Anita Snowdon is relishing the chance to play against her old team tomorrow.
The 21-year-old guard is part of the Otago Goldrush (3-1) team set to host the Canterbury Wildcats (4-1) in a rare home game at the Edgar Centre tomorrow.
Raised in Christchurch, Snowdon debuted for the Wildcats when she was just 16.
The 1.65m point guard moved to Dunedin four years ago to study neuroscience at the University of Otago, and is in her second year with the Goldrush.
While Snowdon still calls herself a Cantabrian - yes, she supports the Crusaders over the Highlanders - she is determined to help the Goldrush build on the promising start it made to the championship in Auckland three weeks ago.
The Goldrush won three of its four games and sits in fifth place in the standings. However, all four teams higher in the standings - Waikato, Canterbury, Nelson and Waitakere - have played more games.
Snowdon, who racked up 18 points and five steals in her side's 71-34 demolition job of Rotorua last time out, has played with the majority of the Canterbury side in the past.
''They're a really good side, but so are we,'' Snowdon said.
''I think it will be a tough game for us, but I think we can do it. We've got to keep doing what we're doing. We've got a pretty strong side this year.''
Snowdon predominantly plays at the point for her club, Varsity, but has been playing as a shooting guard for the Goldrush when captain Janet Main is on the floor.
''It's been awesome playing with her [Main]. She's a bit older and more experienced, so I learn heaps from her, which is cool,'' Snowdon said.
The talented guard drilled two key three-pointers in Varsity's narrow 59-56 win against Magic A on Tuesday night, and is enjoying basketball more than ever.
''I'm loving it. It keeps me super busy, but it's all good. I love the training and everything.''
She has been playing basketball since she was 8, and plans to stick with it regardless where she lives.
That probably will not be Dunedin next year. Snowdon finishes her fourth and final year of study later in the year, and could well be playing for the Wildcats this time next year.
''I might be heading back to Christchurch,'' Snowdon said.
''But it depends where I go with my career, I guess. I'm looking into going overseas, as well. I will look into doing my PHD, so I have to see where life takes me.''
Following tomorrow's game, the Goldrush has tournaments in Christchurch (May 15-17) and Porirua (June 4-6).
Goldrush v Wildcats
Edgar Centre, tomorrow, 1pm
Otago Goldrush: Janet Main (captain), Jillian Harmon, Aleisha Ruske, Nicole Ruske, Stacey Hickford, Anita Snowdon, Grace Love, Natalie Smith, Bronwyn Kjestrup, Grace Allan, Soraya Umaga- Jensen, Claudia Flaws.
