Jespersen caps magical tournament with MVP honors

CORK (FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries) – Denmark’s Maria Jespersen has been crowned tournament MVP, after leading her country to their maiden title.

The power forward impressed throughout her week on the Emerald Isle, finishing the five days of action with averages of 19.4 points and 8.2 rebounds. You can read Maria Jespersen's full story here.

She was joined on the All-Star Five by teammate and center, Emilie Hesseldel, who ended the tournament as leading rebounder with 11.6 per game, and an average efficiency of 20.2.

Despite losing the Final, Luxembourg playmaker Cathy Schmit was consolidated with a spot on the All-Star Five, almost by unanimous vote.  Schmit had been the driving force behind her nation’s run to the Final, offering another 10 points in the Championship game.

Joining Schmit in the backcourt is Ashleigh Vella from bronze medalists Malta. On a well-rounded roster, Vella stood out in all key statistical categories, to lead her team with an efficiency of 18.4 a game.

Rounding out the All-Star Five was the homeland’s shining light Fiona O'Dwyer. It was a difficult tournament for the Girls in Green, but O'Dwyer showed consistency throughout, with 13.4 points and 8.0 rebounds a game.

FIBA