YOUNG Bradford star Rhianna-Mae Laing has signed for Canadian basketball team Lakehead Thunderwolves.

Laing has achieved a lot in her short career so far, including captaining England's under 16s during the European Championships and competing for Great Britain at the Youth Olympics in Australia.

She then moved to America to spend two seasons at Cowley College in the Kansas Community College Conference, before playing for Florida Atlantic in the NCAA Division One.

The former Tong High School pupil returned to these shores to feature for the Durham Palatinates in the 2018-2019 season, and went on to average 8.7 points per game and 3.8 assists per game in the Women's British Basketball League.

Laing, 22, is eager to get back on to the court again, while achieving her goal of attaining a degree in Applied Life Sciences with a concentration in Biomedical Sciences.

She said: "I decided to choose Lakehead as I felt most comfortable with the coach. He has helped me through some difficulties and has been one of the most open coaches, with a balanced and prudent mindset.

"I also appreciated the ease I had speaking to the team while making my decision."

Lakehead coach Jon Kreiner was delighted to get Laing on board and believes she can offer exactly what the Thunderwolves need.

"We are getting a very experienced and well-rounded student-athlete in Rhi," he said. "She has played at the national level for her country and had great success at one of the top community colleges in the United States.

"Rhi is not only a very talented, well rounded athlete with great size and athleticism, but is also a very smart and versatile student-athlete.

"Rhi excels in the classroom and has the versatility to play the point, wing or forward positions. She will immediately make us into a stronger team, especially on the defensive end."