The talented south-west trio will head to Perth for the week-long tournament after surviving a series of selection cuts since September last year.

Young Annie will play as a bottom-age shooting guard, after proving herself at training camps and an under 18 country tournament in Albury late last year.

The 15-year-old attended the last trial in Ballarat on the weekend and was informed of her selection this week.

“I was very, very happy,” Annie said.

“I think I went better in Albury than I did at Ballarat.”

Annie helped Vic Country’s under 16 girls to a silver medal at the national championships event last year.

The Emmanuel College year 10 student is hoping for a similar result in the under 18 division.

She said Vic Country coach Tony Gall, of Warrnambool, had the side mentally prepared for the titles.

“Tony has been working on our mental toughness,” Annie said.

“When you look at our team, we are all mentally tough. We’re a good running team as well.”

Annie said Gall had his players keep diaries throughout the selection process, documenting their feelings before matches and eating and exercise habits. A 6000-shot training program was also put in place as preparation for the Albury competition.

The Warrnambool Mermaid said it was an exhausting process, but one that was worthwhile. “It took a long time,” Annie said.

“You had to be in shape the whole time.”

While Annie will take up her role as a shooting guard, she will also be the first back-up option for point guard Nicola.

“But because I’m bottom-age, my expectations aren’t too high,” Annie said.

The under 18 girls will meet on six weekends prior to the championships, including a practice tournament against Big V sides.

Perth will host the 2012 Under 18 Australian Junior Championships between April 14 and 21.