Awab Elniel has capped an impressive year by being named in the England under-18 squad.

The North School Basketball Academy member impressed when playing for South East England in a regional tournament in Nottingham in September and his selection maintains the rapid progress he has made in a short time.

Already a member of the New Horizons Programme, which serves as the England under-17s Development Programme, Elniel only began playing competitively two years ago at the age of 15.

Coach Andrew Sutherland said: "Awab has an incredible work ethic and deserves all the rewards and plaudits coming his way. He is the perfect role model for all of our younger players with the dedication he shows to both his academic and basketball development."

The initial squad of 37 will be reduced after training camps.