Persistence and hard work finally paid off when he was selected in the NSW metropolitan under-16s side that will play at the national titles in Tasmania on July 11 to 18.

It was the perfect birthday present for Ben, who turns 15 tomorrow.

``I've trialled for the state side for the past three to four years but haven't got a look-in,'' he said.

``But I thought if I stepped up to work a bit harder and listened to the coaches, I knew I would have a good shot.''

Ben named defending champions Victoria as the biggest threat for the national title.

'`We want to come home with a gold medal, which the side hasn't done for a long time,'' he said.

Ben, who is a point guard for the Penrith district representative under-16 division one side, has played basketball since he was five.

Last year, he was part of the St Dominic College year 10 boys team that came sixth at the national all schools titles.

``I love the game and all the challenges it brings,'' he said. ``It's always fun to play and I like seeing all the effort that I put in pay off.''

He said the support of his family cheering from the sidelines would help him do his best at the titles.

``He's a really good kid and has worked so hard toward his goal,'' Ben's mum Monique said.

``He has never given up.''

Like many promising juniors, the former West Sydney Razorbacks fan is devastated that Sydney will not be represented in the National Basketball League in the 2009-10 season.

But it hasn't stopped Ben from keeping focused on his goals, which include playing overseas and representing Australia at the Olympics.

``I want to keep going further and would love to go as far in the sport as I can,'' he said.

Meanwhile, local juniors Immanuel Gacis and Grant Stevens (St Clair) and Erikas Datenis (Rooty Hill) helped guide the Penrith youth league men's team to a 96-68 win over Sutherland last Saturday in round 16 of the state league. The side will play Manly Warringah at Warriewood on Saturday.

Also in fine form are the second-placed Penrith men's team, who beat the Sharks 103-55.

Do you know a promising sports star worthy of mention? Send us an email at the address below.