Kevin Larsen ('93) ended some weeks ago his season with the Mustangs of Montrose Christian (Maryland), and now he is focused in his summer. Last week he participated in the U-18 Nordic Championship, held in Solna (Sweden), playing with Denmark, his national team. What he did? Let's take a look to the performance of one of the best prospects of the event.
Danish kids lost in their opener against Iceland (80-65), a team that with its fight reached the big final, being the main surprise of the tournament. Montrose power-forward started the game and played 28 minutes. He nailed 22 points with a great 11/13 twos, adding 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. His 34 efficiency was the best of the contest. In the second day they recovered of the bad start crashing Finland (82-58) with another good job from Larsen. In 27 minutes he had 23 points (9/15 twos and 5/8 ft), 8 boards, 2 assists and 1 steal. He ended again as the best scorer of his team tied with rising-star Rasmus Larsen ('94). With a 1-1 record they faced a tough rival: the hosts. Finally Sweden won (71-62) even Larsen shined again with a double-double: 16 points (7/14 twos and 2/4 ft), 11 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 assists. In the fourth day they added their second victory, in this case against Norway (89-83). The prospect only played 15 minutes, but enough to finish with 13 points (6/9 twos and 1/4 ft), 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists. With a 2-2 record they played for the 3rd/4th final position against norwegians again. Score? They won again (80-75) with another show of Larsen: 26 points (12/19 twos and 2/5 ft), 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. in the whole tournament he averaged 20.0 points and 7.4 rebounds for a 23.4 efficiency. He finished as the best player of his team, while Ramus Larsen had 14.6+6.6.
Eurohopes talked with him.
-What are your first sensations after this first season in Montrose?
It has been a great learning process for me. It really helped my game and studies. So all in all has it been a great year for me.
-You've been one of the best players in the Nordic Cup. Are you happy with your games and your team's performance?
My performance was OK, but it was hard because the team hadn't really played together before, so I am really happy with the team's performance and there is more room to improve.
-So now what is your next goal, preparing for next season?
I will be working on my game with individual coaches and my national team, so I can come out stronger than the year before.
Denmark will participate in the U-18 Division "B" European Championship that will be held in Varna (Bulgaria) from July 21st to 31st. In the first group they will compete against England, Estonia, Portugal and Belgium. The two first teams will make it to the second round, keeping the chances to promote to Division "A".
Photo: K.L.
