Elise Napier and Keoni Anderson are set to take part in the three-day invitational tournament, to be held in Melbourne from January 20-23.
The pair plays for the Echuca Pirates locally and will now get a chance to go head-to-head against top players from around the country.
The Southern Cross Challenge is one of the top developmental tournaments in the state, providing the first step on the pathway towards elite level basketball.
Taking part in the tournament is a big step in Anderson and Napier’s young careers, giving them an opportunity to compete and learn at an elite level.
Napier competed at the SCC in 2022 and will return again this year at the under-15s level.
“I played at the challenge last year, it is a really good opportunity that you don’t get locally,” Napier said.
“It is great to get an insight into that level of basketball and hopefully I can find my feet.
“Hopefully I can be myself and get better.”
Anderson will be taking part in the SCC for the first time, playing in the under-14s, and he said he was excited for the challenge.
“I am looking forward to new opportunities to improve and make new friends,” Anderson said.
“My goal is to have an impact on my team and have fun as well. I am a competitive person, I like the competition.”
Teams from Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, NSW and Australian Capital Territory will travel to Melbourne for the event.
Sides will compete against one another in pools, before the top teams advance to the knockout finals.
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