Because this will be the first time Kaylah gets the opportunity to play against girls of her own age. Kaylah’s been involved in the representative scene since she was nine. That year she was a member of the Tornadoes under 16s, which she admits was a daunting experience.

“Everyone was so much bigger and older than me,’’ she recalled.

“I used to get really nervous before I went onto the court.’’

But next year Kaylah will be in the under 14s and she can’t wait to hit the court.

Next January Kaylah, 12,  heads to Albury with the NSW Country under 14 for the Australian Country Championships after earning selection from trials held recently in Newcastle. Kaylah is the Manning River Times-Iguana Sportstar of the Week, earning a $50 open order at Iguana.

There were around 100 players trying out for the 14s and Kaylah didn’t think she’d done enough to earn a place in the squad.

“There were better players than me there and they played beter,’’ she said.

“I was really surprised when I was selected, I didn’t think I’d done enough.’’

Kaylah usually plays at No 5 or point guard although she’s not sure what position she’ll fill for Country.

Last year Kalah was named to take part in a four day Country under 12 jamboree held in Tamworth.

Kaylah was influenced to start playing basketball by her brother, initially through the school competition conducted by the Taree association.

Her sibling is no longer involved in the game, however, Kaylah can’t get enough of the sport.

She plays on Tuesdays in the Taree competition and on Saturdays with her school team. That doesn’t include commitments with the Tornadoes in the Northern Junior League that runs from March to August.

“I also referee,’’ she said.

Kaylah was a member of the Taree High under 15 side that finished ninth in the State this year, making the playoffs in Sydney where they succumbed to the powerful Endeavour Sports High.

“Our team worked really well together,’’ she said.

Kaylah played with the Tornadoes under 16s this year although it wasn't a successful campaign. She’s hoping for better fortune in 2017 with the under 14s.

Kaylah also dabbles in touch football and indoor netball, although neither challenges basketball as her number one sporting priority.

Earlier this year she was a member of the Hunter team that finished second in the State Combined High School cross country championship.