Denmark basketballer Mia Schwarzbach has been selected for the WA Country side who will compete at the Foot Locker Under-16 National Championships in Victoria.
The shooting guard who represents Denmark High School, sets off for Bendigo on Friday with the side’s first game scheduled for Sunday against South Australia Country at the Red Energy Arena.
Schwarzbach, 15, was one of 10 athletes from the Great Southern selected for the wider squad but is the only one picked for the travelling team.
She said being the solo Great Southern athlete was tough but she was relishing the chance to represent the State.
“It’s going to be hard because I’ve had to make friends,” she said.
“But I’ve been to every training session in Perth so Mum and Dad have had to do a lot of driving.
“I’m looking forward to playing in the event; it will be fun, I’m sure.”
WA Country are in pool A with crack sides Victoria Metro and Queensland South who are expected to dominate the section.
Making up WA Country’s side of the draw are Tasmania and New South Wales Country.
After Sunday’s opener against South Australia Country, WA will face NSW on Monday and then defending champions Victoria Metro on Tuesday.
Another tough encounter on Wednesday brings up 2024 winners Queensland South and a final round-robin outing against Tasmania is scheduled for Thursday.
Two days of play-offs will precede final classification matches on Sunday, July 12.
Three other Denmark athletes made the 20-strong squads.
Phoenix Brown and Mori Hamilton were named as reserves in the boys’ squad while Cedar Eliot is a reserve for the girls.
WA Metro will compete in pool B alongside NSW Metro, Queensland North, Victoria Country, South Australia Metro and ACT.
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