Springwood's rising basketball star Angus Brandt has taken yet another step in an already illustrious career.
The young giant has won selection to an extended 17-man Australian Boomers squad for the upcoming 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.
Boomers head coach Andrej Lemanis said: "I'm very pleased with the group of players we have coming into camp.
"We have a good mix of experience and youth and I'm looking forward to seeing it all come together.
"I know we will have a team that plays the right way, where team-mates will support each other and play for one another - it is the Australian way.
"It is always an honour to represent your country - we are all looking forward to the journey ahead."
A break-out Sino-Australia Challenge series against China has opened the door for Brandt, who is currently storming through the Waratah Championship League (WCL) competition with the Penrith Panthers.
Lemanis said the effort of Brandt against China proved he has something to offer the national team.
"Angus showed he had skills to offer in the Boomer environment that is deserving of an opportunity at the next camp."
The Boomers will assemble in Canberra at the Basketball Australia National Centre of Excellence from July 23-29, with Lemanis and his coaching staff to name the final 12-man team prior to the conclusion of camp. The team will then depart for Europe on a three-week preliminary tour, playing games across the continent in preparation for the opening game of the World Championships.
Meanwhile, Penrith's two WCL teams were on the road to Newcastle last Saturday, returning home with a 60-55 loss in the women's game and an 83-80 win in the men's game.
The Davlin Security Panthers women were missing Tahlia Tupaea and Alicia Poto, but still almost pulled off an amazing win. Rohanee Cox is currently ranked as the most productive player in the women's division and lived up to her rankings, playing a superb game as the Panthers led through the first three quarters. The ongoing pressure from the home team finally paid dividends in the final term, as they edged the Panthers for a narrow 5-point win.
Newcastle Hunters 60 def Davlin Security Panthers 55 (Rohanee Cox 24 points, 19 points, 7 assists).
The Pioneer Tavern Panthers men were without Louis Brandt and Nic Pozoglou for their clash with the Hunters, but found great support from their array of young guards. Sean Albert, Noah Cleur and Krenz Carlos got the Panthers off to a lively start, while big man Jarrod Sorenson (Springwood) continued his recent good form, playing extensive minutes as the Panthers built a solid lead.
Newcastle tried hard to bridge the gap in the final quarter but the Panthers held on through some nerve-wracking moments to escape with a 3-point win.
Pioneer Tavern Panthers 83 (Sean Albert 18 points, Noah Cleur 14, Krenz Carlos 13, Jarrod Sorenson 12 points, 9 boards, 3 blocked shots; Angus Brandt 10 points def Newcastle Hunters 80.
Both Penrith teams are back in the Hunter district again this Saturday but this time facing the Maitland Mustangs on their home court.