TORONTO - Western Mustangs women’s basketball recruit Laura Dally of Bright's Grove, Ont., has been selected to represent Canada's junior national team this summer.  

Canada Basketball unveiled the official roster for the 2010 edition of the Junior Women’s National Team (JWNT) last week. The squad will compete in the FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Women taking place June 23-27 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Co.

This is Dally's second selection to the JWNT and she has been named one of the team captains. She led Canada in minutes played in an exhibition tune-up against the U.S. on June 20, adding seven points in a 57-39 loss. Canada rebounded on June 21 defeating Brazil 60-56 in their final tune-up game before opening the tournament Wednesday June 23 against Mexico. Click here to visit the FIBA Americas U18 Champoinship web site. 

The FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Women features the best players aged 18 years and younger from eight countries in the FIBA Americas zone. Team Canada, assigned to Pool A, along with Chile, Costa Rica and Mexico, will open the preliminary round on June 23 against the Mexican squad.

“We are excited for Laura and the opportunity she has to represent the country over the next month," said Mustangs women's basketball head coach Stephan Barrie. "I am confident Laura will work hard to give the coaching staff whatever they need from her for the team to be successful."   

"Coach Chambers and his staff are excellent coaches and Laura will bring what she learns from them and the international game back to our program which helps make us better.”

Dally was on the 2009 team which made history by placing fourth at the World Championships in Thailand. The 2009 squad also featured incoming Mustangs sophomore Jenny Vaughan.  

Vaughan was the starting point guard on the history-making team and led the squad in minutes played and assists.  

Both Vaughan and Dally will be making their debuts for the purple and white this fall. 

2010 Junior Women's National Team Competition Schedule
June 23-27 at FIBA Americas U18 Championship in Colorado Springs
June 23  Canada vs. Mexico
June 24  Canada vs. Chile
June 25  Canada vs. Costa Rica

For more information, read Canada Basketball's article.