Nesta Malcolm picked up a basketball for the first time at the age of 11.
Four years later, he was handed a team B.C. jersey.
In April, Malcolm tried out for the U15 provincial team in West Vancouver and recently found out he was accepted.
Malcolm is the only athlete to be chosen from the East Kootenay, with the other 11 players drafted from Coquitlam (2), Victoria, Kamloops, Richmond, Langley, Prince George, Surrey, West Vancouver, Vancouver and New Westminster.
The Fernie youth is excited to represent Fernie while playing on team B.C.
The National Championship tournament takes place in Kamloops from August 6-11.
“Pretty awesome,” said Malcolm, describing what it felt like to be chosen for team B.C.
“I didn’t really believe it at first.”
Standing at 6’4 and weighing 165 pounds at just 15-years-old, makes Malcolm a prime candidate for the sport, along with his natural ability to play the game well.
He has tried many other sports but always felt most comfortable with a basketball in his hands.
Last year, while attending Fernie Secondary School, the grade nine student was chosen to play on the senior boys basketball team.
He was the team’s lead scorer with an average of 15 points per game.
On the court, Malcolm’s favourite position is centre, right under the basket.
He also enjoys playing as a power forward (mix of a guard and centre), to take advantage of his shooting skills.
Seven years from now, Malcolm envisions himself at university, pursuing some sort of degree, hopefully on a scholarship.
Practice for team B.C. takes place in Vancouver twice a month.
Several local organizations have already reached out to support the young athlete, including the Fernie Lions Club, Fernie Secondary School, PAC, Jumpstart and the Emily Brydon Youth Foundation.
