But if you were forced to choose one for Casey Ardern, 'fearless’ might be the most apt adjective.

The 17-year-old point guard has had a different career to many elite prospects at this age.

Ardern has been a frequent performer at state level for Victoria Country, but while many peers might go on to the national stage, the young gun has taken a slightly different route to the elite level – starting for the Albury-Wodonga Lady Bandits.

It's rare for teenagers to play heavy minutes at SEABL level, let alone make the kind of impact Ardern has.

One of the major beneficiaries of the team's move towards playing young, local talent, Ardern made the starting spot her own.

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While she lacks size compared to some of her competition (many of whom have played at WNBL level or higher), she makes up for it with her quickness and tenacity.

Not that going up against such tried and true competition has ever bothered Ardern.

“It's been amazing, playing with the Bandits I've experienced so much in such a small amount of time,” she said.

“It's crazy to be going against people who have played for Australia, who have played all over the world, it's awesome to see how much I've grown because of that.”

That growth is only going to continue in 2019.

Though Ardern will cede her starting sport to recently recruited guard Nat Hurst, the teenager is excited to learn from the seven-time WNBL champion.

The team's new coach, Lauren Jackson has also been an inspiration for the rising star.

“I'm so excited for the season ahead, learning from Nat Hurts, one of the best point guards I've seen play, and Lauren, the best player in Australia and in the world, is going to be amazing.

“It comes down to the coaches having confidence in us – we are so young, but we do so well because the coaches believe in us.”

Now heading into year 11, Ardern knows she still has plenty to learn.

That isn't stopping her from keeping her eyes on her ultimate goal, to play at the highly competitive college level in America.

If she does, she'll be following in the footsteps of another Wodonga Wolves and Lady Bandits alumni, Steph Gorman, who is overseas playing for Utah State. 

With possibly the biggest season in Lady Bandits history on the horizon, expect Casey Ardern to play an important role.

The Norske Skog Young Achiever of the Year Award will be presented on Friday March 15.