Youngsters from Inverness clubs called up to play basketball for Scotland

SIX youngsters from Inverness basketball clubs have been called up to play for Scotland at the Under-14 Tri Nations Tournament in Manchester next month.

Highland Bears players Grace Alexander and Emily Seago, along with Inverness Lions players Jessica Gibson and Millie Grant have been called up to the Scotland Under-14 girls squad.

Inverness Lions players Bernhard Almadin and Tyler Clarke have been called up to the under-14 boys’ team.

Scotland will take on England 1, England 2 and Wales at the National Performance Centre in Manchester on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2.

The six players are the latest youngsters to go on to represent Scotland on the international stage as both Highland Bears and Inverness Lions continue to impress in Scottish league competition.

Highland Bears Under-14 girls team were crowned league champions with Inverness Lions finishing in second place.

Alexander, a second year pupil at Highland Bears, has been called up to the Scotland squad three times previously at different age groups.

She hopes she can use her experience to help others in the squad too.

“I am really excited this year as I will be playing alongside all the younger girls on the team.

“Playing at Manchester will be something different and I think our team will do well.

“I have experience playing for Scotland before and I am here to help and offer advice to any of the girls who want it.

“I just want to be a good role model in the team because of my experience and look for the team to do well.”

Seago (14), a second year pupil at Millburn Academy, has also represented Scotland before and is looking forward to testing herself at international level for a second time.

“It was definitely a great experience playing against England and Wales the last time as they were both fantastic to play against,” she said.

“It was a fun tournament to play in.”

For Gibson (12) a first year pupil at Culloden Academy and Grant (12) Milton of Leys Primary Seven pupil, it is the first time they will represent their country.

They both said that they are looking forward to the experience.

Gibson said: “It is very exciting to be called up to the Scotland squad and we hope that we can win most of our games.”

Grant said: “We only heard that we were selected on Monday and we are looking forward to playing for Scotland.”

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