MELBOURNE (FIBA U19 Women’s World Championship) – Gems trio Lauren Scherf, Alicia Froling and Tahlia Tupaea will all seek a return to the podium as they prepare to step out for a second time at the FIBA U19 Women’s World Championship.

The rising stars appeared for Australia at the event two years ago in Lithuania, helping their nation to a third-place finish and are now back on board for the 2015 version of the event in Chekhov.

They will be expected to lead their country after being included in the final roster, while the same can also be said for the highly-rated Kristy Wallace, who will make her debut on the global stage.

The roster also includes Alanna Smith, who was sensational last year at the FIBA Oceania U18 Women’s Championship, while one of the biggest stories will be the appearance in Russia of Ezi Magbegor.

She will become one of the youngest players to have ever stepped out at the tournament, since she is just 15-years-old.

There is also strong representation from other younger players who competed last year at the FIBA U17 Women’s World Championship in Czech Republic, including the likes of rebounding ace Anneli Maley and the offensively minded, Alexandra Sharp.

Head coach Paul Gorris is looking for Wallace and Froling in particular to shine after getting a year of NCAA basketball under their respective belts.

"There is emerging talent in girls like Ezi Magbegor, while having Alicia Froling and Kristy Wallace returning from college basketball is a huge plus," said the play-caller.

"Those two girls have a great deal of experience internationally and domestically.

"But leadership comes from the whole group and I think we need to do it by committee.

"I’m excited with the size and athleticism of the group, as well as the experience from girls who were [previously] at the Under-17 and Under-19 World Championships."

The Gems will leave Australia on 3 July to play two games against the Netherlands in Amsterdam, as well as participating in a short training camp.

They will then head to Spain for a preparation tournament against Spain, Canada and USA, before arriving in Russia two days before their World Championship campaign begins against Korea, Brazil and Serbia.

Indeed Goriss is already preparing for those group stage matches.

He confirmed, "We’ve got some tape on Serbia’s qualifying games, so as a coaching staff we’re preparing to scout and getting ready for game one."

The Australia roster is as follows: Madeleine Dennis, Montana Farrah-Seaton, Alicia Froling, Chantel Horvat, Eziyoda Magbegor, Anneli Maley, Mikayla Pirini, Lauren Scherf, Alexandra Sharp, Alanna Smith, Tahlia Tupaea, Kristy Wallace.

FIBA