The two most successful clubs in the history of the game, Kotka Peli-Karhut and Forssa Alku, will meet in the semifinals of the women’s basketball league. Both teams have eight championships.
After a difficult early season, Forssa Alku has risen to fight for medals in the women’s basketball league. In the semifinals, the team beat Tampere’s Pyrinnö. In the semi-finals, Kotka’s Peli-Karhut, who won the previous five championships, will face each other.
– The goal has been that we are at our best in the spring. It has come true, the players find each other much better, which helps the team play, says the person in charge of the coaching duties this season Tero Niskanen.
Relying on experience
Niskanen states that despite the loss in the first game (91 – 83), the Forsians gave a good demonstration that they can get back into the game even from a big loss.
– The opponent is indeed difficult and extremely well trained. We have to trust in experience that there will be no dips.
Niskanen considers his team’s strength to be ball handling skills and especially Jade Vegan role as a quarterback.
– He is able to create his own scoring opportunities and good throwing positions for others as well.
Jade Vega leads the field
Back player Jade Vega, who is playing in Forssa Alu’s team for the second season, is practically the leader of the team and controls everything that happens on the field.
– We have three great foreign players, myself included. We are very versatile and bring a lot of strength. Our Finnish girls, on the other hand, bring a lot of things to the game that help us.
When the group gets going and the rhythm is good, they are unstoppable, according to Jade Vega.
– We all try to bring energy to the game, constantly talk to each other and keep the rhythm going throughout the game.
Also available in length
Playing as the center of Forssan Alu Shelby Cheslek is the second tallest player in the whole series, 196 cm.
– In defense, I play a big role in saves and grabbing rebounds. My role is to stop the opponent and thus help my team.
Although Forssan Alku plays with only seven or eight players, Shelby Cheslek sees the strength of the team in that.
– We know our roles, we know what we are doing and we play well together. We play as a united team.
Plenty of game minutes available
Shelby Cheslek is ready to play the full 40 minutes as in many matches.
– I have played an average of 38 – 40 minutes. I don’t mind it. During timeouts and free throws, I can gather my strength back and continue the fight.
Forssa Alku goes into the second semi-final match with confidence.
– If we play a strong and tight game, we will get the victory we need, says Jade Vega.