Basketball Australia U18s National Championships: NSW Metro star Jesse-May Hall dreaming big (Under-18 and Kevin Coombs Cup National Championships)

Her late grandfather was a country league legend, now Jessie-May Hall is keeping the family sporting flag flying high as she carves out a basketball career. See her play for NSW Metro at the U18 nationals.

* Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this story contains an image of a deceased person.

Jessie-May Hall is one of NSW Metro’s brightest stars at the U18 basketball nationals, but it’s the guard’s country roots that’s helping her keep grounded as she aims to fulfil her WNBA and Opals dreams.

Hall was born in Sydney, but her father, Steve, and his family hail from Dubbo in NSW’s central west.

The connection to the bush has played a vital role in the rising guard’s basketball career to date – on-and-off the court.

Hall’s late grandfather – Steve ‘Bear’ Hall – was also a respected sporting figure in rugby league.

Jessie-May Hall has big plans for her basketball career. Pic: Taylor Earnshaw Photography

‘Bear’, as he was affectionately known, had a career spanning 26 years in coaching, development and mentoring roles with Western Suburbs and the Wests Tigers, as well as the state body.

Jessie-May will always hold her country connections close to her heart.

“It’s really good – it’s not all Metro for me because my dad is from there (Dubbo),” Hall, 15, told News Corp.

“My family in Dubbo are always reaching out to me. It’s great to know that I don’t just have people in the Metro.

“There are a lot of people in the country as well, which makes me get around all the country girls as well.”

Hall has “a lot” going on in basketball, but she does her best to visit her family in Dubbo.

The 15-year-old has the world at her feet.

“Anytime we do go, it’s an amazing time up there,” she said.

For now, Hall is focused on her booming basketball career.

She has enjoyed success at all levels, including a gold medal for Australia at the Under-15s Oceania Championships in Guam last year.

Hall is locked in on the immediate future, but she is also daring to dream.

Jessie-May Hall’s grandfather Steve.

Asked what her ultimate goal is, she replied: “Probably WNBA and the Opals.

“That would be lovely, but the WNBA is my main goal.

“I would also consider US college, but I haven’t fully decided what I want to do yet.”

Until then, Hall is keen to secure a gold medal for NSW Metro at the Under-18s National Championships in Brisbane.

“I think we can do really well and go far in this tournament,” she said.

“We are really good as a team, even off the court, and it shows on the court when things become a bit difficult.

“We are staying together.”