It's only the beginning for Bailey | Taranaki News | Local News in Taranaki

Representing New Zealand is an honour not taken lightly, but to return home from the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup placed third in the under-13 girls, was the icing on the cake for 13-year-old Bailey Gavin.

After three trials last year, Bailey was selected for the Koru tour, to travel to Australia where two teams from each state would play off for the title.

``They (Australia) were really fast and fit,'' the first year high school student says.

The girls were separated into two teams of 10, Bailey was in the Kea team, which placed third.

``I wasn't really expecting to make the team, so I was excited.''

``New Zealand don't normally do very well over there, so to come third was awesome,'' she says.

To be selected for the Koru tournament team, Bailey had to undergo three trials, which included beep and push up tests. Bailey managed to do 45 push ups in a minute, which compared well to the other girls who were in the 30s.

``There was one girl that got in the 50s, but she's a freak,'' she laughs.

The difference in environment was the biggest challenge for Bailey.

``It was quite hard 'cause we weren't used to the heat.''

Bailey says competing in Australia is the biggest moment so far, but she has big plans, hoping to make the under 16 Koru tournament team in the future.

Bailey also played hockey, tennis and netball at Ngaere Primary School, but is eager to focus on her basketball.

Only taking up the sport in 2012, Bailey is a natural and has taken to the sport like a fish water.

``It's a lot faster than other sports and you have to think on your feet. You have to put in 10,000 hours to be a professional,'' she says.

Bailey thanks her sponsors for getting her to Australia.