Hamilton teenager joins Warrnambool basketball program for 2019-20 season

The Monivae College student joined the Mermaids' junior squad program this season.

Burland, 13, was part of the Mermaids' under 16 team which won a tournament at Millicent on the weekend and is chasing back-to-back titles when it plays at the Warrnambool Seaside Junior Basketball Classic this weekend.

She said she was embracing her new team despite twice weekly trips to Warrnambool for training.

"We have Sunday morning sessions so it's hard to get out of bed sometimes. It's only 9am but it still ruins my sleep ins," she joked.

"I play in the (Warrnambool) domestic competition on Wednesdays and train one-and-a-half hours that night too."

MORE SPORT:

Burland, who plays netball for Hampden league club Hamilton Kangaroos, said she was learning from her new basketball coach, John Wormald, and her teammates.

"It is pretty fun. It is so different and I already knew all the girls so it's nice to know I have friends down there," she said.

Burland, who is part of the Victorian state development program, is also observant as she strives to improve.

"I look at the older girls in all the programs I am in and like to see what are are doing and see the opportunities I could take," she said.

Warrnambool scored a 15-point win against Millicent in the under 16 girls' grand final on Sunday.

Burland is hopeful the Mermaids can go back-to-back on their home floor this weekend.

"Hopefully we don't crack under pressure in our home tournament," she said.

"I think we will do well."

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.