Jamaica’s team is to depart this week for Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Under-15 Super50 Championship in Grenada with hope that players can impress at the regional level.

Wicketkeeper/batsman Pajay Nelson, who hails from Top Bay in the deep-rural south-western fishing village of Alligator Pond in Manchester, caught the attention of selectors and is a member of the Philip Service-coached squad to make the trip to the eastern Caribbean.

Nelson, 14, is cousin to national spinner Jamie Merchant and represents Manchester High in school cricket.

Manchester High Head Coach Barry Barnes predicts the young cricketer will be playing for the school’s Under-19 team before too long.

“He’s an aggressive middle-order batsman who keeps wicket very well, and a very good prospect,” Barnes told the Jamaica Observer.

“Coming from primary school he had the basics, we just had to work on it. I think he’s one for the future and I think you’ll hear a lot about the young man, and he’ll be playing Headley Cup this season,” the coach said.

Nelson’s father, Michael, is one of his biggest fans.

“I just marvel at his raw and natural talent. He’s gonna make Jamaica and the West Indies proud one day,” the father said.

“I’m a proud father who is about to burst with happiness at him making the Jamaica Under-15 cricket team. I only wish I could be in Grenada watching him make Alligator Pond and Top Bay beam with pride,” he said.

Squad — Tedain Noyan, Ryan Lyttleton, Tyson Gordon, Demarco Scott, Savio Jones, Nicoli McKenzie, Joel Williams, Geovanni Grey, Demario Hall, Pajay Nelson, Jahdae Moore, Odane Binns, Kevaughn Flemming, Adrian Silvera, Joshua Johnson, Devantae Miller, Dilantae Scott, Kenrick McFarlane.

Coach — Phillip Service

Manager — Denniel Griffiths

— Sanjay Myers