These are good times for our 20.2 Girls, who’ll be the last Dragons team standing when the VJBL season draws to a close on Friday.

The girls, led by coach Craig Rumble and pictured here (without Lara Pravic) at the Eltham Dandenong Tournament, will go head to head with Melbourne 1 in the VJL 1 Grand Final at the State Basketball Centre (Friday, September 19, Court 12, 8pm).

These Dragons put together a 13-4-1 record to finish tied on points with top-of-the-table Melbourne at the end of the regular season, but have had to do it the hard way to reach the decider after falling to the Tigers in the second round of of the finals.

They took care of business with a 31-24 win against Whittlesea 1 last Friday to earn another shot at Melbourne, and are now in a position to make a run at the title in what, for many of them, will be their last outing for a junior Dragons team.

Also worth noting is two of them – Lucy Patel and Lisa Ong – are assistant coaches in our junior Dragons program, so if you can make it out to support them on Friday night the way they support our Under 12 and Under 14 girls teams, we know they’d love to see you there.

Friday night is the start of another big weekend of Dragons basketball, with our 14.1 Boys also preparing to run the hardwood again.

The exciting young Dragons, led by coach Conor Mathews, will open their history-making Foot Locker Under 14 Club Championship campaign at Casey Stadium on Sunday. First up for Camberwell is a 10.30am date with WA team Cockburn Cougars.

For more on the Club Championships, visit the official event website HERE.

• Camberwell Dragons are celebrating one of the biggest and most successful seasons in club history. Thank you to all who have contributed to making the 2023-24 VJBL season one to remember.

Camberwell Dragons 2023-24 VJBL season award winners and coaches’ comments for Under 12-20 Boys and Girls. Please click on the links below:

Under 12 Boys, click HERE.
Under 12 Girls, click HERE.
Under 14 Boys, click HERE.
Under 14 Girls, click HERE.
Under 16 Boys, click HERE.
Under 16 Girls, click HERE.
Under 18 Boys, click HERE.
Under 18 Girls, click HERE
Under 20 Boys click HERE.
Under 20 Girls, click HERE.

Camberwell Dragons Under 20 Boys 2023-24 VJBL season award winners and coaches’ comments.

20.1 Boys
Gold Logie: Angus Nelson
Silver Logie: Harry Thomas

20.2 Boys
Most Valuable Player: James Godfrey
“James has been our point god! He kept us organised on the court, dished out the dimes and scored at will. He is a tenacious competitor as well as a smart basketballer with a great sense for the game.” – Coach Mark Fernandez.

Defensive Player of the Year: Harry Clarke
“Harry Clarke is an uber athletic rebound and block machine. He has an instinct for tracking down boards and chasing blocks. Not only did Harry anchor our defence but his consistency and selfless play on the offence allowed us to play the style of basketball we do.” – Coach Mark Fernandez.

Camberwell Dragons Under 20 Girls 2023-24 VJBL season award winners and coaches’ comments.

20.1 Girls
Coach’s Award: Amelie Atkinson
“Amelie has had a super season. She has changed roles a bit and has shown to be a quick, skilled and smart point guard. Amelie is a very willing passer, who is always looking to get her teammates an easy score. She always gets a defensive match-up and does whatever she can to help her team win. Amelie is an absolute joy to coach and we can’t wait to see her continue to grow as a player! Congratulations, Am.” – Coach Danni Fidge.

Best Defensive Player: Mia Demarte
“Mia is always up to the challenge of taking one of the opposition’s best players every week. You can see the pride she takes in playing defence and getting those sneaky steals off the guards. Mia always works hard, never gives up and fights until the buzzer goes. We have loved seeing the improvement in Mia’s game and can’t wait to see her get even better. Congratulations, Mia.” – Coach Danni Fidge.

20.2 Girls
Will play in Grand Final on Friday, September 20. Award winners will be announced next week.

Dates, times and venues for our September-October School Holiday Camp Program are set. Here’s what we’re offering from Monday, September 23-October 4:

September 23 – Under 12 Boys Rep Development Camp (Half Day, AM), $45
September 23 – Under 12 Girls Rep Development Camp (Half Day, PM), $45
September 24 – Domestic Development Camp, $85
September 26 – Under 12 Rep Ready Camp, $85

September 30-October 1 – Under 14 Train and Play Camp (Two Day), $160
October 2 – Domestic Shooting Camp (Half Day, AM), $45
October 3 – Under 12 Girls Rep Shooting Camp (Half Day, AM), $45
October 3 – Under 12 Boys Rep Shooting (Half Day, PM), $45
October 4 – Courtney & Patterson Ford Aussie Hoops Camp (Half Day, AM), $45

• Rep Camps are for representative players only (except Rep Ready)
• Half-Day Camps are $45
• Full-Day Camps are $85
• Two-Day Camp is $160
• All Camps will be held at Kew High School, 1393 Burke Road, Kew East

For more details and/or to register, please click HERE. For more information, please contact [email protected]

Camberwell Dragons Under 18 Girls 2023-24 VJBL season award winners and coaches’ comments.

18.1 Girls
Most Valuable Player: Matilda Quartel
“Every week in VC is a tough battle and Tilly was up for the challenge. Scoring, rebounding and bringing her teammates into the game.” – Coach Adrian Lewis.

Joint Most Valuable Player: Lucy Rowe
“Lucy stepped up this season to show her true potential. Scoring when the team needed her and working hard at both ends of the court.” – Coach Adrian Lewis.

18.2 Girls
Most Valuable Player: Ivy Ryan
“Ivy has been the heart and soul of our U18.2s Girls team this season, rightfully earning the title of MVP. Her ability to dominate both ends of the court as our top scorer and strongest rebounder has been instrumental to our success. On offence, Ivy’s scoring prowess and versatility have consistently propelled us forward.  Defensively, Ivy’s presence under the boards as our strongest rebounder has been unmatched, securing possession and initiating fast breaks that kept our opponents on their toes.  Her tenacity and commitment to securing rebounds have not only bolstered our defensive efforts but also provided crucial second-chance opportunities for our team. Ivy truly embodies the spirit of an MVP, not only for her individual achievements but also for her profound influence on our team’s success and cohesion. Thanks for a great season, Ivy! – Coach Scott Bazley.

Coach’s Award: Leia Ong
“Leia stands out as a beacon of determination, unwavering effort and vocal leadership. Her relentless drive to excel is evident in every aspect of her game, both in training and during matches. Leia’s commitment to training as hard as she plays has not only sharpened her skills but has also set a standard of excellence for her teammates. On the court, Leia is a force to be reckoned with. Her tenacity and competitive spirit are palpable, pushing her to strive for victory in every game. Congratulations, Leia!” – Coach Scott Bazley.

18.3 Girls
Most Valuable Player: Katie Brown
“Katie, first and foremost is a team player, taking on every role this season with enthusiasm and focus, always giving 100 per cent effort. Due to challenges this season fielding a full team, Katie has had to play every position from point guard to centre, including in the same game, always creating opportunities for herself and her teammates.” – Coach David Elliston

Best Defensive Player: Juliette Martino
“Jules’ pressure on the ball has been constant and intense every game, she never gives up, creating turnovers and mistakes from the opposition.” – Coach David Elliston.

18.4 Girls
Most Valuable Player: Hannah Tran
“Hannah Tran was our most valuable and most consistent player throughout the season. Hannah never had a bad game and could always be counted on to compete to the very end, whether that be in defence, rebounding or scoring. She was often undersized and had to play many different positions and roles, but never gave up and contributed to the team at both ends of the floor in every game.” – Coach Mark Newman.

Most Versatile Player: Zoe Jackel
“Zoe Jackel was our most versatile player this season. Due to our team’s horrible run of injuries, Zoe was required to play all positions from one through five often being undersized and most of the time away from her primary position. Her efforts and contributions were greatly appreciated. She embraced each assignment cheerfully and did whatever was best for the team, performing well all season.” – Coach Mark Newman.

To view Camberwell Dragons Under 12 Boys Award Winners and coaches comments, click HERE.
To view Camberwell Dragons Under 12 Girls Award Winners and coaches comments, click HERE.
To view Camberwell Dragons Under 14 Boys Award Winners and coaches comments, click HERE.
To view Camberwell Dragons Under 14 Girls Award Winners and coaches comments, click HERE.
To view Camberwell Dragons Under 16 Boys Award Winners and coaches comments, click HERE.
To view Camberwell Dragons Under 18 Girls Award Winners and coaches comments, click HERE.
To view Camberwell Dragons Under 18 Boys Award Winners and coaches comments, click HERE.

Camberwell Dragons Under 18 Boys 2023-24 VJBL season award winners and coaches’ comments.

18.1 Boys
Most Diligent, Dedicated and Determined: Hamish Campbell-Burns
“Hamish receives this award for his outstanding commitment to the team, his ability to lead by example and his willingness to develop in his own time. He never misses a training and makes sure to give his absolute best effort at all times. His continual improvement can be attributed to how hard he works behind closed doors and by his willingness to apply feedback from coaches.” – Coach Fraser Kennedy.

Teammate of the Year: Charlie Sweet
“Charlie is the epitome of a great teammate. Someone who cheers and supports regardless of his individual performance, but also someone who will lead by his actions on the court. He will always put his body on the line to make a play for the team, he’ll play his role to the best of his ability no matter what is asked of him and truly unites our team with his loveable personality.” – Coach Fraser Kennedy.

18.2 Boys
Most Valuable Player: Jason He
Coach’s Award: Archer Barkley

18.3 Boys
Most Valuable Player: Langdon Tainsh
“Langdon had a great season this year, top scoring whilst also facilitating the offence and being a great defender. That, accompanied by his drive to get better and his attitude, makes Langdon a worthy recipient of this award.” – Coach Ben Wardlaw.

Coach’s Award: James Harris
“James had a good year on the court, but it was his hard work and dedication off the court that really stands out. James was always at training ready to learn and the improvement can be seen.” – Coach Ben Wardlaw.

18.4 Boys
Most Valuable Player: Luka Tse Farrell
“As the season has progressed there has been an evident jump in Luka’s scoring as well as defensive ability. With his ability to be consistent and take feedback well, Luka does a great job of cementing himself as one of the key performers on this team, while also being able to help his teammates get better as well. Great job, Luka.” – Coach Oscar Percy.

Most Improved: Lucas Walsh
“As the season has progressed, so has Lucas’ skills and confidence. His ability to now take open shots from the three-point line has only made his game that much better. By being a talented scorer as well as an equally skilled defender, Lucas is a noticeable talent for next year as a top ager. Keep putting in the hard work, Lucas and you’ll reap the benefits.” – Coach Oscar Percy.

18.5 Boys
Coach’s Award: Levi Henson
“His outstanding attitude and ability to give 100 per cent every week was consistent all season, and no matter the game he was having, he would still bring positive energy to everyone around him. Levi’s hard work and good hustle lifted up the energy and level of play for everyone. Congratulations, Levi!” – Coach Mitchell Collard.

Defensive Player of the Year: Kieran Durkin
“His smart play and relentless work ethic have been instrumental in our team’s success. Kieran’s dedication to defence, his ability to read the game, and his hard work in every practice and game have truly set him apart. Most reliable defender that could fix any mistakes made on the defensive end. Congratulations, Kieran.” – Coach Mitchell Collard.

18.6 Boys
Most Valuable Player: Brooklyn Ridley
“Brooklyn consistently set the tone for effort and intensity over the course of the season. He proved a very versatile player, changing his role as often required by the team and excelling in positions one through three. Brooklyn shot the ball at a very high efficiency all season, hitting game winners in top-of-the-table clashes and in must-win games, including our Grand Final win in Adelaide. Not only leading in scoring, Brooklyn led in assists and always made his teammates play more cohesively. When the game was on the line, he was the first to step up and could be relied upon to lead and execute under pressure. Well deserving of the MVP.” – Coach Shane Ridley.

Defensive Player of the Year: Toby Molyneux
“Toby consistently set the standard for defence throughout the season, which was the defining characteristic of our team identity. His on-ball pressure was exceptional and led to many steals and scores in transition. Toby is a great teammate and always made the unselfish play and got his teammates involved. He had a great attitude and always remained calm under pressure.  A pleasure to coach and well deserving of DPoY.” – Coach Shane Ridley.

Camberwell Dragons Under 16 Girls 2023-24 VJBL season award winners and coaches’ comments.

16.1 Girls
Most Valuable Player: Sophie Richardson
“Soph has had an outstanding year, both at club level and representing Victoria. She is a versatile player, willing to play whatever role the team requires. Soph does a great job bringing others into the game, creating both for herself and her teammates. Well done, Soph!” – Coach Cara Jeffers.

Coach’s Award: Alexia Angelopoulos
“Lexi has had a great year and has really dedicated herself to being a tea- first player. She is always reliable in D, playing against opponents much taller than herself and will have her teammates’ back. Lexi is great to coach as she trains hard and is always trying to apply feedback to better her game and seek clarification. Well done Lexi on a great season.” – Coach Cara Jeffers.

16.2 Girls
Sharp Shooter Award: Allegra Maiolo
“Leads the 3-point count in the comp and our go-to in clutch situations.” – Coach Todd Rowson.

Coach’s Award: Emily Lai
“Works hard and respectful.” – Coach Todd Rowson.

16.3 Girls
Most Valuable Player: Jess Maycock
Jess is our most valuable player by not just being the highest scorer but also turning up to every game and every training session. She is always encouraging her teammates and very easy to coach. Jess well deserves this season’s MVP award.” – Coach Michael Fowler.

Coach’s Award: Olivia Jackson
“Olivia has been our most consistent player this season. She had played at her best each week. She not only attends each training session, she puts in extra work after training. Congratulations Olivia on an outstanding season.” – Coach Michael Fowler.

16.4 Girls
Most Valuable Player: Drishti Dhurve
“A well-deserved award for the current points leader in the pool who also scored many points from steals. Drishti’s actions in defence and offence would lift the team. A great supporter of her teammates from the bench too!” – Coach Rob Mckinnon.

Best Defender: Vivianne Kan
“Viv was a relentless defender who never gave up. Viv was also able to inspire tea mates by demonstrating all-out effort. Great defensive footwork. Viv is someone who steps up a notch when the pressure is on!” – Coach Rob Mckinnon.

16.5 Girls
Most Valuable Player: Ellie Nicholls
Best Defensive Player: Georgia Wilson

16.6 Girls
Most Valuable Player: Eve Linnane
“Eve has driven this team to be in the same group as our 4s and 5s. Few players get chased all over the court in the way Eve does. On numerous occasions she dominated the scoreboard and is the critical guard that pushes us through the opposition press.” – Coach Brett Donnar.

Coach’s Award: Sienna Lyons
“We are often the small team and our bigs get a lot of attention. Sienna provides fire and firepower, she takes a beating and responds with drives and range shots, including a five x 3-point tournament game.” – Coach Brett Donnar.

Camberwell Dragons Under 16 Boys 2023-24 VJBL season award winners and coaches’ comments.

16.1 Boys
Most Valuable Player: Max Pavey
“Max led the way for a group that became the first Under 16 team from Camberwell to compete at the National Junior Classic and qualify for Victorian Championship (VC) finals. He’s put in some serious work over the past two years and thoroughly deserves the opportunities that are now coming his way. I’ve enjoyed watching Max’s growth on and off the court and look forward to seeing where the game takes him in the future.” – Coach Andrew Johnstone.

Most Improved: Saad Al-Qatatsheh
“Saad impressed all with his dedication to being the best he could be and emerged as a real X-Factor for our group at both ends of the floor against the best teams and players in the state. Humble and hard-working, Saad only started his rep journey with the Dragons as a bottom-age player in the Under 16s in 2022 so has had to learn a lot in a short period of time. His rapid growth, on and off the court, has been fun to watch and to be a part of.” – Coach Andrew Johnstone.

16.2 Boys
Best Team Player: Tommy Jones
“Tommy was the heart and hustle of our team week in and week out, always putting in 100 per cent and never took a week off! He displayed his importance with his crafty ability to handle, shoot the ball and bring immense energy every night!” – Coach Jarrod Whelan.

Best Offensive Player: Lachlan Harper-Kerrigan
“Lachie brings a unique and very valuable talent to the team. He mixes great size with an impressive ability to shoot the ball, he showed terrific development and became a great weapon playing that stretch 5 for us. He shows great commitment and is a very talented offensive player in the making.” – Coach Jarrod Whelan.

16.3 Boys
Most Valuable Player: Andom Rendell
“The boys all voted for their MVP for the season and they selected Andom. He shot the ball impressively well all season and displayed great leadership while bringing a positive attitude to trainings and games.” – Coach Liam O’Hoy.

Defensive Player of the Year: Christian Saman
“Throughout the season, Christian showed consistent leadership defensively, being the loudest – even when off the court. He was always stepping up to defend anyone on the other team and was the heart of a great defence.” – Coach Liam O’Hoy.

16.4 Boys
Impact Award: Peyton Beattie
“Every time Payton steps on the floor he has a big impact on the game. Most notably on the defensive end where his high pressure on-ball defence constantly leads to him getting steals or the other team turning the ball over.” – Coach Jack Noisette.

Most Improved: Ethan Willey
“Ethan is one of the hardest-working guys in the age group. The countless hours he spends getting extra shots up and working on his game have helped him take a big step as a player this season. Not only has he continued to develop his inside game, but his continued work on his ball handling and outside shot has allowed him to space the floor and become more versatile in our offence.” – Coach Jack Noisette.

16.5 Boys
Most Valuable Player: Aiden Murphy
“Extremely high work ethic paired with great shooting and ball skills. Aiden has always been a team-first player and at all trainings was one of the first boys there and last to leave. Congratulations Aiden, you certainly deserve this award!” – Coach Andy Bladeni.

Most Improved: Jack Trainor
“Another player who has a really high work ethic. Jack started the season frustrated with himself quite often, but he stayed working on his skills and mindset. I’m so glad to see his hard work paying off, impacting both offence and defence in all games. Congratulations, Jack!” – Coach Andy Bladeni.

16.6 Boys
Most Valuable Player: Max Ledger
“Max is an unbelievable athlete who has had an amazing year at both ends of the court. Max dominated offensively and led the pool in points scored (and fouls). Max was a great leader within the team but more importantly, is a great human whom displayed respect for all on and off the court no matter the situation.” – Coach Mark Trevascus.

Most Committed: Charlie Steventon
“Charlie displayed great commitment throughout the year. Not only in attendance, but the intensity in which he trained, along with the additional training he did outside of scheduled training sessions to work on and improve his game.” – Coach Mark Trevascus.

16.7 Boys
Top Scorer: Xavier Di Pasqua
“Xavier was a consistent contributor on the scoreboard throughout the season and stood up in games when it really mattered. He is a versatile player who is strong around the ring but can also run well in transition for a big player. Xavier had a good understanding of our offence and how best to score from it. Congratulations on a great season!” – Coach Josh Maddock.

Most Coachable: True Drezner
“This was True’s first rep season and he came in relatively raw, but what was clear right from the start was True wanted to work hard and get better. Not only did he listen and take on board what coaches were saying to him, he regularly sought additional feedback after training or games so he could continue to improve. As a result, his development throughout the season was huge and a big reason why our team had a strong second half of the season. With a great attitude and athletic ability to match, we look forward to watching True’s continued development in the 18s program.” – Coach Josh Maddock.

16.8 Boys
Most Valuable Player: Jin Drohan
Consistent contributor in training, tournaments, and regular season games. Able to implement instructions. Always competed as hard as he could. Key contributor as scorer, rebounder and defender.” – Coach Ben Willey.

Best Rebounder: Noah Mrkela
“A dominant player who always influenced games with his aggressive attack on the ball, often outrebounding bigger players at both end of the court.” – Coach Ben Willey.

Camberwell Dragons Under 14 Girls 2023-24 VJBL season award winners and coaches’ comments.

14.1 Girls
Most Valuable Player: Maeve Gray
“Throughout the season Maeve has been our leader on and off the court. Her commitment to her own game and to the team has been a contributing factor to much of the success we enjoyed this year as a team. Her basketball IQ and her ability to read the game makes her an asset on both ends of the court.” – Coach Matt Power

Coach’s Award: Cassie Noseda
“An elite competitor, Cassie has provided consistent spark on offence for us this season. Always looking to beat her opponents in offence, she also takes pride in her ability to contain her defensive assignment. Her dedication to the game and work outside of training shines through in her consistency from the three-point line and the depth of her offensive skillset.” – Coach Matt Power.

14.2 Girls
The Peoples MVP: Lexi Thorp
“Lexi has been an absolute legend on the court, playing all positions on the floor, getting to the ring, setting the hard-nosed tone of the team, and overall being the definition of reliable. Your hustle and way you play is something to be admired greatly.  You were challenged to be a leader for your teammates this season and have done so through your diligent hard work. Other teams see you as a nightmare to match up against because of your athleticism and constant pressure on the court, with an influential and ‘never give up’ attitude. You have been the biggest pleasure to coach this season, and we know you will continue to do us proud every time you set foot on the court. Congratulations!” – Coach Brady Taylor.

Most Determined: Emily Rowe
“Every time you see Emily, there is a palpable want and drive to improve that is difficult not to notice. This season you have strived to work hard, put in the extra hours, and adapt to every bit of feedback you have been given. Your day-in and day-out efforts on both ends of the floor, as well as putting in that extra one per cent has been recognised by both your coaches and teammates. Over the season you’ve set the tone for the team to work hard on the court and just so you know it is because we know you are capable of so much and it is infectious. You are a coach’s dream and a smart player who is always making the right decisions, whether to pass, drive or shoot that perfect shot of yours tucked in your sweet spot, the short corner! Well done Em!” – Coach Brady Taylor.

14.3 Girls
Coach’s Award: Emily Hoath
“Emily grew and flourished into a key leadership role for our team. She ran point in setting up our plays, led team scoring (with strong outside shooting and drives), led free throws (both attempts and percentage), and a very feisty defender! Emily also has great positive energy with the group and a joy to coach. Sensational season Em, well done!” – Coach Brent Lomer.

Coach’s Award: Philippa Bergelin
“A sensational all-round season and contributions for Pippy. She played multiple roles and positions both offensively and defensively. Fantastic outputs including blocks (flex), rebounds, steals, strong drives finishing at the rim, and a developing outside shot – look out! A real “stat sheet stuffer” and joy to coach. Outstanding season, great work Pippy!” – Coach Brent Lomer.

14.4 Girls
Most Determined Player: Tilly Howell
“Tilly is probably the slightest player on the team but consistently puts her body on the line. She is first to the ball and never shirks a contest. Every game she has a fantastic work rate offensively and defensively and is hard to take off the court.” – Coach Duncan Palmer.

Most Improved Player: Nellie Morris
“Nellie has worked very hard on improving her all-round game. She has brought the drive into her game with good success and regularly forces the opposition into turnovers through defensive pressure.” – Coach Duncan Palmer.

14.5 Girls
Most Valuable Player: Charlotte Carrazzo
“Charlotte is a calm and instinctive player with a natural scoring ability to drive and finish at the basket as well as bringing the ball out of the backcourt under pressure. She is also a determined and skilled defender who was hard to beat off the dribble and would cause intercept turnovers off loose opposition passes. Super coachable, she is a team-first player and was a significant contributor to the team’s achievements this season.” – Coach Michael Gillett.

Defensive Player of the Year: Bonnie O’Keefe
“Bonnie has a strong defensive technique guarding her direct opponent and in deny/split-line help situations. Equally capable in transition defence and slowing the ball-carrier’s progress down the court and shepherding that player towards the sideline. She has demonstrated defensive adaptiveness to the needs of the team and her coach’s directions, switching between a high-pressure “disrupt and deny” defence style and a “fall-back and protect the key” defensive style. Her defensive endeavours put significant pressure on opposition teams every week, contributing to our team’s achievements and development through the season.” – Coach Michael Gillett.

14.6 Girls
Best Scorer: Sienna Zammit
“Big congrats on winning the Best Scorer award this season, Sienna! Your hard work and dedication, even through the good and bad times, have truly paid off. It’s been inspiring to watch you play with such a positive outlook, no matter what. Your determination and spirit are amazing, and it’s clear how much you love the game. Keep shining and doing what you do best – can’t wait to see what you achieve next!” – Coach Dmitry Gavrilkoff

Ultimate Team Player: Madeline Duong “A big shout-out to Madeline Duong for winning the Ultimate Team Player award! Madeline has been absolutely essential to our team’s success, always making the right decisions and ensuring everyone is involved. Her selflessness and team-first attitude have truly set her apart. Whether it’s setting up the perfect pass or boosting team morale, Madeline always puts the team’s interests above her own. Her positive energy and dedication have made a massive impact on all of us. We’re so lucky to have her on our team!” – Coach Dmitry Gavrilkoff

To view our Under 14 Boys Award Winners, click HERE