The Perry Lakes Hawks held their annual SBL awards on Friday night at the WABC Ellis Room.

It was a night of celebration for a season that didn’t go quite as planned but that didn’t put a dampener on spirits.

With many of the SBL men wearing immaculate suits and the girls wearing cocktail dresses to match it was a night to look good.

Paul Wojtasiak held down the fort on the microphone, the celebrations went off without a hitch.

There were special presentations made to milestone player Chelsea Boyanich and Coach Rick Morcom ,who were officially presented with the Club’s recognition of their 250th and 450th games respectively.

A number of thank-you’s were made over the night to all in the club that work hard  to make the SBL game nights so successful.

People who were thanked by club president Mike Garlepp  included Keith Anthony, Karl Hombergen, Clare Chappell,

Mal Lowther, Paul Wojtasiak, all the score bench ladies, the floor wipers, the cameramen and of course Jenny Purser.

The playing awards were then presented for the girls Division 1 and SBL.

Conrad Francis gave his coaches award to Brienna Nolan for her great season in division 1 and showing aggression on court that is trademarked by the Nolan name.

He then awarded his MVP to Kate Anthony for the leadership that she showed during the year and her well rounded play.

Outgoing WSBL coach Ric Morcom gave his coaches award to Waves player Gabbi Clayton and his MVP to Tegan Walker.

Both players were worthy winners with Walker noting her surprise for the win despite travelling to Europe for a number of weeks.

Captain Belinda Mayger and Chelsea Boyanich then presented players player award – Phil Micale trophy- to Clare Thomson-Boston, who’s brother James accepted on her behalf.

They also gave out a number of thank-you’s to the coaches for hard work during the season as well as Jane and Mal Lowther for their hard work.

The men’s awards were up next with Ben Purser winning the team’s Most Valuable Player.
The captain’s year spent with the Wildcats paid dividends on his game with an expanded perimeter game as well as getting stronger in the post.

Josh Garlepp picked up the coaches award after a stunning mid-year form turn around that forced him from not getting on the court to the starting five.

Trevor Pugh was not there in person to deliver the awards however MC Paul read out a prepared speech.

The division 1 team’s awards were also read from a prepared speech, this time by Jenny Purser, as Alan Watts was away.

Ryan Fitzpatrick was rewarded for his love of Sunday afternoon basketball and mid-range jump shot with the coach’s award.

Co-Captain Julian Mancini received his first division 1 team MVP after a stellar year. 

He was the team’s best rebounder and got more hustle plays than anyone in the league as well as owning the greatest fringe in all of division 1.

Co-Captain Mike Exell then presented gifts to both Nikki and Paul Fitzpatrick for their hard work during the season as manager and on the score bench and providing the best lollies in the league.

Jesse Dixon and Josh Garlepp followed this with a gift to Laurie Trengove for all his work year after yearas the MSBL Manager, through three different coaches.

MC Paul finished the night off thanking other vital members of the club for all their hard work and wished everyone a safe night.

Womens D- League

Coach’s award: Brienna Nolan        MVP: Kate Anthony

WSBL

Coach’s award: Gabby Clayton       MVP: Tegan Walker

Mens D-League

Coach’s award: Ryan Fitzpatrick     MVP: Julian Mancini

MSBL

Coach’s award: Josh Garlepp         MVP: Ben Purser

Article : Mike Exell

Photos: Clare Chappell