Sophie Milner is ready to go.
The Antigonish native is a member of the Team Nova Scotia U15s that will compete in Canada Basketball nationals later this month in Fredericton.
“I am really excited. It is cool to have the opportunity to go up against top athletes that are my age,” the 15-year-old said.
When asked about what she tries to bring to the provincial team, Milner said “my leadership.”
While on the court, to use a nautical analogy, the talented point guard embraces steering the ship.
“I think I am good at slowing the play down, when we start to get out of control, and make sure we run our sets,” she said.
Milner noted her focus on being a ball distributor.
“I love passing and creating plays,” she added, with a big smile.
In her first high school season, Milner was a key contributor to the hometown Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional Royals, a team that captured a Northumberland Region crown and a berth in the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation (NSSAF) championships.
The soon-to-be Grade 10, multi-sport athlete will play this fall with Rothesay Netherwood School in New Brunswick, where her older brother, Andrew, a 2018 CIS men’s basketball champion with the Calgary Dinos, also suited up.
“They contacted me, so I had to make a decision,” the 15-year-old said of the then potential move to the Saint John suburb.
Earlier this year, she toured the campus, which included visits with coaches and other students.
“It was really awesome and I am looking forward to going there,” Milner said.
But, first thing’s first. She expects big things for the provincial team.
“We are really close and play well together,” she said, noting their depth.
Since late April, Milner and her teammates have spent most weekends in Truro, where Team Nova Scotia is based this year.
They have also played games in Montreal, New Brunswick and Halifax.
“It has been busy, but also a lot of fun,” Milner said.
The Canada Basketball national championships are scheduled for Aug. 6 to 11 at the Richard J. Currie Center on the University of New Brunswick campus.
“It doesn’t help anyone,” Milner said, when asked if she was nervous about the upcoming experience.
“I am mostly excited and can’t wait to play.”
