Teen gets big break with basketball rep selection

Shae Tyler’s choice to switch from rugby to basketball has paid off.

The Matamata College student will, as a member of the New Zealand Under 17 boys team, travel to Sydney and Port Macquarie in Australia in January to compete in the Basketball Pacific Tour.

‘‘Shae only started playing basketball this year for Matamata College,’’ his mum Vicki Tyler said. ‘‘He played rugby right up until this year.’’

She said Shae, 14, had dabbled a little in basketball last year and wanted to do more but the intermediate didn’t have a basketball team.

Vicki said her son has quite a passion for the sport and follows the New Zealand Breakers and NBA and knows all the players names and teams.

‘‘NBA I guess would have to be in his sights. Ask him want he wants to do when he leaves school and the answer is basketball.’’

He was initially selected as a reserve for this up-coming tour.

The selection was not only about his performance but also communication on the court, being a team player and creating a good environment, she said.

‘‘This is something the coaches are working on with having several kids from across the country and bringing them together as a team for the tournament.’’

Shae and his family need to find more than $3000 for his trip. They will be holding a few raffles in town and approaching businesses for sponsorship, Vicki said.

GOLF