Do you like the whole idea of the Estonia and Latvia championship?

It`s a good chance to play better games against different opponents. In previous years we had four or five teams in Estonia. It gets kind of boring to play with the same teams all the time. Nordea Basketball league is a different experience. Some of the teams are on a really high level and some are great competitors for us.

Tartu University is the main opponent of Rapla?

Yes, they are, but I would say that few Latvian teams are also our main competitors. Actually, last year marked the first season for Rapla women´s team. So I can´t say that we have had tough competition with Tartu in Estonian league.

Are you happy with the first season?

We finished the first season with five wins so we were quite happy about that. At first we were scared of the united league. Our initial plan was to compete in Estonian league and the idea of playing against the best Latvian teams seemed too ambitious. In the end we decided to face the challenge and we are proud of that! For almost 15 years Estonian top league was a competition between teams from Tallinn and Tartu. Also, women´s top league team made Rapla Basketball School the only club in Estonia which have men´s and women´s team and also youth teams in different age categories.

Compared to last season our head coach has changed. I guess we can practice a little bit more than last year. It didn`t reflect in results of the first round, but we try to do better.

What do Rapla players do in weekdays?

A little bit of everything. We have four high school girls. Then we have four students and some of us work as well. There are no professional players. Most of the students study in Tallinn and one in Pärnu. Rapla is a hometown for all of our players and all of us have learned basketball ABC in Rapla Basketball School.

Rapla players hit seven three pointers in the last 11 minutes of the game against the Latvia U16 team. You made a lot of open shots. What did you miss to win?

We did a few stupid mistakes in the end when they set up the half-court press. They forced us to turn the ball over. However, our scoring percentage was better than usual. We usually don`t score so many field goals. Luckily we had several scorers - three or four players scored more than 10 points. That was good. Defensively we didn`t do so well.

So defense was the key of the game.

We let them hit those midrange jumpers. They shoot really well compared to their age.

Each team has to play twice against every other team. So there is a chance to level or win the series. For example, you can use your home court advantage in the league play.

I think it`s a good opportunity. We are sad, because we lost today, but we still can get wins against some other teams. And we have an opportunity to beat them also.

I guess one of the goals of Rapla is to qualify for the semifinals of the Estonian championship?

Of course. We have to beat the Tartu University to qualify.

How long have you played basketball for?

Since first grade. Now I am twenty four. I started in Rapla. During the high school years I played for "Audentes". Then I went to the United States for one year.

Which University?

Eastern Kentucky University. They compete in the NCAA`s Division One in the Ohio Valley Conference. It was a great opportunity, but I decided to come back. Then I played three years for Eclex until we created the AmEst Rapla team.

Who was your first coach?

My mom. She is our assistant coach and she was the head coach last year.