BANGKOK (FIBA U19 World Championship for Women) - The United States have won the last two FIBA U19 World Championships for Women and judging from their 86-46 demolition of France in a friendly ahead of this year's competition in Thailand, the Americans could be about to claim a third straight gold.

Shenise Johnson and C’eira Ricketts each had 12 points in a balanced USA scoring attack while Kelsey Bone and Chay Shegog contributed 11 points apiece.

Johnson and Shegog dominated the glass as each grabbed nine boards. The USA corralled 61 rebounds to just 27 for France.

“It’s good to finally get a game under our belt,” said USA coach Carol Owens.

“I think we needed that. We’ve been practicing twice a day in the States. To get here and try to get adjusted as soon as we can, I think this was good for us."

Owens, who is the coach at and Northern Illinois University, was anxious to see her team in action before the team's opening game at the U19 event in Bangkok against Spain on Thursday.

"You always want to know where you are at this point," Owens said.

"It was not bad for our first friendly game, but we still have a ways to go.

"Our emphasis has to be on the defensive end and we need to continue to be focused on our defense throughout the tournament.”

FIBA