Jay Rantall thriving as part of Warrnambool Seahawks' Big V program

He’s now suiting up for his home club, one of three promising 15-year-old prospects adjusting to the senior statewide competition.

Rantall turns 16 next week but has impressed coach Matt Alexander with his ability to run the point guard position against seasoned opponents.

The Vic Country representative – he won a silver medal at under 16 level and was a bottom-age under 18 player this year – is happy to be playing his part.

“I was expecting it to be a bit hard and struggle but I am finding I am able to play at this level,” Rantall said.

Rantall labelled the physicality the biggest adjustment between junior and seniors ranks.

“They are big and strong blokes and the bumps you get are big and the time you get to shoot the ball less.

“There is more space taken up on the court because of the bigger bodies.

X (Xavier Johnson-Blount), Alex (Gynes) and Tim (Gainey) with their leadership and tips they give at training definitely help a lot.”

Rantall, who also plays junior football for Hampden club South Warrnambool, is growing in confidence every time he takes to the floor.

He produced a career-high 20 points against Sunbury Jets a fortnight ago.

“I am able to play at a higher tempo and make plays quicker,” Rantall said.

“There’s less time to make decisions and when you’re up against the bigger bodies it helps when you go back and play against people your own age.”

Rantall is playing alongside his Vic Country under 16 teammates Hayden Rhook and Dom Occhipinti – the trio giving supporters a snippet into the future.

“It (playing for the Seahawks) was always something I wanted to do growing up playing junior basketball and to do it with a few mates is even better,” he said.

“They have shown they are capable of scoring and don’t get pushed around.”

The Seahawks are wading through a form slump, having dropped five of their past six games after winning the first five matches of their flag defence.

They travel to play Melbourne University on Saturday night before the June long weekend bye.

Alexander will coach Vic Country at the Origin weekend competition.

Undefeated ladder-leader Warrnambool Mermaids will also play Melbourne University as they strive to extend their winning streak to 13.

The Black Angels are sitting third, having won eight of their 11 matches.

Winless Warrnambool Seahawks play Chelsea Gulls on the road in the youth division two competition.