. Parriott led the U.S. in scoring and rebounding with 11 points and nine rebounds, while Ford added 10 points.