Maple Ridge Christian School student Ose Obetoh has won a spot on the Basketball B.C. under-16 girls team.
She was one of 40 elite hoops players from around the province invited to try out of the team, and won one of the 12 spots on the squad.
“I’ve been playing basketball for over nine years, but the tryouts for the team were the most grueling play I’ve experienced so far,” said Obetoh, who is a Coquitlam resident.
Former national team coach Allison McNeil and Cheryl Jean-Paul of the Trinity Western University Spartans conducted the tryouts, and liked what they saw in the Hornets star.
“I’m an aggressive player on defence, and I love to dive and go after the ball,” she said.
Depending on the game, she will play forward or in the post position.
She said a simple love of the game is what has helped her excel.
“Then discipline, diligence in practice and determination to play well to help my team win. I know every good player works very hard and I am willing to put a lot of work in. To get to my current level, I practiced almost every day and intend to keep it that way.”
Obetoh and the rest of Team B.C. will represent the province in summertime tournaments in the USA and Canada.