ROCHESTER’S Hugh Kerlin and junior Tigers footballer Jai Milligan have been selected as part of the Basketball Victoria Country (BVC) Regional Academy Program.

The two young basketballers were among 540 players selected from a group of nearly 1000 under 14 basketballers to take undertake elite training after impressing at the BVC Under 14 Skills Day.

“There was a great level of enthusiasm and professionalism from our players this year,’’ Basketball Victoria Country Participation coordinator Craig Hockley said.

‘‘We want to thank and congratulate all who were part of the Under 14 Skills Days, not only those who were selected for the Regional Academy Program.

“Each year we see players take the next step and improve their standards and this in no small part is due to the hard work that our country associations put in developing elite country talent.”

The under 14 Regional Academy Program is a training and development program for country athletes that concentrates on advanced individual and team skills.

Regional Academy players attend regular small group skills sessions at or near their home association, under the direction of a Regional Academy Network coach.

Players also attend two compulsory weekend live-in camps within their region.

“We’re in a fortunate position to provide country-based players a chance to participate in this elite program each and every year,” Basketball Victoria Country manager David Huxtable said.

“Our players are always ready to improve and learn new concepts and skills and it’s evident with how popular the under 14 skills day is currently.’’

The 2019 Regional Academy will be a 20 week program that includes two camps and develops individual’s skills and team concepts.

The Regional Academy Program will also form the basis for Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup (ACJBC) and Southern Cross Challenge selection in the relevant age groups for 2020.