A SOUTH East Essex trio will be spearheading Great Britain’s bid for glory at the European Under-20 Basketball Championships in Romania next week.

Shoebury’s Joe Hart and Rayleigh’s Joe Lockwood have both been selected in the 14-man squad, while Canvey’s Rikki Broadmore will also play a key part as the team’s performance analyst.

And Hart, a former St Thomas More School pupil, believes the GB team has what it takes to win the Division B title.

“I was in the squad which finished sixth in these championships last season and I think we’re much stronger this year,” said Hart, 20.

“We’ve played something like seven warm-up matches in the space of 12 days, but it’s been a great schedule and I honestly think we can go to the Championships and win it with the players we have.”

Hart was in the starting five for Great Britain’s latest game, an 87-66 win against Holland, which made it seven successive victories for his side.

Ex-FitzWimarc School pupil Lockwood also played a part in the triumph and, as the youngest member of the squad, he is relishing his first taste of international basketball.

“I really didn’t expect to get in to the squad, so it’s brilliant to be involved and I’m still ecstatic about it all,” said the 18-year-old.

“I went to the trials because I thought it would be a good experience and ended up getting in the squad.

“Playing against European countries has certainly been a bit different, but they’re very passionate and humble people and it’s going to be good.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to help the team have a good championships.”

Britain play their first game against the Slovak Republic on Friday, July 12, before also facing Luxembourg, Romania, Poland and Hungary in quick succession.

And Broadmore will also be playing a big part in proceedings throughout the tournament.

“I’ll be doing the video analysis from training sessions and matches and this will be my first championships with the under-20s, so it’s one I’m quite excited about,” said Broadmore.

“I’ve been working with the under-16 women’s side up until now. But we’re hoping to get at least a top-three finish so that will earn us promotion into Division A.”

Essex Leopards’ Rowell Graham has also been named in Great Britain’s squad along with ex-Big Cats centre Zak Wells.