TWO students at Aveley's Ormiston Park Academy, which is part of Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT), have been selected to play for the England basketball team, following the academy's continuing success in the sport.

Oskaras Visockas from Year 9, and Emilis Zibuda from Year 10, were chosen from a selection camp recently held in Manchester.

Both students transferred to Ormiston Park Academy in order to be trained by star basketball coach Diana Naydenova, former professional basketball player and European Championship finalist.

The championship-winning U16s

This recent success follows continuing victory on the basketball pitch for Park students, with the U16 team taking home gold at the Basketball England Dynamik Competition following an exceptional display by all players.

Meanwhile, the U14 got through to the national semi-finals, putting them in the top four teams in England.

Diana was recently awarded the accolade of Enrichment Champion at OAT, in recognition of her commitment to the basketball programme she has set up, which promotes a real sense of belonging, respect and a determination to succeed in all areas of school and life.

The academy is looking forward to building on its basketball triumphs to continue to inspire more and more students to take up a new sport and learn valuable skills, including teamwork and leaving your comfort zone.

Ormiston principal Mark Roessler said: "We are absolutely delighted that two of our students have qualified for England's U14 basketball team, which is very well-deserved.

"Alongside the rest of our basketball players at the academy, the students have worked incredibly hard to improve their skills and serve as a real inspiration to all of us.

"I am looking forward to cheering on the whole team as they represent us in the England semi-finals."