Four talented junior Lakers basketballers have been selected in the 2012 S.A. Country Under 16 state teams to compete in the national championships in Tamworth NSW during the first week in July.

They are Sam Stafford, newcomer Stephen Sochacki, Brad Rathjen and Rachael Hines.

Stafford represented SA Country at Albury and Port Macquarie in the  Under 14 and 15 age groups. In January of this year he was a member of the SAC Under 16 teams playing in the Australian Country Cup. He is currently recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the SA country Junior Championships in March. Sam is a standout player in his age group in local competitions and state country circles.

Stephen Sochacki gained his first state selection in the SA Country Under 16 team which played in the Country Cup in Albury earlier this year. He has worked really hard at his skills and made the most of his minutes as a member of the Bulldogs senior men’s side last season. Stephen impressed in the recent trials and deserved his selection.

First year under 16 players, Brad Rathjen and Rachael Hines, are outstanding players and have represented SA country in the Under 14 and 16 divisions. The both were selected in the South Australian SAPSASA Basketball teams and have represented SA in the Australian Under 14 Club Championships.

This quartet are at present extremely busy undertaking rigorous home programs and attending training sessions in Murray Bridge in preparation for the nationals in July.