Ashlee Strawbridge (left) and Sophie Adams were back hitting the court yesterday after returning from the Australian U16 State Basketball Championships. Photo Jaime Pitt-MacKayDespite nearly a week straight of basketball, there is no rest for Mid Canterbury’s Ashlee Strawbridge and Sophie Adams as they continue to chase their basketball dreams.

The pair returned home on Monday after representing New Zealand as part of the U16 squad that finished fifth at the U16 Australian State Basketball Championships.

The side secured fifth place after defeating NSW Metro 73-54 in the playoff for fifth and sixth.

Both Strawbridge and Adams said the highlight of the tournament was the last game, which they described as the best team performance they had all tournament.

One big difference the pair found from basketball in New Zealand was the level of officiating.

“They pick up on a lot more and there are a lot more fouls and travels called,” Strawbridge said.

“We were probably getting called up on eight travels a game at least.”

It was an intense experience for the pair from the first step off the plane, travelling straight from the airport when they arrived in Perth to their first training session, and due to time difference, not finishing until midnight NZ time.

To go along with their one match they played a day, the pair also trained once a day.

Both said they felt they played well in the tournament, even if the stats did not truly reflect their performances.

They will now turn their attention to helping out the Ashburton College team in their Whelan Trophy campaign before the South Island tournament in September.

Ashburton College coach Andrew Shepherd said the goal from that tournament is to qualify for nationals later in the year.

By Jaime Pitt-MacKay © The Ashburton Guardian - 19 July 2017