The St Mark’s College student recently trialled for the SAPSASA Basketball team to participate in the School Sport Australia 12 and Under Basketball Championships being held in Newcastle from August 8-14, 2009.

St Mark’s College is the only Port Pirie school taking part in the school-based basketball competition and the team will play in regional finals on

June 3, then winners from five other regions will play in the State final in July.

As a result of the programming of the National Championships, trials were put in place before the

SAPSASA carnival in July so the team would have maximum training time.

Daniel said he wanted to try out because his sister Jordan, 14, was previously selected in the State

SAPSASA netball team.

After three weeks of trials against 80 other young boys Daniel was one of only two lads from the country to be chosen, joining Adelaide metro players.

“The training was pretty hard and I was a bit nervous,” said Daniel.

He said that the players were much more physical and experienced but they didn’t intimidate him.

“I just got out there,” he said.

Basketball is Daniel’s favorite sport although he does enjoy soccer, a sport his father Sandra coaches and supports him in.

Port Pirie basketball identity Matt Whittaker is giving the young sport enthusiast extra coaching while he is not playing in the local competition.

Also the Mezzino family will be travelling every weekend until August while Daniel trains with the SA State team.

“Train hard, be committed and listen to advice from people who understand basketball” is the viewpoint of Daniel.

“I also listen to Mum and get good tips from her.”

LeBron James, an NBA Cleveland Cavaliers player, is whom Daniel aspires to be like and his ultimate dream is to one-day play in the NBA himself.

Meanwhile he plays for the Port Basketball Club and is simply looking forward to the different styles of training and meeting new friends leading up to the Australian championships.

PHOTO: STATE SAPSASA SELECTION...

Daniel Mezzino is following in the footsteps of his mother, Donna, on the basketball court. Daniel is one of two country boys in the State 12&U team.