FORMER Mount Gambier basketballer Isabelle Stratford is well and truly on her way to pursuing her dreams after she achieved selection an upcoming camp at the Australian Institute of Sport.
The 15-year-old was just one of 18 girls to be selected from across Australia and the only South Australian Country basketballer chosen for the series of training sessions in Canberra.
She will take part in a camp at the Centre of Excellence from September 4-6 in bid to be one of 12 chosen for the Under 16 Australian Sapphires team that will take part in the Federation International Basketball Australia World Championships.
If selected Stratford will compete with her Australian team in Bengaluru, India from October 22-28 in the same location as the Opals’ FIBA Asia Cup last month.
Stratford is a former Tenison Woods College student and Mount Gambier Lakers player, but recently moved to Immanuel College for schooling and basketball opportunities in Adelaide.
The young basketballer gained selection into the Australian squad on the back of an impressive Under 18 National Championships in Townsville earlier this year.
Stratford made the side as a bottom-aged player and in conclusion of the championships was in the top eight for total points scored over the week.
She also made the top eight average points for all players in the championships, while her shooting percentage was in the top four of her age group.
Stratford was the leading scorer for South Australian Country and was in second for the state, which includes the metropolitan side.
While selection into the squad was somewhat a surprise, Stratford said it was something she had set her sights on.
“Playing for Australia has always been a goal of mine, but I only learned it could be a reality after nationals this year,” she said.
“I think anyone would be excited to have a chance to represent their country.
“I am super keen to get up there and see how I go against the best players in the country and make the most of the opportunity.”
Stratford said she is unsure on what to expect when it comes to the training camp in Canberra, but she hopes to set herself some goals.
“I am anticipating it will be mostly scrimmage,” she said.
“I know that it’s a trial process and they’ll definitely want to see how we go against each other.
“I’m going to have to be at my fittest to be able to go with the best girls in the country.”
In order to get to the Australian selection stage, Stratford has put in the effort.
“I have improved most as a player both physically and mentally over the last year,” she said.
“I have had some really great opportunities and some really good advice from my coached that has helped me get to this point.
“I still have a lot of things to work on though and hope I can continue to improve over the next few years.”
Stratford has taken it upon herself to improve her shot over the last few years.
“I have been identified as a shooter,” she said.
“I have a strong left hand drive, which can combat the shooting opportunities.
“My shot will make the defenders weary, which allows me to attack the basket.
“But I have a lot of things to work on, like my foot speed and defence in the front court.”
Unsure on when she will be notified on whether she has been successful in making the Australian side or not, Stratford said she believes it will be chosen within the first two days of the camp.
While pursuing her basketball dreams are a big goal of Stratford’s she is also aware of the importance of education.
“I value my school work as much as a do my sport, so I hope to combine the two by attending college in the USA,” she said.
“It is only early days for my Adelaide experience, but I can tell it will be extremely beneficial for both my academics and basketball.
“I’m excited to see what Immanuel and the city can do for my future and college aspirations.”
