Basketball: Reps set sights on United States

The harsh realities of school work have brought two soaring young Tauranga basketballers back to earth after a fortnight spent hooping it up for the New Zealand team at the Australia state under-20 championships in Launceston, Tasmania.

Combo-guard Courtney Wilson of Aquanis College and forward Makayla Daysh of Tauranga Girls' College, have been absorbing lessons of the scholastic variety over the past fortnight after their winless team was figuratively taken to school by their taller Australian counterparts.

Wilson, who is keen on studying health science or medicine at the tertiary level, said striking an even balance is difficult given the pair's various commitments.

"There's not much time for school work - it's been hard catching up this week after missing two weeks of school, but the teachers have been really helpful."

More time abroad beckons for Wilson, who has been selected to compete in front of college scouts in an invitational tournament in Las Vegas in July.

"There's not many opportunities in New Zealand, you really have to go to America. A few players go to Australia, but mostly players go to the States and try to get into a college team."

Crucially, unlike in rugby, players honing their craft offshore are eligible for selection to the national team.

Daysh, who would otherwise like to pursue a career in teaching or the police, is hoping to get a full scholarship in the States next year.

The 1.83cm forward, who identifies injured Boston Celtics' point guard Rajon Rondo as her favourite NBA player, will have plenty of opportunities to push her case with another year of under-20 eligibility up her sleeve - especially if her commitments to rugby sevens do not take too much of a toll.

She missed travelling to Perth with the under-18 squad last year thanks to tearing the medial ligament in her left knee.

Her loss was Wilson's gain, whose strong showings in place of her Tauranga City Basketball teammate led to both girls being selected to travel to Tasmania.

Each had strong moments in a tournament in which the winless New Zealand side pushed Tasmania and Capital Territories close - Wilson top-scored with 13 points against Western Australia while Daysh recorded 14 points and 13 rebounds against ACT.

Wilson said it was difficult playing state teams who play together often.

"It was hard for us to compete as a team that had been thrown together, but it was a great experience."