Some of the girls forming part of Bermuda’s Young Women’s Select basketball teams have expressed their excitement about playing in front of a crowd on Sunday.

Two teams will square off as part of the Bermuda Basketball Association’s “Hooping in Paradise” at The Berkeley Institute and coaches Lexi Rego, Shanay Scott and Shari Scott have been working with the players in preparation for the event.

Since the end of the schools basketball league in April, the girls have not tasted competitive action and 16-year-old point guard Nh’Lae DeRoza, of Warwick Academy, cannot wait to take to the court.

“I’m really excited because it will be a different experience,” DeRoza told The Royal Gazette.

“It will be different playing against my friends. My team is ready, we’re strong and we know how to work with each other.

“I want people to see what we can do in basketball. We want to show that it’s not a male-dominated sport, and we’re able to do what they do.

“Our training sessions have been intense and fun. I think that we’ve learnt new skills at every training session.”

Victoria Boden is determined to make the most of the opportunity presented to her on Sunday.

“It’s amazing training for this match and getting more exposure to women’s basketball,” the 16-year-old said.

“As we don’t have teams or tournaments to go to, it’s great to get this chance to play. We just want to show that women can also play the sport in Bermuda.”

Belle Burns took up basketball two years ago. The Warwick student spoke of how being part of the national training programme has allowed her to acquire new skills.

“It’s been great playing with players from the good schools,” she said.

“We've had a chance to work with different skill sets and our weaknesses, which we bring out in each other. I’ve definitely learnt how to communicate better on the court.

“For us to get this chance to showcase our skills on Sunday is really great. It will help us advocate for a national team.”

T’Mia Williams has mastered a lot in the couple of weeks she has been training for the upcoming assignment.

“I’ve learnt to be a better communicator, pass the ball more and be a better team player,” Mount Saint Agnes Academy student said.

“I’m excited because we usually have crowds whenever we play at MSA, so I’m used to it. I think it would be fun to get people to watch, just to see where women’s basketball is now.”

Alexis Sousa is grateful for being part of a group of girls laying the foundation for a future women’s national team.

“We’re learning more skills and building our team better,” she said. “Hopefully, we can have a Bermuda women’s basketball team in future.

“I hope playing on Sunday can inspire more girls to play basketball, so that we have a bigger pool of players.”