Warrnambool Mermaids' under 12 side has the chance to earn some major bragging rights this weekend.
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The Kate Sewell-coached side earned its place at the National Junior Classic after winning Basketball Victoria Country's under-12 division one championship for the first time since 1998 in April.
But point guard Shelby O'Sullivan said the Mermaids wouldn't be content to just make up the numbers at the nation's peak elite junior invitational tournament, held from June 8-10 at the Dandenong Basketball Centre.
"It feels amazing to be winning and I'm really proud of the team," she said.
"But taking out the national title would be a dream come true."
The 10-year-old, who attends St Patrick's Primary School in Koroit, has been playing basketball for three years.
O'Sullivan said her favourite player was the senior Mermaids' injured rising star Molly McKinnon, who she got to train with earlier this season.
"Molly's very strong and physical and just keeps on going," she said.
And while admitting her nerves would kick in come tip-off, O'Sullivan says she and her teammates will thrive on the big stage against the country's best juniors.
"I love the pressure," she said.
"And I love basketball because it's really good to be active, there's lots of movement and we're all good mates in the team."
O'Sullivan played alongside Olivia Lenehan, Satu Johnstone, Lucy McLaren, Indigo Sewell, Rosie Bowman and Indi O'Connor in the state title.
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