WIMMERA basketballer Jake Lloyd became the first Horsham player to win a gold medal at the Australian under 16 championships in Kalamunda, Perth last Saturday.

Lloyd, 14, was playing for the Victoria Country team who beat arch- rival Victoria Metro in the gold medal game, 65 to 59.

Lloyd said the championships had been an `awesome' experience.

"It was only the second time that Victoria Country under 16s have won the gold medal," Lloyd said. "I don't think anyone from Horsham has ever came home with a gold medal either.

"We are all real proud of that."

The Victoria Country team went to the championships with limited expectations but all that changed after the first match.

"We beat New South Wales Metro who were one of the top teams," Lloyd said. "So we had a lot more confidence after that match."

The final against Victoria Metro was a dramatic match with Victoria Country falling behind in the second half before fighting back to win the game.

"It was close all the way until they broke away from us," Lloyd said. "But they got into foul trouble and we got out in front."

Lloyd hit two three-pointers in the final and shot an accurate 46 per cent for the championships which ranked among the top three-point shooters.

The trip to Perth was a first for Lloyd and he was accompanied by his parents, Tony and Wendy, who went along to support him.

"It is the furthest I have been away from home before," Lloyd said. "But I want to give a big thank you to my parents for coming along and supporting me."

Tony Lloyd said he had been proud of his son's achievements.

"You are always proud of what your kids do," Lloyd said. "But to see him win a championship was sensational."