One of Bendigo's rising talents has been recognised for her outstanding achievements on the basketball court.
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Amelia Grist, 13, was named as a recipient of a School Sport Victoria Award for Basketball.
The award was given to Grist based on her strong performances last year while as a student at Quarry Hill Primary School.
"I was quite proud of myself as I worked very hard, but I was also very humbled to receive the award," Grist said.
Grist's nomination came from QHPS and was one of a select few students around the state to receive awards.
In total 49 individual student awards, know as a Sporting Blue, were presented across 17 various categories for 2019.
Grist has been playing basketball from a very young age, and took up the sport to follow in her father Mike's footsteps.
Her first exposure to the sport was with the Celtic Basketball Club as a junior, when her father was also coach of the squad.
Since then she continues to progress and currently plays with an under-14 Braves team under the guidance of Ben Harvey.
When Grist takes to the court there are several elements which keep her determined to be her best.
Playing alongside some of her closest friends and the game itself gives her a release, something to focus her mind on.
In the current coronavirus pandemic climate, hitting the court has become quite the challenge.
However, Grist has all she needs in her backyard to be able to continue honing her skills.
"We have a paved area out the back with a ring, and also all the lines painted on the ground."
It might not be the same as playing on the courts at the Bendigo Stadium, but it's more than enough for her to continue in her quest to be the best.
One day Grist plans to make a career as a basketballer with one of Bendigo's national teams, whether it be with the Braves or Spirit.
Another recent highlight was playing with the Braves at the 2020 Bendigo Basketball Classic, where Grist helped the Under-14 Championships squad secure a 61-54 grand final victory over the Warrnambool Mermaids.
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