Two young Southern Highlands basketballers have had their talents recognised at a national level.
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But the acknowledgement comes with mixed emotions.
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Siblings Grace (13) and Will (14) Burke were selected in their respective Australian Basketball teams. Grace earned a spot in the Under 14's team while Will locked in a position in the under 16's.
The teenagers learned of their selection in the respective Australian teams during the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup held in Albury in January.
Their selection was to have resulted in them competing with their respective Australian teams in the Mel Young Easter Basketball Classic' that was to be played in Tauranga, New Zealand from April 8 to 14.
However, excitement for the opportunity of a lifetime turned to disappointment after national borders were closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The siblings, who both play for Moss Vale Magic representative teams and are members of Chevalier College teams in the ISA competition, are united in their disappointment at not being able to take the court as Australian representatives.
But they remain hopeful of more representative opportunities in the future.
They are fortunate to have each other as training partners and have been working hard in the back yard of their Moss Vale home to maintain and improve their skills.
Proud mum Megan, said they had been using the Home Court App which provided drills and counted baskets.
Determination is another asset that will help these competitive athletes maintain their edge.
For Grace, a selection in the Australian team was a surprise bonus after almost missing a position in the NSW Country team that played in January.
She was 1st reserve and was brought into that team when another player dropped out.
However, when the Australian team was announced she was thrilled to find out she had been selected. Grace was one of only three players from NSW Country selected in the Under 14's team.
She said that while she was disappointed that she couldn't play for her country this year she would not give up on future opportunities.
The power forward said that she would keep training to develop her skills. One of those skills is strength driving to the basket.
Will was also one of only three boys from NSW Country in Under 16's to be selected.
Will, who plays a guard position, said he was "pretty disappointed" about not being able to take the court as an Australian representative.
"It was an honour to be selected," he said.
"I will keep training to be the best that I can be.
"I'm not giving up hope on the chance to represent my country."
