Witney teenager Dexter Chapman has been presented with a golden opportunity after being chosen for a basketball scholarship in the United States.

The 18-year-old, who has just left Henry Box School with three A-levels, is one of only three boys from England to have been handed one-year scholarships at prep schools in the US.

He is to attend Harvest Prep School in Ohio where he will study four subjects while concentrating mainly on basketball.

"It is unbelievable," he said. "There are only three people going to High School or Prep School from England, so I am a bit nervous and it is a shame leaving friends and family and my girl- friend, Becca Flynn, as well.

"That is going to be tough, but it is something I have always dreamed of - playing basketball in the best country for basketball."

Chapman, a member of the England Under 19 squad, got his call-up after impressing for his club side Reading Rockets in the national under 18 finals at RAF Cosford.

"On the way back my coach, Matt Johnson, said to me somebody had come up to him and told him about the opportunity in America," added Chapman.

"They had been watching me and asked 'Would I like to go to America to play basketball'.

"Obviously at first it was daunting, but then I found out all the details.

"The school came first in the state of Ohio last season and this year aim to do even better."

He is hoping the scholarship will help improve his game.

"I know I am a good player, but not the best in England as far as ability goes," said Chapman, who plays shooting guard like one of his basketball heroes Mich- ael Jordan.

"But I am very good at training and put a lot of effort in and I am good at scoring.

"They play the game a lot more than we do. While we tend to play football or soccer, they are playing basketball all the time.

"I think it will be good for me to get into that culture. I will be playing three hours a day and there will also be a gym session in the morning."

Chapman is to stay with a local family while he is at Harvest Prep after arrangements were made by his agent/ scout Julie Zapta.

And his American adventure is being backed by his Eynsham-based sponsor, Ice Energy Heat Pumps.