TALENTED local basketballer Nic Lacey will represent Australia this Easter.
The 13-year-old Naracoorte High School Year 8 student played well at the recent under 14 State championships - so well that he secured a spot in the composite SA, New South Wales and Tasmania side which will be representing Australia in Auckland over Easter.
At the tournament, the first of its kind, Lacey will be matched up against some of the best his age group in New Zealand has to offer.
The quietly spoken rookie said he was eagerly awaiting his first trip overseas.
"Yeah I'm excited," he said.
Since first taking the court as a 6-year-old in Maryborough, Victoria, Lacey has "lived for basketball" according to mum Jodie McFarlane.
Lacey said he took up the game after his siblings started playing.
"I followed my brother (Matt) and sister (Jess) into it," he said.
Being a tall boy for his age, Lacey's height has proved a useful tool for his squad team coach, Craig Berry.
"I usually play him at four or five (power forward or centre) because of his height," Berry said.
"But the way the team plays he's used under the basket and as an outside shooter when needed."
He described Lacey as a "very coachable player" who works well in a team.
Berry said Lacey making the grade at professional level was not out of the question, although he admitted it was "too early to tell".
"Height's a big thing - if he keeps growing he could make it," he said.
"With his work ethic and dream, he's every chance."