VIC Country will boast a Warrnambool quartet at the Basketball Australia under 16 championships in July.
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Emerging Seahawks Jay Rantall, Liam Herbert, Hayden Rhook and Dominic Occhipinti make up almost half of the 10-player state team roster.
They were among 124 players to try out for the Kilsyth-based titles.
Talented guard Rantall backed up his 2015 selection, while Herbert, Rhook and Occhipinti are preparing for their Vic Country debuts.
Herbert, who expects to play as a point guard, said his selection was humbling.
The Emmanuel College student was named as emergency 12 months ago.
“I was really happy that I made it,” he said.
“It is a very talented team and I am proud to be a part of it.”
Herbert said he’d worked diligently on his game after just missing selection as a bottom-age prospect.
“I’ve mostly been working on my shooting, my strength and my ball handling,” he said.
“(Coaches) Lee Primmer and Rebel Noter have helped me the most.”
Rhook said he was pleased to make the squad after a tough selection process.
The Emmanuel College student expects to play as a forward.
“I didn’t try out last year as a bottom-age player because I didn’t go through the program,” he said.
“It is a great achievement and I have worked pretty hard to make it this far.
“My defence has stepped up – I think I have improved with that.”
Both Herbert and Rhook believe Vic Country can medal at the championships.
The pair, along with Rantall and Occhipinti, have winning experience, having played for Warrnambool’s all-conquering under-14 and under-16 teams at country championship level.
“Our quickness (is the key),” Rhook said.
“We’re not the biggest team. A lot of states have really big guys.”
Herbert said Vic Country was ready for the challenge.
“Our biggest tests will probably be Queensland or Vic Metro – they are massive,” he said.
“Our strength is our speed and we are pretty agile and it is a good team (because a lot of us) have played together.”
Rantall, who is the only member of the 2015 team, said he wanted to be a leader.
“Hopefully I will give some experience to the team and help the boys out,” he said.
“Hopefully I play some minutes and help with the scoring as much as I can.”
Seahawks junior co-ordinator Tim Rantall said the four boys’ selection was a credit to Warrnambool’s basketball program. Marcus Herbert and Connor Hinkley made it to the final 27.
