Henderson State women's basketball coach Jill Thomas and junior guard Sam Basson were part of the USA D2 Women's National Team that toured Brazil throughout July as part of a goodwill campaign. Thomas served as lead assistant to former Reddie and current Drury University Coach Kaci Bailey, while Basson was selected as one of just nine players to represent all of Division II women's basketball.

    The team played one game in Sao Paolo before traveling to Rio de Janeiro; Team USA played against multiple tiers of Brazilian professional basketball teams, including a U17 team composed of players throughout the South American country. 

    I was extremely honored to represent the D2 National Team this summer in Brazil. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am so grateful to longtime friend and colleague Kaci Bailey for asking me to assist her," Thomas said. "There was an extra level of excitement as Sam Basson, one of our very own Reddies, was playing on the team along with nine other great players around the country representing Team USA. Brazil was one of the most beautiful places with so much to experience and I will cherish the experience forever!"


GAME ONE: Women's Basketball Begins Brazil Tour with Victory Over Itatiba
JUNDIAI, Brazil – The USA D2 Women's Basketball Team opened their 2025 Brazil Tour with a 100-41 win over Itatiba Tuesday evening in Jundiai as six Team USA players scored in double figures while all nine showed up in the scoring column.
Reddie Sam Basson recorded five points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 17 minutes of play.
Patty Chikamba (University of Indianapolis) led the way with 19 points, and Sara Mendel (Drury University) recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Rhi Gibbons (Drury University) and Ivey Schmidt (Western Colorado University) each logged 15 points, Kaylee King (Drury) added 13, and Ryan Franklin (University of Tampa) totaled 12.
Team USA shot 60-percent from the field (35-of-58) compared to 28-percent (16-of-58) from Itatiba. Team USA registered half of their points in the paint, compiled 26 on the fast break, and collected 18 from Itatiba turnovers.
"Today was great," head coach Kaci Bailey (Drury) said. "The team was ready to play after a long few days of travel. It felt good to be back on the floor coaching such a talented bunch."

GAME TWO: Team USA Defeats Mangueira in Rio
RIO DE JANEIRO – A 25-7 first quarter lead propelled USA D2 Women's Basketball a 73-44 win over Mangueira during game two of their 2025 Brazil Tour Friday evening in Rio De Janeiro as all nine players again scored.
Patty Chikamba (University of Indianapolis) and Olivia Lee (Union University) each produced a team-high dozen points for Team USA. Rhi Gibbons (Drury University) added 11, Ryan Franklin (University of Tampa) compiled nine points and a team-high 11 rebounds, while Nora Gum (Missouri S&T) also collected double-digit rebounds with 10. Sam Basson (Henderson State) added three points on the day.
Team USA led 46-29 at the half and extended the margin to 73-44 following the end of the third quarter. The game was called before the start of the fourth due to court conditions as rain began to leak onto the floor.
"Today was a memorable experience for our entire team," head coach Kaci Bailey (Drury) said. "Seeing the joy from the Mangueira players as we exchanged jerseys after the game was so heartwarming."

GAME THREE: Team USA Moves to 3-0 on Brazil Tour with Win Over Mesquita
RIO DE JANEIRO – Patty Chikamba (University of Indianapolis) scored a game-high 29 points to lead USA D2 Women's Basketball to a 91-55 win over Mesquita as five Team USA players scored in double figures inside Arena Sodiê in Rio De Janeiro Saturday evening during game three of the 2025 Brazil Tour.
Reddie Sam Basson was all over the stat sheet; the junior had two points, two rebounds, five assists, and a team (and tournament) high of six steals.
Kaylee King (Drury University) totaled 16 points, Norah Gum (Missouri S&T) tallied a dozen, Ivey Schmidt (Western Colorado University) compiled 11, and Rhi Gibbons (Drury) added 10.
Team USA put up 58 points in the paint, collected 36 on 27 Mesquita turnovers, and scored 22 on the fast break.
"Our team had to play physical against the most athletic team we have seen so far in Brazil," head coach Kaci Bailey (Drury) said. "We did a nice job of scoring from the perimeter and getting to the hoop."

GAME FOUR: Team USA Wins Fourth and Final Game of Brazil Tour with Victory Over Impacto
RIO DE JANEIRO – Team USA scored a tour-high in points in a 110-60 win over Impacto in Rio De Janeiro Sunday morning as seven team members scored in double figures.
Basson finished her tour with eight points and a rebound in her third start in four games.
Kaylee King (Drury University) and Ivey Schmidt (Wester Colorado University) each tallied a team-high 18 points, while Ryan Franklin (University of Tampa) and Olivia Lee (Union University) compiled 17 apiece. Sara Mendel (Drury) recorded 16 points, and Rhi Gibbons (Drury) added 10. Three Team USA players earned a double-double: Mendel (16 rebounds), Ryan Franklin (16 rebounds), and Lee (10 rebounds).
Team USA held a slight advantage at the end of the first quarter at 25-20 but extended the lead to 54-38 at the half before dominating the final two quarters.
"Each of our games has been an incredible experience," head coach Kaci Bailey (Drury) said. "The teams and fans treated us so well, and we are so thankful for everything."
Team USA leaves Brazil with a record of 4-0 as this contest completed the 2025 Brazil Tour.