Ashlee Strawbridge (pictured) and Sophie Adams (insert) have been selected for the New Zealand under 16 basketball team. Photo Ashburton GuardianTwo Ashburton girls have been named in the New Zealand under 16 basketball team that will take on the Aussies later this year.

Sophie Adams and Ashlee Strawbridge, who play for Ashburton College and are representative players for Basketball Mid Canterbury, were amongst the 10-member team named by Basketball New Zealand yesterday.

A New Zealand B squad was also named for games in Australia.

Head coach of the New Zealand under 16 girls team, Natalie Visger, says the wider squad is a very athletic and passionate group with a bright basketball future.

For the New Zealand Under 16s team, the pinnacle event will be the Australian Junior Championships in July.

This tournament is the most prestigious age-group national basketball event in Australia, where the best of the best juniors in Australia and New Zealand compete.

Visger says the games will be fast-paced and largely dictated by the players out on the court.

“We aren’t going to be able to influence the referees or expect much fan support, so these girls need to be prepared to fight and scrap their way through each game.

“I think we have a chance to make some waves and to play some very exciting basketball.”

New Zealand Under 16 Girls Team:

Sophie Adams – Basketball Mid Canterbury

Waiata Jennings – Rotorua Basketball Association

Jazzmyne Kailahi-Fulu – Harbour Basketball

Parris Libby May Mason – New Plymouth Basketball Association

Hannah Matehaere – Basketball Otago

Jessica Moors – Harbour Basketball

Caitlin O’Connell – Taranaki Country Basketball Association

Emilia Shearer – Harbour Basketball

Dominique Stephens – Waikato Basketball Council

Ashlee Strawbridge – Basketball Mid Canterbury.

© The Ashburton Guardian - 1 March 2017