Gretel Tippett might be the younger sister of Adelaide Crows forward Kurt and Brisbane Lions rookie Joel, but the 15-year-old is making her own waves on the basketball court.

Tippett, who has the amazing ability to slam dunk the ball, will spearhead the national women’s basketball team at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in January 2009.

“I am very excited about the competition as I am sure it will be a great experience,” Tippett said. “And I hope to do a dunk at the AYOF. I can get it down when I feel good.”

The Queenslander brings a wealth of experience to the team, having represented her state for the past two years as well as her country in the Under 17 national team and the Under 19 Australian Gems.

“My greatest achievements so far are being selected for the Under 19 Australian Gems to tour France and then playing at the qualifiers for the Junior World Championship,” Tippett said.

“I love basketball for the social part, the competition and the places you get to travel. This year I have been to Guam and France.”

Gems and Australian Institute of Sport women's basketball head coach Dean Kinsman said Tippett is more than competitive despite playing against opponents up to four years older.

"She's a terrific athlete, she's got a great leap and she's quick up and down the court," he said. "She's 191cm and at 15 she's got the ability to dunk the ball, which at her age is pretty amazing."

Tippett, who was named this year as Queensland's top junior female basketballer, will compete at the Youth Olympics in Sydney from 14 – 18 January 2009.

She is looking forward to the event as it “gives me another chance to represent my country and as it is in Australia I will have the support of my family and friends.”

Australian AYOF Team - Females

Jillian Haughton QLD
Kerryn Harrington VIC
Nicole Seekamp SA
Madeleine Garrick VIC
Rebecca Cole VIC
Ashleigh Karaitiana NSW
Rebecca Allen VIC
Gretel Tippett QLD
Allyson Brown NSW
Lauren Nicholson NSW
Nadeen Payne QLD
Cassandra Mangos NSW

Australian AYOF Team - Males

Jackson Aldridge NSW
Igor Hadziomerovic VIC
Jackson Hussey WA
Corban Wroe QLD
Anthony Drmic VIC
Hugh Greenwood TAS
Sam Rowley NSW
Stephen Rowe ACT
Sam Gilmore VIC
John Marriott SA
Mitchell McCarron QLD
Daniel Trist NSW

Frances Cordaro
AOC