InternationalArmenian American recruits boost national women’s basketball team
Published: Saturday July 10, 2010
Armenian American recruits boost national women's basketball team. Vahram Baghdasaryan / Photolure
Yerevan - Strengthened by two Armenian American players the national women's basketball team took silver medals in the FIBA Europe Division C championship that concluded July 3. Christine Kepenekian became the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP) and leading scorer averaging 22 points a game.
"I had a great time, but I wanted to return home with a gold medal," Kepenekian said at the conclusion of the tournament. "I am happy with the things we accomplished as a team." Kepenekian previously played for California State University - Bakersfield and is now seeking a professional contract, with Yerevan-based Hatis Club reportedly interested.
Arpine Amirkhanyan who plays for Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Georgia ranked sixth in rebounds at 9.2 per game.
"It was one of the best experiences of my life," Amirkhanyan was quoted as saying. "I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. I just wish we came out with the gold. I can't wait until next year!"
Another potential U.S. recruit Kris Kachaturoff, who had played for Eastern Michigan University, was unable to attend the Armenia tryouts due to injury. But she is expected to be a candidate for the national team in the future.
The championship was held in Yerevan and generated strong public interest with some 1,900 fans packing the basketball arena during July 3 game in which Armenia lost to Malta 65 to 74.
In previous games Armenia defeated Andorra, Moldova and Scotland, with television audience for one of the games estimated at half a million.
The second placement means that Armenia's women's basketball team, for which this was an international debut, has qualified to advance to Division B championship in 2011.
Only a beginning
Souren Zohrabyan, chair of 2010 championship's organizing committee noted "the overwhelming amount of excitement with the success of the team" and expressed confidence this would "help promote our long term goal of developing basketball in Armenia."
President of the Basketball Federation of Armenia Hrachya Rostomyan particularly recognized the role Kepenekian and Amirkhanyan played in the team's success.
"Christine and Arpine represented Armenia with great pride," said Carl Bardakian, former assistant men's basketball coach at Cleveland State University who selected the candidates from U.S.
"There will be more women's basketball candidates from the United States, all eager to follow in Christine and Arpine's footsteps," Bardakian added.
Connect: http://www.fibaeurope.com
