This story is from issue five of the Lance, which came out Friday, Jan. 31. If you would like a copy, visit the journalism room (253). The accompanying video is a WTV production. 

Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Maya Moore, Sue Bird, Candace Parker. These are some of the greatest players ever to play the game of basketball.  All eventually took their talents from the professional court, to the international stage, playing for Team USA.

This opportunity isn’t limited to professionals. Westside junior Jay Bridgeman has been scouted to play for the United States girl’s basketball youth Under-17 team, and follow in the footstep’s of these basketball legends.

“I played summer basketball for the Lincoln Shooting Stars, we were a top-10 team in the nation and scouts came to some of my tournaments and picked me to be a member of the team,” Bridgeman said.

In 2015 the team will travel around the world, competing against teams from other nations. The first against Australia. Games will be played in pools, with nations divided into four pools. Round Robin style is used for determining games in the pools. In 2012 Team USA Played against South Korea, Canada, Italy, Belgium, Mali, Australia, Canada, and Spain.

Bridgeman will be joining a team with a history of success: in the 2012 season it went 8-0 and beat teams by an average of 35 points. Bridgeman, a center, hopes her contributions will help continue the team’s winning ways.

“I am a hard worker and very competitive,” Bridgeman said. “I just love to play the game.”

Putting up good numbers this season for the Warriors Bridgeman would bring a post presence to team USA. Bridgeman averages 7.8 rebounds, .8 blocks and 1.8 steals a game. Bridgeman is also an efficient offensive player, averaging 13.6 points per game on  61 percent shoting this season.

Bridgeman’s choice to play for her country is a more difficult choice then it would be for most. A promising college basketball career is Bridgeman’s other option. She will have to choose due to scheduling conflicts. Universities such as Princeton, San Diego, Wyoming and Ohio are currently recruiting her.

“The games will be taking place in the summer of 2015, which will be the same time that my college basketball career could be beginning,” Bridgeman said. “If summer workouts for college conflict with USA basketball, I’ll have to make a choice.”

The choice will eventually come down to two major factors, money and college basketball. The USA Basketball team travels all over the world and the costs are expensive, although Bridgeman’s decision will have to wait, her choice will come down to her schedule for college basketball.

Either way Bridgeman is anticipating what her decision will bring.

“I am completely humbled and excited about this amazing opportunity,” Bridgeman said. “I think the decision will come down to what offers I get from colleges and how it would affect my college career.”