Basketball teens are walking tall
Two New Plymouth basketballers have made their top team – despite being unable to take to the court due to coronavirus.
Raquel Sampson, of New Plymouth Basketball, and Caitlin O’Connell, of Taranaki Country Basketball, have been named in the New Zealand Junior Tall Ferns, which is a dream come true for both 17-year-olds.
‘‘It felt like a big tick off the bucket list really,’’ Sampson said.
Sampson has been playing basketball for around eight years and while she never expected to be named in the national team, she was always working towards a place on it.
‘‘I’ve always had it in the back of my head that it would be so cool to play for New Zealand and represent the silver fern.
‘‘It’s been really cool to be given this opportunity even though we can’t go away. Just even being named in the team and in the squad is such a cool feeling.’’
The team was set to play in the Four Nations International in China in June, but that has been cancelled due to coronavirus.
Meanwhile, players have been holding video chats every Sunday to build a connection and team morale.
Raquel Sampson
‘‘It’s been really cool to be given this opportunity.’’
Sampson and O’Connell both attend Sacred Heart Girls’ College and have been playing basketball together since intermediate school.
‘‘It’s been cool playing with her (Caitlin) over the years and to be named in the Junior Tall Ferns with her is so cool,’’ Sampson said.
‘‘I’m excited to be a part of it with Raquel,’’ O’Connell said. ‘‘She’s so deserving of it, and she’s such a great player so I’m happy to be with her through this experience.’’
O’Connell has been playing basketball since she was five years old.
She has dreamed about following in her older brother Matthew’s footsteps ever since he represented the country in the New Zealand under-18 squad.
‘‘It’s obviously a massive honour and a huge privilege to do something you love and it’s not something I take for granted.
‘‘It’s not every day you get to represent the country,’’ she said.
And although coronavirus has put a stop to any international basketball games for the foreseeable future, likely until next year, it hasn’t dampened O’Connell’s spirits.
‘‘It doesn’t take away any of the excitement of it all,’’ she said.
‘‘It drives you more to train harder for next year.’’