For young people like Paige Crozon, there can be many hoops to go through before they decide on a career they want to pursue; that is unless the choice is basketball hoops.
This summer, the Humboldt student is paving her way toward a future in professional basketball, she hopes. She is playing in two renowned tournaments, the first an international event, the second a national event.
Crozon and 14 other young women from across Canada were selected to play with Team Canada at the 2011 FIBA (International Basketball Federation) U19 World Championship for Women. This year, the tournament was held in Chile, from July 21-31, and prior to the tournament the team played exhibition games in Brazil.
It isn't the first time the 6'1" small forward has travelled overseas to play basketball. Last summer, Crozon was picked to play for the 2010 FIBA U17 team in the same championship, held in France.
"She was lucky enough to do it last year in Rodez, France," said her mother Leanne Crozon, "and last year my husband and I were lucky enough to go along."
On August 1, when 17-year-old Crozon heads back to Canada she will be flying to Winnipeg where she will put on a different jersey: Team Saskatchewan's.
There, she and the rest of her teammates will represent the province in the Juvenile 17U Women's National Basketball Championships, August 2-7.
Asked if playing basketball was more than just a high school interest for her daughter, her mom replied, "Oh yes, that's what she wants to do, for as long as she can."
