Sisters to sizzle on the court in China

Two Great Southern sisters are preparing for a trip of a lifetime to China where they will represent WA in an indigenous basketball team, run by Binar Sports, at the 2016 Friendship Games.

Taimania Jones, 17, and Jasmyne Jones, 15, have been selected in one of two WA basketball teams that will travel to Shanghai next Friday before the tournament starts on July 10.

The Friendship Games is a cultural sporting experience, with the teams set to face squads from all across China.

The pair play together in the Raiders under-18 development squad and also for Slayers in the Albany Basketball Association women’s A-grade competition and are looking forward to representing their State together overseas.

Both squads will consist of 10 players, whose ages will range from 15 to 17 years old.

The girls are expecting to come up against taller opposition compared to what they are used to in Australia.

Taimania, who is expecting to play point guard for her team, is feeling optimistic about facing the harder Chinese opposition.

“I’m just looking at different opportunities and hopefully get further with my basketball,” she said.

“(We’ll) keep practising and to try keep our hopes up.

“It’s a great opportunity, and we’ve had good support from everyone who’s pushed us.”

The siblings have trained intensely in the past three months including several trips to Perth before their selection.

Similar to her older sister, Jasmyne is expecting to also play a role at point or shooting guard.

“It’s good to know (Taimania) is there,” Jasmyne said.

“It will be a great opportunity for us.”

The pair are representing Denmark Senior High School at country week in Perth this week and last night attended an introduction night for the teams, organised by Binar Sports.

Olympian and Perth Wildcats legend Andrew Vlahov helped present the teams with uniforms and gear for the tour.