Narooma High School student James Hurley is making a name for himself on the basketball court.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The year-12 student was recently named in the South Coast High School Basketball Team after trying out alongside 90 other students in Wollongong. He will now play at the NSW CHS Championship in May.
Hurley, who plays with the Batemans Bay Basketball Association, has previously played in the Bay's under 22 men's representative squad, and recently played in the Canberra Classic.
He played division one in Canberra with Queanbeyan, and was part of the country development team in 2018 despite only having played basketball for two years.
He is also part of the Shoalhaven Tigers' youth league squad.
Hurley's mum, Jula, said her son was a natural from the first time he stepped on a court.
"He's doing really well," she said. "He's only been playing for two years, and he was basically a rep player from day one."
James is 203 centimetres tall (six foot eight in the old scale), and plays mostly at the centre position.
"I play a bit of post, but I do a lot of drive throughs," Hurley said. "I can occasionally hit a three, but I work more towards the ring.
"My rebounding and defence are my strengths. I find with the different post moves I can do, it gets me good position for rebounding."
Hurley said his fellow South Coast rep players had been fantastic throughout his young career.
"They've had a massive impact," he said. "Riley (O'Shannessy) and other players have taught me so much, and they really help me in training.
"It's good to know there's another level to go to that's above where I am now."
Hurley said he feels lucky to have the support of his community.
"Thanks to all the people who have supported me both in the team and out of it," he said. "Thanks to my parents as well for making all the long trips for my basketball."