News

• For the complete list of award winners from the Camberwell Dragons Boys Program, including coaches' comments, click HERE.

Camberwell Dragons coaches share their thoughts on our 2025 Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) season award winners.

UNDER 12 GIRLS

12.1 Girls

Leadership Award – Frankie Barkla
"Frankie has had a fantastic year. She constantly thrives to be her best and is always leading by example at trainings and games. Frankie's ability to lead huddle discussions and group drills makes her not only a pleasure to coach, but an outstanding teammate to play alongside with! Great work, Frankie, and we look forward to seeing what's next for you!"

Most Consistent Player – Evie Saman
"Evie has been an absolute pleasure to coach this season. She consistently comes to games ready to play and regularly sets the tone of how the team are going to play. Evie always shows her grit and determination, going for that extra steal or stop to help ignite our offence and is a key contributor at both ends. Most of all, Evie is an excellent teammate that always brightens up others days with her caring and friendly demeanor. Good luck, Evie, and we can't wait to see what your future holds!"

Words by coach Ryleh Killian.

12.2 Girls

Most Valuable Player – Lily Conroy
"Lily will usually be the smallest and definitely the youngest player on every team she plays for, but overcomes what might be seen as obstacles for others with her skill, willingness to work on her game and her competitive spirit. She has a bright future ahead of her, and we’re excited to see where her appetite to improve takes her."

Runner-Up MVP – Clementine Oostermeyer
"Clem is that X-factor player who continually makes winning plays – a defensive stop here, a rebound there, a basket when you need it most. Her willingness to take on the toughest defensive task each week and lead by example made her a huge asset for the 12.2s, and for any team she’ll play for in the future."

Words by coach Adrian Lewis.

12.3 Girls

Most Valuable Player – Sophie John
"Sophie has been a standout player this season, earning the MVP award through her athleticism, determination, and all-round impact on the court. She consistently demonstrated strength on both offence and defence, leading her team with energy, skill, and a competitive spirit. Whether driving to the basket, locking down opponents, or inspiring her teammates, Sophie plays every game with heart and hustle."

Coach's Award – Elise Garner
"Elise is the well-deserving recipient of this year’s Coach’s Award, recognised for her exceptional focus, intensity, and basketball intelligence. She’s a great listener, always taking on feedback and applying it in both games and training. Elise plays with poise on offence and fierce determination on defence. Her smart decisions and consistent effort made her a vital part of the team’s success."

Words by coach Scott Bazley.

12.4 Girls

Rising Star Award – Imogen Cook
"Immy always gives 100 per cent each time she steps on the court. She is always looking to improve her game, take on feedback and apply it straight away. With a high basketball IQ and the skills to match, Immy is a true offensive force. Congratulations, Immy, on a fantastic season! Your dedication and performance has been outstanding."

Coach's Award – Mila Tankovich
"Mila's energy and team spirit lights up the court. She always comes to basketball with a positive mindset and ready to learn. Mila has an exceptional understanding of the game, reads the play extremely well and is able to play whatever position is needed on the court. She is a fantastic team player with leadership qualities to match. Mila, you have improved so much this season and have been a pleasure to coach! Well done on a fantastic season."

Words by coach Prue Ainsworth.

12.5 Girls

Most Valuable Player – Lois Silvers
"Lois plays highly responsible defence leading to possessions that get us running and provides great driving attacks to at times provide half the team's score."

Impact Player Award – Grace McAuley-Hiho
"A dominating rebounding player that will guard in stance, play as a wolf and is focused on tactics and development and evolving all aspects of her game."

Word by coach Brett Donnar.

12.6 Girls

Coach's Award – Georgina Tinker
"Georgie is the Coach's Award winner for her overall determination, reliability and outstanding defence."

Most Improved Player – Evie Le-Bow
"Evie is the Most Improved Player for her commitment and dedication to the team and improving her own game, always willing to listen to feedback."

Words by coach Ciara Newman.

UNDER 14 GIRLS

14.1 Girls

Coach's Award – Amelia Silver
"Millie has proven herself a dominant presence in the paint with her physicality and her rim protection. Her time and dedication spent working on her craft in the post has benefited the whole team and turned her into an interior force."

Most Valuable Player – Charlotte Carazzo
"Charlotte’s length and versatility has made her an asset on both ends of the court. With the ability to play four positions on the court and shut down key opponents she has been an integral part to the success of our team."

Words by coach Matthew Power.

14.2 Girls

Most Valuable Player – Olivia Maiolo
"Olivia has thrived this season. She is willing to play any role the team needs and has lead from the front. Liv is a competitor on court and will never quit. She is always wanting to improve by asking great questions and always trains the way she wants to play. Well done, Liv!"

Coach's Award – Mika Carrozi
"Mika is a work horse who always puts the team first. She will do whatever the team needs from her and often supports and encourages those around her. She is a defensive weapon and is always communicating when on court. Love your work, Mika!"

Words by coach Cara Jeffers.

14.3 Girls

Most Valuable Player – Bonnie O'Keefe
"Bonnie is an absolute gogetter in all aspects of the game. She is always giving everything she can, while including all teammate. She is a selfless player who has an incredible ability to get to the ring and score. Bonnie is a dream to coach and an even better team player."

Most Improved Player – Zara Witkowski
"Zara has an admirable attitude towards improving. She is the first to ask questions both at training and game day. She has made incredible improvements in regards to utilising her height and being a target in the key for her team, all while still looking to involve other teammates when possible. I congratulate Zara on her improvement over the season!"

Words by coach Molly Kneebone.

14.4 Girls

Most Valuable Player – Lucy Maycock
"This award honours Lucy, whose outstanding versatility and all-round excellence made her a an indispensable member of our team. Lucy consistently excelled in every facet of the game: relentlessly scoring, masterfully defending all positions, demonstrating great passing vision, aggressive drives showcasing some exceptional footwork, delivering crucial blocks, and flawlessly executing plays. Her all-around excellence and leadership elevated everyone around her. Outstanding. Congratulations, Lucy!"

Dependable Dynamo Award – Sienna van Langenburg
"This award celebrates Sienna's fantastic all-around impact and unwavering consistency throughout the season. Her relentless hustle, impactful defence and steals, playmaking and execution, sharp shooting, strong drives and finishing around the basket, along with selfless passing, made her a force consistently contributing in every facet of the game. An exceptional teammate and outstanding season. Congratulations, Sienna!"

Words by coach Brent Lomer.

14.5 Girls

Most Improved Player – Anwyn Moncur
"Anwyn has improved tremendously over this season, becoming one of our most consistent and reliable players. As a player who has had to adapt to a change in position on the court, we are so proud of how she has been able to take our feedback on and apply it to her game. It has been amazing to see her development this year and we can’t wait to watch her continue to dominate under the ring!"

Coach's Award – Gwyneth Yeardley
"Gwyn is a very positive and encouraging teammate who always shows great respect to her coaches, teammates and opponents. She is a pleasure to coach and is always seeking ways to improve and things to focus on in her game. We can say for sure that her work ethic is one of the most admirable we have seen, taking on feedback, setting an example, being up for a challenge, and doing it all with a smile on her face!"

Words by coach Lucy Patel.

14.6 Girls

Most Valuable Player – Nadia Phan
Nadia's ball-handling and dribbling skills were key in the team bringing the ball up the court. Controlling the ball through heavy defensive pressure and finding open teammates. Usually assigned against the opposition's best ball handler, her front-on defence was strong and she consistently worked her opponent towards the sideline in defensive transition. Nadia has good basketball instincts and anticipates opposition passes which she regularly intercepted and converted to lay-ups."

Coach's Award – Annie Connell
"Annie was the team's leading scorer and in the top five for the league. She would also be at the top of our list of rebounders. While her height gives her some advantages, her positional play has improved as the season progressed and contributed strongly to the team's late-season successes."

Words by coach Michael Gillett.

UNDER 16 GIRLS

16.1 Girls

Most Valuable Player – Jasmine Ager
"Jas has had a fantastic season leading from the front. A natural scorer, Jas has continued to develop her point guard skills organising a team. Well done on a great season, Jas!"

Best Defensive Player – Ella Philpin
"Ella has been an incredibly important piece of the puzzle to our team. Her ability to read the game makes her invaluable defensively to the team both in the half and full court. Well done on a great season, Ella!"

Words by coach Mark Jeffers.

16.2 Girls

Most Valuable Player – Emily Whitmarsh
"Emily was an absolute monster on both ends of the floor for us all year. Consistently shutting down the best player on the opposition and coming up with huge baskets when we needed them in big moments. One of the youngest on the team, the future is very bright for her."

Most Determined – Zara Rowson
"If there is a job that needs to be done, Zara's is always the first name that comes to mind. Wins almost every 50-50 ball up for grabs, guards all 94 feet possession after possession and lives for a physical game without getting lost in it. One of the most hard-nosed players I’ve ever had the pleasure of coaching. You feel confident in any game with players like her on your side.

Words by coach Brady Taylor.

16.3 Girls

Most Valuable Player – Ella McIntyre
"Our Most Valuable Player did it all, proving her ability to play in positions one through five. Ella was our leading scorer, top playmaker, and a disruptive force on defence. Intercepting passes and swatting shots, she set the tone on both ends of the floor. Her versatility and impact were key to our team's success."

Most Improved Player – Alex Roache
"As a player with great upside, Alex was pushed throughout the season. Rising to the challenge, her positive attitude and willingness to learn transformed her game. From playing with authority around the rim to nailing the pick and roll, her development has been exciting to watch!"

Words by coach Phina Newton.

16.4 Girls

Most Valuable Player – Lexi Thorp
"Puts in 110 per cent every game. Has great energy in offence and defence."

Best Team Player – Amy Zhao
"Always encouraging her teammates during games and very enthusiastic at training."

Words by coach Michael Fowler.

16.5 Girls

Best Team Player – Alice Hoops
"Alice has demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and sportsmanship. She consistently applies pressure at both ends of the court, disrupting opponents on defence and driving her team’s offence with determination and confidence. Her dedication, positive attitude, and commitment to teamwork have contributed greatly to her team’s success, making her a truly deserving recipient of this award."

Coach's Award – Skyla Cheng
Awarded for her consistent commitment at training and during games. Focused, extremely coachable, and always looking to improve her game. Always with a smile, Skyla is well known for her smooth jump shot and set a great example on and off the court. A well-earned recognition.

Words by coach Kate Hoops.

16.6 Girls

Best Team Player – Kelly Huang
"Voted on by coaches, players and parents, this award was for the player who was a team player on and off the court, who played team defence, team offence and was encouraging to her teammates. Kelly fit that description perfectly with her leadership on and off the court being a highlight."

Most Determined – Cassie Divitcos
"Cassie epitomises the definition of determined. Her effort never drops below 100 per cent, with her offensive and defensive transition being highlights. She often would be first to the ball at a contest and be clobbered as a result but would still pick herself up and get to the next contest."

Words by coach Duncan Palmer.

UNDER 18 GIRLS

18.1 Girls

Coach's Award – Ava Kirkwood
"This award goes to Ava for consistently rising to the occasion and leaving it all on the court. An exceptional scorer who finds ways to get to the basket."

Coach's Award – Coco Gaffney
"A great teammate who always brings the energy. Lifts the team up and does the little things. A player that you hear before you see as she communicates consistently both on and off the floor."

Words by coach Lucas Donnar.

18.2 Girls

Most Valuable Player – Cleopatra Minatsis
"Cleo earns this season’s MVP for her outstanding shooting ability and fierce competitive spirit. Whether driving to the basket, hitting mid-range jumpers, or knocking down three-pointers, Cleo was a constant offensive threat. Her determination to win and refusal to be outworked showed in every training session and game. A true competitor, Cleo led by example and consistently delivered when it mattered most."

Most Valuable Player – Imogen Begley
"Immie is a phenomenal athlete and a true all-rounder, earning this MVP award with her versatility and competitive edge. Able to play any position from one to five, she brings strength, skill, and intensity to every role on the court. A tough finisher around the basket and almost impossible to beat on defence, Immie trained with the same fire she brought to every game. Her effort, consistency, and passion made her an invaluable leader and a key part of the team’s success."

Words by coach Scott Bazley.

18.3 Girls

Coach's Award – Loren Ruzzene
"Loren receives this Coach's Award for her versatility and reliability this year. Loren is a team-first player who was required to play all positions one through five and perform many specific roles during the season. Whether it was shutting down an opposition player, scoring or bringing her teammates into the game, Loren performed these roles happily and successfully."

Coach's Award – Eloise Oppy
"Eloise receives this Coach's Award for her consistency, determination and her willingness to never give up. Eloise is a great competitor who never had a bad game, scored when the team needed her to and worked hard at both ends of the court. She was often on the receiving end of the opposition's physicality but always took it in her stride, making plenty free throws and producing an excellent season."

Words by coach Mark Newman.

UNDER 20 GIRLS

20.1 Girls

Coach's Award – Sophie Jones
"Sophie is a well-deserving recipient of the Coach’s Award. She showed determination and a strong work ethic every time she stepped on the court. Sophie worked hard on her defence and put in the effort to keep improving her game. Her commitment and drive made a real difference to the team. Congratulations, Sophie!"

Coach's Award – Matilda Quartel
"Tilly is a fantastic recipient of the Coach’s Award. She always put in the effort, showed a real desire to improve, and wasn’t afraid to try new things. Tilly’s positive attitude and willingness to support her teammates made her a great team player. Her growth and contribution to the team were a joy to watch. Congratulations, Tilly!"

Words by coach Danni Fidge.

20.2 Girls

Coach's Award – Celeste Rosier
"Celeste brought consistent effort both on and off the court. She consistently showed up to training ready to work and always brought energy to the game. Celeste is an excellent defender, disrupting plays and getting up in passing lanes. A true team player she was a pleasure to coach.

Coach's Award – Leia Ong
"Leia was consistently a pleasure to coach this season. She would turn up and bring the energy at training and game day. Leia always worked hard offensively, attacking the key and getting on the ring. She was great at creating scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates."

Words by coach Ruby Clark.

• For the complete list of award winners from the Camberwell Dragons Boys Program, including coach's quotes, please click HERE.