A teenager from West Ewell has taken the first step on a road that could lead to basketball glory – although there was a time when that seemed unlikely.

Megan Haines has just returned from representing England at an U15s development squad tournament in Copenhagen.

The 14-year-old point guard missed the opening two games after picking up an injury in the early stages.

However, she returned for the final three games and the team ended the competition against Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway and Luxembourg with two wins.

Now the Epsom & Ewell High School year 9 pupil is concentrating on trials for the U16s, and if her determination to get into the U15s is anything to go by, it should be a formality.

“When I found out I had made the development squad, I could not talk I was so excited,” she said.

“About 30 girls started out the U15s trials, and the top 12 went to Copenhagen.

“Last year, I had surgery on my anterior cruciate ligament and could not play basketball for about a year, so to come back and get through the trials – I was delighted.”

After Denmark, Haines has now to restart trials to make the U16s squad, but she believes her training will see her through.

“We have to go through south-east trials to get spotted again and if you play for U16s you play in tournaments in Portugal, you have more games.

“I train five times a week – three times with Brixton Topcats, the Women’s British Basketball League team, and twice with my local club.

“I reckon playing with senior women has helped me play better in my age group.”

Haines is as yet uncertain whether her future lies in playing basketball, although she has designs on playing in America.

However, should she leave the court, chances are she will stay in the game in a coaching capacity, and her personality is well suited to the endeavour.

She said: “Playing point guard is all about controlling the whole game and everyone on the team.

“I tell the other players where they should go around the court - I’m the main person on the court who keeps the team together.

“On the court I am quite bossy, but slightly less so off it.”