ELLEN Blackwood, 16, has been selected for the South West England regional squad in the under-17 age group.

Weymouth Huskies’ youngest member was picked after she attended squad selection sessions in Bristol and Paignton during the summer.

Blackwood will be representing the South West region at a prestigious tournament in Nottingham during the weekend of September 24-25 where she will face the very best young players from across the UK.

Huskies’ coach Che Osborne said: “Ellen has made a great deal of progress in just two seasons with the Huskies.

“Having played only a little bit of basketball at school and with no previous experience of competitive matches, she has learned very quickly and grown in confidence enormously.

“At our end-of-season presentations this summer she deservedly won the award for most improved player.”

Blackwood was quick to pay tribute to Osborne’s influence and help.

She said: “It’s been a steep learning curve for all the Huskies playing in the Exeter District League against much more experienced teams, but Che is always positive and encouraging.

“I feel very excited about the chance to gain even more experience through playing for the South West England team.”

Blackwood is the daughter of veteran Weymouth Bandits player, and now player-coach of Weymouth Raiders, Andy Blackwood.

He said: “I try to keep her in her place by reminding her she’s still only the second best player in the family, but she’s improving so quickly I don’t think that will be true for much longer!

“Ellen isn’t particularly tall and enjoys several sports including netball, sailing and tennis. It would be nice to think other girls might be encouraged by what she has done and consider taking up basketball even if they have little or no experience of the game.”

Weymouth Huskies have just started pre-season training on Wednesdays at Weymouth College from 8pm.

New players are welcome to turn up and join in or contact Che Osborne through weymouthbasketball.com for further details.