BUDDING basketball players from Wagga have been selected for NSW Country representative duties.
Six local kids are in for a steep learning curve according local junior representative officer Juanita Bailey.
In particular, Tim Martini, the only ‘top age’ kid of the bunch, will be in for a thrill as he plays in the Australian Junior Country Basketball Cup in January.
“It’s an eye opener, they realise that’s the next level and want to work a bit harder,” Bailey said.
Players such as Ella McFarlane and Matt Langstreth benefited greatly from participating last year.
“It’s a wonderful experience, a whole week of basketball, you train and live with your team, and they pick an Australian side, who to go to New Zealand next year,” Bailey said.
McFarlane and Langstreth, along with Chaz Bishop, Jacob Edwards and Gabby Tschirn are in their off year, but will still gain some exposure as they harness their skills among the best in the state.
They will travel to Newcastle for a development week.
“Ella will know everybody, she’s made friends forever from all over the state.”
Each junior plays in the open competition locally.
“The more experienced players help out and pass that [experience] on,” Bailey said.
