WA Country battling hard at National Basketball Championships in Perth

Albany basketball talent Billy McRae has risen to the occasion at the under-16 National Basketball Championships in Perth this week.

McRae, 15, is playing an integral role in a WA Country side that have narrowly dropped their first three games against teams from across the nation.

Despite the representative country outfit losing their opening matches against New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, McRae has shined offensively.

The youngster has bagged 20-point plus games in each of the opening clashes, including a 26-point display in their 95-81 loss against New South Wales.

In the second game of the tournament, McRae buried three triples on his way to a 20 point double-double, pulling down 10 rebounds in the 87-81 loss to Queensland.

Wa Country dropped their third match against SA 92-77 with McRae finishing on 25 points, five rebounds, two steals and one assist.

The tournament, held in Perth, started on Sunday with qualifying games taking place until Thursday before finals on Friday.

Albany teenagers Keely Berry and Indy Rogers are playing their roles in the WA Country side’s under-16 girls campaign.

They have failed to notch a win in their opening three games, going down 30-95 to Victoria Metro in their opening clash before a 58-81 defeat to NSW Country and a 99-39 loss to SA metro.

Berry’s best performance came against NSW, recording 11 points, two steals and six rebounds.