The 15-year-old will suit up for Vic Country for the third time in her young career at the 2010 Australian Under 18 Basketball Championships in April.

Maddy is a seasoned state representative, having competed twice at under 16 level.

But the talented post player has moved up a notch to take the under 18 championship court.

Despite the string of state team appearances,

Maddy said her inclusion came as a shock.

“I was really surprised because I’m bottom age,” she said.

“I was speechless when I found out.

‘‘I didn’t know what to say.”

The youngster explained the selection process as being a gruelling series of tryouts and cutbacks.

She said her dedicated training routine of running and bike rides put her in good stead for the exhaustive process.

“First we had a two-day tryout at Bendigo and then 20 kids were chosen to go to Albury,” she said.

“We played in Albury for a week and had another camp in Bendigo afterwards.

“We found out if we got in last Sunday.”

Only 10 players made the final cut and four emergencies where chosen for support.

Maddy was happy to find out she was included in the first 10.

“It’s good to be rewarded for all the effort I’ve put in,” she said.

“I think I was chosen for my defence and physicality — but I don’t really know.”

Portland basketballer Stacey Rolph also received state selection. The pair will meet with teammates six times before the national competition, at different locations across the state.

Maddy said the strenuous camps would involve a lot of training and the occasional practice match.

“We will just be training hard all of the time,” she said.

Ballarat’s Rob Baker has stepped into the coaching role after years of youth development program experience.

The national championships will be held in Terrigal, NSW.