Young trailblazer

Jaida Bosch making historic appearance in nationals

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A Yuma girl has become a pioneer in shooting hoops.

Gowan Science Academy 7th grader Jaida Bosch is a role model when it comes to dedication.

For the past 5 years, she's devoted herself to the game of basketball, playing on the Y-Town Hustle youth club basketball team and participating in shooting competitions.

The 13-year old recently won 5 regional competitions to qualify for the upcoming National Elks Hoop Shoot Competition; specifically testing the skills of free throw shooting.

Jaida has dedicated herself to training daily in the early hours of the morning, putting up 100 to 200 shots every day.

 Jaida is proving herself to be a trailblazer, because she is the 1st girl out of Yuma to reach national competition.

Both Jaida and her dad Derek elaborate on what they believe could come from her competing against the nation's best this upcoming weekend.

"If I win in Chicago, you go to the national hall of fame, so that would be exciting. And I just want to take basketball to another level."

Jaida Bosch - National finalist (National Elks Hoop Shoot Competition)

"And now that she's advanced to Nationals, everything that we're doing now is just icing on the cake. I think it's just going to build her as a person, and her character and ultimately, it'll be an experience that she'll remember for the rest of her life, whether she wins or loses."

Derek Bosch - Jaida's father

The National Elks Hoop Shoot Competition gets underway this coming Saturday (April 30th) in Chicago, Illinois.