THE Orange 18 girls’ basketball side is about to enter into unknown territory.

The team will compete in this weekend’s NSW State Cup at Hawkesbury.

This is the first time the side has qualified for the tournament after finishing third in the 18 girls’ division at the Western Junior League finals late last month.

Orange coach Jarrad Klose won’t be at the State Cup due to family commitments so assistant coach Cameron Radburn will step up and he’s confident about the team’s prospects.

“I think they’ll go well. We’re seeing it more as a learning experience because they’ve all come into it with injuries,” Radburn said.

“They could do well.

“I think they play a minimum of three games. They could probably win at least two of those.”

The 18 girls’ competition is made up of eight teams split into two pools of four.

Orange will take on Tuggerah Lakes and Wagga Wagga on Saturday and Sutherland on Sunday.

The top side in each pool will contest the grand final on Sunday afternoon.

Radburn said the Orange girls have a number of strengths.

“It’s a very balanced team,” he said.

“They work well on spreading the floor and running the ball. Their defence is awesome.”

The team has been battling injuries so much of their preparation has involved resting but Radburn is still confident the girls will be competitive.