Ja name U-16 netball squad for April event

DESPITE having a close to impeccable record at the event, defending champions Jamaica will be taking nothing for granted as they prepare for next month's Jean Pierre Youth Netball Championship in Barbados.

So says assistant coach Minneth Reynolds of the 12-member squad which was named on Monday for the Championship from April 8-18.

The line-up features seven new invitees including Sade Ffrench -- the younger sister of former Sunshine Girl, Nadine Ffrench -- Trudianne Pennant, Chiquana Reid, Kelleisha Freckleton, Chrishena Copeland, Azeza McCarthy, and Kaneila Riley.

Dhanyel Johnson, Tristina Harwood, Vanessa Jones, Adean Thomas, and Khadijah Williams are the returning players from the team which claimed the title in Kingston in 2009.

"The ones that we selected have blended well with the older players so it's a well-balanced squad," Reynolds told the Observer.

She added that despite Jamaica's position as the top-rated regional team, they will not disregard the ability of the other teams in the competition.

"We take it game by game; we don't want to over-rate or under-estimate any team because when they're playing Jamaica they bring their 'A' game because everybody wants to beat the champions."

The team is also missing 2009 member Marvadene Anderson, who is in the United States on a basketball scholarship with Rutgers Prep in New Jersey. But Reynolds, who coached the tall player at Edwin Allen High School, is taking her absence in strides.

"It's one of those thing you have to work with... players go and players come. We were blessed to have such an exceptional talent, but I can guarantee that these girls are as hungry for a win."

The Jamaicans will be coached by Joan Cargill, with manager Cora Ricketts, delegate Dorothy Hobson, and physiotherapist Maureen Spence-Campbell.

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