A member of Oaklands College’s Basketball Academy is celebrating after being called up by Great Britain to take part in a major European tournament.

Herts Advertiser: Kyla Nelson, in action for Oaklands Wolves, will represent GB in two EuroBasket qualifiersKyla Nelson, in action for Oaklands Wolves, will represent GB in two EuroBasket qualifiers (Image: Archant)

Oaklands Wolves’ Kyla Nelson has been called up by head coach Jose Maria Buceta to the GB Senior Women’s squad ahead of two crucial EuroBasket 2017 qualifiers this month.

The 18-year-old, who is originally form Worthing but lives at the college during term-time, said: “It is a huge privilege to get invited to take part in the Senior GB program.

“I can’t wait to absorb every second of this experience. It’s crazy to think I’m going to be amongst the best senior players GB has to offer.

“I’m excited to get to work with them and coach Buceta.”

Wolves’ coach Lee Ryan said: “This is fantastic news for Kyla, her family and all at Oaklands College.

“She has been an outstanding example of a student athlete in her time here at the Academy.

“She deserves the recognition and I know she will maximise this opportunity as she does with everything.”

Nelson will be looking to continue her impressive form in the Women’s British Basketball League (WBBL) that has seen her help Brixton Topcats to back-to-back wins since her return to play.

Brixton head coach Steve Vear said: “I’m really pleased for Kyla. She had a tough start to the season, sitting out due to rehab, but this is testament to how much patience she has and the hard work she continues to put in.”

EuroBasket is the European equivalent of the FIBA Basketball World Cup and has a similar qualifying procedure.

The GB Women are currently third in Group C following a 78-64 loss in Montenegro and a 60-48 defeat at home to Italy.

They will face Albania on February 20 and Montenegro on February 24, both games taking place at Belle Vue in Manchester.