Three Diamond Valley U/18 players attended the recent Australian U/17 National selection camp held in Canberra this past weekend. Alex Sharp, Grace Collett and Abi Akintola worked hard for 4 days under the guidance of National Head Coaches, Chris Lucas ( Women ) and Mark Watkins ( Men ) hoping to be selected to represent Australia in the upcoming FIBA world qualifying series against New Zealand.

Both Abi and Alex were successful in making their respective teams who face the Kiwis in a 3 game series to be played at the State Basketball Center in Knox on the 26^th, 27^th & 28^th September. This is the Oceania qualifying series with the prize being a trip to 2014 FIBA U/17 World Championships in Slovakia (Women) and Dubai (Men).

Grace demonstrated that she is not far away by having a very good camp and was unfortunate to miss the selected team, however she has been named as an emergency which is a fantastic effort and one that all at DV are very proud of.

''All at Diamond Valley are very proud of all of these young players who work very hard at trying to be the best they can be. This selection is another in a growing list of Diamond Valley juniors who have represented Australia “– Alan McAughtry

“It has always been my goal to represent Australia. To be selected in this team is a privilege, The AIS, Diamond Valley and Basketball Victoria have assisted me in achieving this opportunity “ – Abi Akintola

“I went into this camp nervous and excited at the same time but was prepared both mentally and physically, my coaches and my family have prepared me for this which made it easier to deal with. I felt I got better with each session and focused on what I needed to in the next session to improve, and I felt that was the best way to keep improving. Making this team is an amazing feeling and I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to wear the Green & Gold “– Alex Sharp