Both came away with championship medallions from the week-long tournament held in mid-January.

Up against teams from Tasmania, South Australia, New Zealand and Victoria, the pair and their respective NSW teams progressed through the tournament unbeaten.

Ben, playing in his second country championship since representing NSW at Coffs Harbour a year ago, was in fine form during the tournament, narrowly missing a place in the NSW Country squad.

For Jess, who was playing in her first major tournament, the chance to represent her State and excel on a national stage was yet another step in a flourishing basketball career.

The pair gained selection in the NSW squad late last year and were placed in teams on the opening day of the tournament.

Jessica was selected to represent the NSW Ospreys in the under 14s girls’ competition while Ben was a starter in the NSW Kookaburras squad in the under 18s boys’ division.     

Both Jess and Ben play for the Maitland Mustangs in the Country Premier League competition.

Ben, who hopes to win a scholarship to play college basketball in the US when he finishes school at the end of next year, was happy with his efforts at the championships.

“I had some really good court time and my defensive effort was strong throughout the tournament,” the point guard said.

Jess, whose Ospreys side triumphed in a nail-biting contest with South Australia, said the experience gained from the championship would stand her in good stead for future tournaments.

“We had to really hold our nerve in the final,” she said.

“At one stage we were down by more than 10 points and had to fight really hard to get back into the game.

“I sank a couple of free throws towards the end to put us into the lead and we were able to hold on from there.”