For most high school seniors, the final game is just that: the final game. For Elsie Larsen, it could be the last time she ever plays alongside her little sister. These two aren’t rivals; they’re buddies except when it comes to the alarm clock.
The postseason is fast approaching for top-ranked Strafford. And they have two beacons on the court. The leading scorers are seniors Elsie Larsen and sophomore Kinley Larsen. Yes, same last name and definitely related.
“She’s my best friend,” said Kinley. “We do everything together. It’s going to be really hard when she goes away.”
Yes everything. Like getting up at 4 am to work out. Something Elsie loves. But Kinley doesn’t.
“No, not at all,” said Elsie. “It was bad. [trying to wake her up]. She’s grown a lot, though. I’ve tried many approaches. I’ve gone in there I’m like, ‘Kinley it’s time to get up.’ I try to be the nice sister.”
“She like never sleeps in so it’s really easy for her,” Kinley said.
“Just set your alarm two times and you’re still not up,” said Elsie, with a laugh. “You didn’t listen to me and you know we have places to be.”
Elsie’s favorite reason to wake up is to go on a hike. When she was ten Elsie hiked her first 14-er. She plans to tackle all of Colorado’s 58 peaks of more than 14, 000 feet.
“She’s always the first one up the mountain,” Kinley said. “I’m trailing behind her. She’s like, ‘Come on Kinley.'”
“She has knock down drag outs [fights],” Elsie said. “Her and my mom. She’d rather sit on the beach, do nothing.”
When she plays at Colorado State next year she can knock a few more 14ers off the list. At least when she finds time.
“Maybe not all while I’m in season,” Elsie said with a laugh. “I’ll probably try to get in like, four to five a year maybe. I don’t know we’ll see.”
All the hikes and hoops mean she can have her favorite treat every once in a while. Andy’s ice cream. Specifically the Snowmonster. She’d also like to go out her senior year with a state championship. Head coach Dustin Larsen is ready to lead the way. But dad Dustin Larsen wouldn’t mind if it took a little longer for his daughters to get there.
“You definitely want to cherish it and live in those moments and be there and be present,” said Dustin Larsen.
“It’s sweet but also, kind of sad that it’s getting to the end,” Kinley said. “But honestly, taking in every moment. I’m just grateful for the year we’ve had.”
For his daughters, when the season ends, it’ll be their final high school game as teammates. The last time they’ll play as sisters. Or is it? Kinley is still deciding where she’ll play in college.
“That’s definitely a consideration I’m thinking about,” Kinley said.
“That’s honestly up to her,” Elsie said. “I’m just here to support her in whatever she wants to do.”
But first dreams first. They’re hoping to light the way to a shiny trophy the sisters and the team can share.
