TWO talented teenagers from Dunfermline Reign have been holding court in the international arena after receiving call-ups for a European tournament.

Euan Johnston and Finlay Steel, who both play for the club's under-18 side, have capped excellent seasons by being selected to represent Scotland in the Under-16 European Championship.

The competition, in which the Scots are competing in Division C, is being held in Tirana, Albania and tipped-off yesterday, when they won their first match against the hosts 90-66.

Johnston, a sixth-year pupil at Inverkeithing High School, and Steel, who is in S5 at Queen Anne High School, came through a tough selection process – which involved attending numerous training camps – that started last Christmas to be picked for the team, which is coached by former Reign head coach, Darryl Wood.

He said: "It is great to see the work that Reign do with their players week in, week out to produce talented players like Euan and Finlay, who have the ability and mindset to compete with the best in the country.

"Our team of 12 is well prepared and looking forward to the challenge of trying to win the Division C Championship."

The duo's call comes after Johnston, described by his club as an "explosive point guard" who led the Reign team in scoring during the past season, was part of the Scotland squad that won a bronze medal in June's Copenhagen Invitational tournament by beating England following a semi-final loss to Kenya.

Although he has been a member of national squads at many age groups, this is the first time Johnston has pulled on a Scotland vest in an official FIBA (International Basketball Federation) tournament, while back-court partner Steel, a reserve for Copenhagen, has propelled himself into the international reckoning thanks to increased confidence and consistency in his game.

Also in Scotland's group are Moldova, who they face today; San Marino, who they play tomorrow; and Luxembourg, who they take on tomorrow (Wednesday), with the top two advancing to the semi-finals on Saturday, with the final being played on Sunday.

Reign will also be represented at the Women's Under-16 European Championship, Division C – which starts in Chisinau, Moldova, tomoroow and runs until Sunday – in the shape of John Day, who is an assistant coach with the team.

He will hope to help Scotland – who play Malta, Wales and Cyprus in Group B – progress having coached Reign's under-18s last season, and assisted the senior men's historic first national league championship, and club chairman, James Steel, said: "Our aim at Reign is to use basketball to develop great people.

"As a charity we invest everything we can into getting local people involved, either playing or volunteering in this great sport.

"Euan and Finlay are the latest players from Reign to show others that if you work hard you can go places, and both Darryl and John’s involvement shows of leaders giving time and expertise back to others.

"We wish them all the best and look forward to seeing how they get on."