THE countless hours on the road and hardwood for Cambewarra's Asha Phillips have all been worth it, as she was recently named in the NSW Country under 16 women's team.
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Following a strong campaign with the NSW Country Kookaburras at the Australian Junior Country Basketball Cup in Albury in January and her impressive start to the season with the Illawarra Hawks in the Southern Junior League, the 15-year-old point guard is one of 10 players named in Trevor Gallacher's side for the Australian Under 16 Junior Championships in Darwin.
"I was so excited when I made the team as well as feeling relieved," Phillips said.
"I trained very hard and put in so much effort to get this opportunity."
Before heading to the Northern Territory for the July 6-13 tournament, the Nowra High School student and her side will take part in numerous training camps, to prepare them to play against the top players from all around the country.
"Going into nationals I'm expecting a high level of competition and i know there will be plenty of talented players," Phillips said.
"I'm really looking forward to playing at a high standard against some strong teams and testing myself against the best players my age in Australia."
Joining Phillips in the squad are Newcastle Hunters' Kelsey Crossan and Emily Foy, Cootamundra Cougars' Amelia Hassett, Coffs Harbour Suns' Isla Juffermans and Lilli-Yana Moody, Albury Cougars' Mikayla Kirby and Grace Whyte and Maitland Mustangs' Sophie Williams and Mila Wawszkowicz.
"My goals for the tournament are to be aggressive, play hard, be a team player and give my team the best chance at winning," Phillips said.
"It is a big honour to put on the NSW Country jersey for the first time and represent my state - it's something that means a lot to me and I'll remember for a long time.
"It is definitely the highlight of my achievements and I'm really looking forward to playing with a great bunch of girls."