These family connections led Fox into years of representative fixtures across the state with junior Maitland Mustangs squads.

Now the 16-year-old from East Maitland will step up another level playing her beloved sport, but in a slightly different forum.

Fox has been selected in the NSW under-18 women’s team for the inaugural Basketball Australia Under-18 3x3 Championships being held at Sydney Olympic Park in July (19-21).

The announcement was made by Basketball NSW on Monday and this will be Fox’s first crack at the shortened version of the sport, along with her state teammates.

But the year 11 student at All Saints College, St Mary’s Campus, Maitland, remained confident this style of play would suit her game.

“I have never played three-on-three before, but I think it will be a first for everyone,” she said.

“It is a whole different game [from normal basketball] and I’m pretty excited about giving it a go.

“It will suit my play a bit more because I’m versatile and I’m better at one-on-one stuff.”

The championships were established following the announcement that 3x3 basketball would be a demonstration sport at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

Former Mustangs women coach and Australian representative Natalie Porter has been appointed coach for the national women’s team.

Modified rules apply to 3x3 basketball and only half a court is used.

The upcoming championships will run alongside the Rollers and Gliders international wheelchair world challenge ahead of the Paralympic Games in London.