The Final-4 W Rising Stars schedule

The schedule of the first W Rising Star Final-4 to be held has been announced. Hesperides Kallithea, Kronos Agios Dimitrios, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos Volos will take part in this.

The announcement states in detail…

Time is running backwards for the final four of the first W Rising Stars, with the four participating teams, Esperides Kallithea, Kronos Agios Dimitrios, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos Volos, entering the final stretch of their preparations for the matches to be held on two days 10-11 February at the closed Municipal Gymnasium of Rafina.

The detailed schedule of the matches is as follows:

Saturday 10/2

Cl. Dim. G. Rafinas 17:00 Kronos Agios Dimitrios-Panathinaikos

Cl. Dim. G. Rafinas 19:30 Hesperides Kallithea-Olympiakos Volos

Sunday 11/2

Cl. Dim. G. Rafinas 10:30 Loser 1-Loser 2 (Positions 3-4)

Cl. Dim. G. Rafina 13:00 Winner 1-Winner 2 (Final)

The statements:



Christina Papakosta and Daniela Felouris, captains of Kronos Agios Dimitrios and Panathinaikos respectively, talk about the semi-final and mention the benefits that the new generation of basketball will have through W Rising Stars.

–This is the first year W Rising Stars has been held. How have you experienced the event all this time?



Christina Papakosta: “It is very nice because the best teams from all over Greece participate and we have the opportunity to play difficult games and measure our strengths. There is also no stress, as for example in the Panhellenic Championships. We see the games as a celebration, something that helps us bond as a team in view of the continuity of our obligations.”

Daniela Felouri: “We are given a very big opportunity to play extra matches during the year, something that was started by the boys and we wanted it too. It is a tournament through which we gain valuable experiences because there is more competition, as the best teams play.”

– In the 1st semi-final, the pair Panathinaikos-Kronos Agios Dimitrios will “duel”. What must you do as a team to qualify for the final?

Christina Papakosta: “Panathinaikos have taller bodies so we have to get the rebounds, both defensively and offensively, and try to run as much as possible in the open field. Our opponent also has experienced players, but I have confidence in my team and I believe we can win.”

Daniela Felouri: “Because it is an unprecedented process, we have tried to get into the mood of these difficult games. We’ve made it to the Final 4, so it needs to be a collective effort and bring everything we’ve worked on to the floor. I think this is the most important. It is a process where we are invited to face equal teams without the stress of the championship, through which we will have fun and enjoy basketball.

-Rising Stars is a newly formed organization. How much do you think these games can help female athletes?



Christina Papakosta: “I think that this event should have been included after the boys and the girls. It definitely helps female athletes get basketball performances that will be useful to them later on. The games are competitive and through such matches the athletes become better, gain experience and the teams bond together.”

Daniela Felouri: “It is a nice event, both for the teams that take part and for the growth and development of the female athletes. We see our disadvantages and advantages and get used to more difficult racing situations than the ones we are used to. I hope it will be consolidated and established as an institution and acquire an even more official character.”