A Laois basketball player is set to trade Portlaoise for Maine in the USA.
James Phelan, of Portlaoise Panthers, has secured a scholarship to Hyde School on the east coast of the country.
A past pupil of Portlaoise CBS, James did his Leaving Cert in 2020.
Hyde School is a prep school so it is basically a year between high school and college in the American system.
James has received a basketball scholarship here and hopes to perform well so he can get picked up by a college.
In his time with Portlaoise Panthers, James has won countless trophies while he has also excelled on the court with Portlaoise CBS.
He was on school teams that won six regional titles, U-14 ‘B’ All Ireland Gold medal and an U-19 All Ireland ‘A’ Bronze medal.
Talent runs through Jame’s family as his sister Maeve is a fine player and has represented Ireland internationally.
Following the news of James’ departure, his club Portlaoise Panthers wished him well.
A spokesperson said: “James has been an immense talent for Portlaoise Panthers from an early age.
“While we will miss him hugely we wish him every success in the USA.
“Dream big buddy!”
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