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

14.1 Boys
Most Valuable Player: Jake Zeunert
“Jake is as competitive as a 13 year-old can be, he is highly motivated to do his best and to win as often as possible. He is a talented three level scorer and I look forward to seeing his game continue to grow and develop.” – Coach Conor Mathews

Most Improved: Owen Trainor
“Owen is a workhorse. He will do anything he is asked with unwavering grit, loves playing physically, and has made tremendous improvements in every aspect of his game this season.” – Coach Conor Mathews

14.2 Boys
Players Award: Liam Rodda
“Liam is our well-deserved winner of the Players award. Each player voted 3 ,2, 1 for the players they felt lived by the following: unselfish team player, hard working at every training and game, showed great improvement and encouraging/supportive to others. Liam shines in all these qualities. He’s one of the most intelligent, hard-working and unselfish players I’ve had the pleasure to coach. He’s unbelievably willing to share the ball and find teammates for better shots. Liam’s willingness to do what the team needs and to be coachable on every detail makes him a well-deserving winner. Congratulations, Liam.” – Coach David Rooke.

Coach’s Award: Sebastian Cheung
“This was Seb’s first year at the club and he fitted in right away. He’s been one of our hardest-working players and best team players week in week out. Every game he put his body on the line on both ends of the floor and regularly came off looking exhausted. Along with his effort, Seb has been very coachable, too. It’s a steep learning curve starting rep basketball at a higher level. Seb asked a ton of questions every session and took on a lot of new concepts, leading to some of the best improvement in the entire age group. It’s been an absolute pleasure coaching you, Seb. Congratulations!” – Coach David Rooke.

14.3 Boys
Most Valuable Player: Ruben Crawford
“Ruben showed that consistent hard work can achieve incredible results. He constantly sought to improve his skills both at training as well as in his own time. Not only did this translate to amazing gameplay, but he was also an unselfish player, always trying to bring his teammates into the play. On both ends of the floor, Ruben was a force to be reckoned with.” – Coach Tom Denovan.

Defensive Player of the Year: Hunter Furlan
“Hunter embodied the idea that intensity and hustle can lead to strong defensive performances. Whether it was in the full-court, defending his opponent, or fighting for rebounds, Hunter would always do his best to generate a stop. He was not only able to defend some very big opponents, but also switch on to guards when necessary. His ability to read the play and be in the correct defensive position was extremely important to the function of the team.” – Coach Tom Denovan.

14.4 Boys
Most Valuable Player: Bruce Zhang
“Bruce improved every game and was a very dominant player for us. He was a nightmare for the opposition to guard whilst also being great on the defensive end. Bruce also listened to everything we said and took it on board, which made him improve even more. Awesome work, Bruce!” – Coach Chris Allison.

Best Defensive Player: William Zhao
“Will was our best defender every single game, at training he worked hard and he shut down the opposition’s best player week in week out. Congrats, Will!” – Coach Chris Allison.

14.5 Boys
Most Valuable Player: William Hondrakis
“For outstanding contributions to the team. William has been a pivotal player for this team, shouldering the majority of the offensive load with multiple outstanding scoring performances. His determination and drive have been phenomenal as he is always seeking/listening to advice and looking for ways to get better. William also works hard to make his teammates better, constantly positioning himself in the right locations for his teammates to find him in the post for him to attack.” – Coach Brendan Jao.

Coach’s Award: Marcus Kwee
“For outstanding improvements and amazing contributions to the team. Marcus is an amazing two-way player who can score buckets at will and hustle back on defence. His most outstanding feat has been locking down the opposing teams’ best players from week to week and taking on any assignment given to him. Marcus has embodied the ‘We before Me’ mentality exceptionally by constantly making the right reads to get his teammates open, making them better in the process.” – Coach Brendan Jao.

14.6 Boys
Most Improved Player: Christopher “Kip” Mott
“In Kip’s first rep season he always listened to his coaches and has shown dedication both at training and on game day to continue to develop his skills.  Well done on a great season.” – Coach Brad Miller.

Defensive Player of the Year: Elliot Willis
“As one of our quicker talls, Elliot worked hard all season making sure he got back to defend the bucket and stopped many a transition goal from our opponents.” – Coach Brad Miller.

14.7 Boys
Coach’s Award: James Bisogni
“James has been a force at both ends of the court in season 2024 and set the practice standard all season for our team. He has applied strong pressure on the ball defensively, whilst on offence he has distributed the ball to teammates whilst also scoring efficiently in a variety of ways.” – Coach Warren Staples.

Coach’s Award: Benjamin Kamali Moaveni
“Ben has been an excellent player, teammate and leader throughout season 2024.  He has led by example with how hard he practises, been a dynamic offensive player, whilst being a strong rebounder and contributor to our team defence.” – Coach Warren Staples.

14.8 Boys
Coach’s Award: Quinn Buttrey
“Quinn is a player who has a fantastic attitude to training and on game day. Quinn was also great at listening and putting what was said to him into action on the court.” – Coach Rob Papworth.

Most Improved: Ethan Robinson
“Ethan has come a long way since the start of the season. And it’s been great to see Ethan come along in leaps and bounds each game gaining confidence in his game.” – Coach Rob Papworth.

To view our Under 12 Girls Award Winners and coaches’ comments, click HERE.
To view our Under 12 Boys Award Winners and coaches’ comments, click HERE.

Camberwell Dragons 2023-24 VJBL season award winners and coaches’ comments – Under 12 Girls.

12.1 Girls
Most Valuable Player: Gracie Otter
Gracie is an extremely talented and hard-working player. She gets to the basket with ease and never gives up on both ends of the court. Her determination and fearless nature lifts the team’s intensity, pushing everyone around to be their best. Gracie brings unwavering positive energy to the team and is an absolute pleasure to coach! Well done, Gracie.” – Coach Prue Ainsworth.

Best Team Player:  Olivia Maiolo
“Olivia is an extremely hard-working player. She has fantastic leadership qualities and steps up when the team needs it most. Her ability to read the play and find the open player is far beyond her years. Olivia is very calm under pressure and can get out of any tricky situation with ease. Olivia is a pleasure to coach and an amazing teammate.  Congratulations, Olivia.” – Coach Prue Ainsworth.

12.2 Girls
Most Valuable Player: Rose Burgess
“Rose has worked incredibly hard all season on her craft and ability as a big for our team. All season she has been a difficult match-up for most teams, which has been an asset, especially in our team success of becoming the first 2s team in Camberwell history to make VC! Her hard work and determination were recognised this season when she was asked to play with our Under 12.1s in the Classic, where she provided valuable minutes throughout the tournament. We are so proud of Rose and cannot wait to continue to watch her development as a player and person in the years ahead. Congratulations, Rose!” – Coach Ryleh Killian

Most Determined Player: Grace Bell
“Since day one, Grace has worked tirelessly on her skills and game. She always listens intently to feedback and works hard on these key points away from training. Grace’s effort and attitude toward basketball has always been 100 per cent, which extends beyond herself as she always supports her teammates, cheering on their successes and being there for them when times are hard. Grace was recognised within the season for her hard work when she earned a starting position and quickly became comfortable in her role. Regardless of the challenges we throw at her, Grace is always willing to give her best effort, which is why we look forward to seeing the rest of her basketball journey. Congratulations, Grace!” – Coach Ryleh Killian

12.3 Girls
Most Valuable Player: Sienna van Langenberg
“While Sienna started the season quiet and reserved, once she settled, her speed and quick decision making took over at both ends of the court.” – Coach Adrian Lewis.

Runner-Up Most Valuable Player: Lucy Loats
“Despite it being her first season, Lucy didn’t look out of place. Dominating the boards at both ends and always bringing her teammates into the game.” – Coach Adrian Lewis.

12.4 Girls
Most Valuable Player: Gwyneth Yeardley
“Gwyneth exemplifies what it means to be an MVP on our team. Gwyneth’s ability to score crucial points, make decisive passes, and play tenacious defence made her stand out in every game. Her commitment to improving and her positive attitude made her a role model for her teammates. Gwyneth truly embodies the spirit of an MVP, not just for her individual performance, but for her contribution to our team’s success. Great season, Gwyneth. Well done!” – Coach Scott Bazley.

Most Improved Player: Ivy Grenfell
“Ivy has shown remarkable growth and dedication in her first season of rep basketball, earning her the title of Most Improved Player. From day one, Ivy has approached every practice and game with a relentless drive to learn and improve. Throughout the season, Ivy’s skills on the court have flourished. Her shooting accuracy has become a real asset to our offence, and her defensive efforts have become more polished and effective. What truly sets Ivy apart, however, is her willingness to learn and adapt.  Well done, Ivy.” – Coach Scott Bazley.

12.5 Girls
Coach’s Award: Caris Cheng
“Caris is a rounded player with shooting, finishing, defensive and dribbling skills with a great appreciation to block and run into space. She had great impact in many of our games.” – Coach Brett Donnar.

Coach’s Award: Imogen McLay
“Imogen has grown in her impact in games through the season. She can be the spark that gets us charging toward a win, either off rebounds, range shots or fast breaks.” – Coach Brett Donnar.

12.6 Girls
Most Valuable Player: Millie Maddock
“Our MVP award goes to Millie because since the start of the season she has always been an active listener and eager to improve, which resulted in her having a fabulous season where she always tried her best at each end of the court – no matter how big or rough the other team was. Overall a gem to have within our team.” – Coach Molly Kneebone.

Coach’s Award: Mila Tankovich
“Mila is our coach’s award for this season. Mila has always been the ultimate team player, from always attending training, trying her absolute best in every drill or game we did whilst seeking as much feedback possible to improve. Mila is a gem to have in our team through her funny sense of humour, which the team thoroughly enjoyed.” – Coach Molly Kneebone.

For Dragons Under 12 Boys award winners and coaches’ comments, click HERE.

Camberwell Dragons 2023-24 VJBL season award winners and coaches’ comments – Under 12 Boys.

12.1 Boys
Most Improved Offensive Player: Jesse Jamieson
“Jesse has done a great job in improving his ability to score and dribble the ball under pressure. He has grown into an offensive threat when he drives with intent and can score consistently under the basket.” – Coach Jaden Lai.

Most Improved Defensive Player: Harry Carter
“Harry has improved his on-ball defence tremendously. He has developed into one of our best defenders and has a leadership voice on defence which impacts our whole team positivity.” – Coach Jaden Lai.

12.2 Boys
Most Competitive Player: Eli Gleeson
“Eli earned this award for his exceptional competitive spirit displayed in every game this year, whether diving for a loose ball or battling for a rebound. Eli consistently gives his all and never fails to give 100 per cent effort.” – Coach Stephen McGuinness.

Most Improved Player: Adam Zhang
“Adam won this award for his effort throughout the season. A new player to rep this year, Adam has shown consistent improved in a vast array of areas. From becoming a dominant rebounder to a reliable scorer.” – Coach Stephen McGuinness.

12.3 Boys
Most Valuable Player: Angus Pawsey
“Gus has consistently led by example throughout the season. His offensive versatility sees him score or set his teammates up when required and he’s hard on defence, staying in front of his man. He’s also an outstanding teammate, encouraging the boys in good and tough moments.” – Coach Nem Devic

Coach’s Award: Caiden On
“Caiden has shown immense growth over the course of the season. As an undersized bottom ager, his relentless work ethic has seen him push through the challenges of playing against bigger players, growing in confidence each week. He’s always cheering on his teammates, asks questions and is consistently focused during games and training.” – Coach Nem Devic.

12.4 Boys
Most Valuable Player: Josh Ko
Coach’s Award: Hugo Schroder

12.5 Boys
Most Valuable Player: Sunny Wei
“Sunny is a great two-way player who made a big contribution to our team’s success throughout the season. He competed hard week-in, week-out at both games and training. He was one of our leading scorers throughout the season but also had the ability to find teammates and make smart decisions with and without the ball. His full-court defensive pressure was elite and one of the key reasons teams struggled to get through our press. In close games, Sunny was really important in clutch moments that helped get us over the line. Congratulations on a fantastic season!” – Coach Josh Maddock.

Best Team Player: Samuel Donovan
“Sam’s ability to learn and step into new roles was pivotal to helping both himself and the team improve throughout the season. His ability to read the play (particularly as an interceptor in the our press), hunt rebounds and defend opposition bigs (usually much taller than him) made him a really valuable contributor to our team. Sam has a willingness to work on skills, take in feedback and put what he has learnt into game situation. Well done on a great year!” – Coach Josh Maddock.

12.6 Boys
Most Improved Player: Alex Ye
“Alex has improved tremendously this year in all aspects of his game. He improved in his scoring, rebounding and paint defence. His confidence has come a long away and he has the potential to grow into an even better player next season.” – Coach Corey Modrau

Best Team Player: Parker Arrow
“Parker improved enormously this season. But most importantly he demonstrated a huge amount of unselfishness. With his bullet passes, Parker always looked to get his teammates involved first, sharing and thriving off their success.” – Coach Corey Modrau

12.7 Boys
Best Defender: Brock Dierkx
“Always giving 100 per cent in everything he does.” – Coach Harry Gray.

Best Team Player: Jayden Lin
“Always at training. Always consistent. Always giving 100 per cent with a smile.”

12.8 Boys
Most Consistent: Junwen (Jeremy) Ke
“Jeremy has had an amazing season. His improvement in skills and basketball knowledge has led him to being our most consistent player. His effort and determination to run hard and put that extra pressure on the ball at all times has helped us to win games. His athleticism and agility are huge strengths that will take him far!” – Coach Belinda Oakley.

Most Determined: Samuel Brett
“Sam has been our go-to player this season when we needed that extra energy on the court. He makes every effort to chase down every ball, both defensively and offensively, and plays any role on the court that is asked of him without complaint. He is an excellent team player and his determined attitude will take him far!” – Coach Belinda Oakley.

Camberwell Dragons announced today that Shawn King will lead the club’s Big V Championship Men’s team in 2025.

“We’re delighted to welcome Shawn King to the Dragons as the head coach of our Championship Men’s team,” Camberwell Basketball chief executive officer Ross Wignell said.

“Shawn is a great basketball person and an experienced and well-respected leader who knows and understands the Big V competition. He will be an excellent addition to the senior Dragons program and the wider Camberwell Basketball community.”

King brings a wealth of experience to Camberwell, having coached previously at Dandenong, Chelsea, Hawthorn and Melbourne University – his Big V home for the past three seasons – and is enthusiastic about taking the next step on his journey with the Dragons.

“The timing was right. I’d stepped down from Melbourne Uni and obviously there are good things happening at Camberwell,” he said. “I’m excited about the opportunity. They’ve got some good guys there and hopefully we can have a good year.”

King said he looked forward to working with some familiar faces at Camberwell, and to being part of a Dragons program that is closing in on the completion of one of the biggest and most successful seasons in club history.

“The thing that really jumped out at me was I saw that you guys had 10 VC (Victorian Championship junior) teams this year,” he said. “Very good. Very impressive … I know how hard that it to do, and it’s happened quite quickly. Within a couple of years.”

King, who replaces Mark Jeffers as head coach, will get to work immediately on putting together his first Dragons team.

“The first thing I want to do is meet everyone, find out their plans, understand everybody’s individual goals, and then hopefully their goals align with my goals,” he said. “And then do an analysis of where I think we need to improve, or what things we need, and then try to work towards that. Once you get the team on the court, it’s about goal setting.”

As King prepares to take charge of a Dragons team for the first time, three familiar faces will return to the senior program for the 2025 Big V campaign.

Fraser Kennedy is back as head coach of our Youth League Men, Cara Jeffers will lead our Championship Women and Danni Fidge will call the shots for our Youth League Women again.

Photo: Craig Dingle, Melbourne Sports Photography.

Congratulations from all at Camberwell Dragons to our 14.5 Girls and coaches, who went all the way to Friday night’s VJL6 (P1) Grand Final.

While a strong Chelsea 1 line-up had too much for the Dragons at Sandringham, this was a season to remember for our girls, who put together a 13-4-1 record in the regular season and then beat Frankston 6 twice in the finals to advance to the decider.

Our 14.5 Girls were one of 11 Dragons teams competing in preliminary or grand finals on Friday night. Five of our teams went on to claim titles, while our 20.2 Girls beat Whittlesea 1 in their preliminary final to qualify for next weekend’s grand final. Here’s all the results from Friday night’s games:

Grand Finals
12.6 Boys – Bulleen (6) 44 d. Dragons 41
12.8 Boys – Dragons 30 d. Pakenham (4) 26
18.4 Boys – Dragons 47 d. Westgate (1) 39
14.5 Girls – Chelsea (1) 37 d. Dragons 16
14.6 Girls – Dragons 30 d. Eltham (7) 20
16.2 Girls – Dragons 39 d. Wangaratta (1) 38
16.5 Girls – Dragons 31 d. Pakenham (3) 27

Preliminary Finals
12.1 Girls – Dandenong (1) 43 d. Dragons 33
14.1 Boys – Knox (1) 72 d. Dragons 62
20.1 Girls – McKinnon (1) 53 d. Dragons 47
20.2 Girls – Dragons 31 d. Whittlesea (1) 24

Our 16.2 Girls and coaches enjoy the moment at Montmorency on Friday night after holding off Wangaratta 1 in overtime to win the VJL3 title.

Anastasia Mantzsis had an equal game-high 11 points to pace the Dragons, who needed extra time to put the finishing touches on their dream season after Wangaratta rallied with a big fourth quarter to tie things up at the end of regulation.

Sydney Ridley added eight points and Allegra Maiolo seven for Camberwell, which won it 39-38 in front of a big turnout of friends, families and players from the Dragons Under 16 Girls program.

The newly crowned champions were one of 11 Dragons teams competing in preliminary or grand finals on Friday. Here’s the results from all games.

Grand Finals
12.6 Boys – Bulleen (6) 44 d. Dragons 41
12.8 Boys – Dragons 30 d. Pakenham (4) 26
18.4 Boys – Dragons 47 d. Westgate (1) 39
14.5 Girls – Chelsea (1) 37 d. Dragons 16
14.6 Girls – Dragons 30 d. Eltham (7) 20
16.2 Girls – Dragons 39 d. Wangaratta (1) 38
16.5 Girls – Dragons 31 d. Pakenham (3) 27

Preliminary Finals
12.1 Girls – Dandenong (1) 43 d. Dragons 33
14.1 Boys – Knox (1) 72 d. Dragons 62
20.1 Girls – McKinnon (1) 53 d. Dragons 47
20.2 Girls – Dragons 31 d. Whittlesea (1) 24

We’ll have more photos, results and details to share here and on our social media platforms over the weekend.

Community Basketball League Grand Final Weekend is here!

And to celebrate the biggest and most exciting few days of the winter season, we’re rolling out some of the most magical and memorable images of recent CBL grand final days, as captured by Craig Dingle of Melbourne Sports Photography.

Have a great grand final weekend, CBL, and if you’ve got something from your team to share with the wider hoops community on the league’s social media platforms in the lead-up to and/or over the weekend, please send it to [email protected]

Our own Angus Nelson flies to the United States this week to begin an exciting new chapter of his basketball life at Skagit Valley College, in Mount Vernon, Washington. Before hitting the road, Angus reflected on his journey with Camberwell – the club he loves – for Dragons Media.

By Angus Nelson
It’s always easy to reach a certain milestone in your life and forgot where you started, the origins of your story, the hurdles along the way that only now look small once you leap past them. In fact, I always struggled to see past all the hurdles in front of me.

I started playing rep basketball in Under 12 for Hawthorn Magic, then for Blackburn, until in top age 16s I moved across to play for Camberwell. A big and impactful step forward in my basketball development. The pivotal decision to move to Camberwell has played a key role in achieving the pathway I have landed on today.

The first time I stepped into Camberwell, I was 15 years old, at the pre-tryout. The tryout was led by Andrew Power, my current Under 20 rep coach at Camberwell. I didn’t really understand the impact Andrew would have on my basketball journey. I now realise he really was a key reason for why I moved to Camberwell.

As a young player, throughout Under 12 to Under 16s, I always struggled to fully invest myself into any sport. For a long time, I juggled between footy and basketball, winning Friday night rep games and then getting up the next morning at 6am to play country footy for Lorne.

I was never an aggressive player, and so I remember my parents created what they called the “sticker chart”. The “sticker chart” was a board on the fridge with approximately 20 stars on it. Once every star was covered by a sticker, I would yield a fantastic reward of my choice. I usually picked a brand-new Lego. To earn a sticker, my parents required me to demonstrate what they called “fire in the belly”, being motivated and assertive on the court, loud, fast.

This was a big turning point throughout my journey as I found myself wanting to play better, wanting to play harder, doing everything to make sure I got that sticker. It led to what I like to think of my game today – as being super determined, strong and hard working. Anything for the win. The mindset Andrew Power and my Camberwell coaches really embraced and believed in, and a reason why I love this club so much.

If it wasn’t for these challenges I faced and conquered when I was younger – the lack of aggressiveness, moving clubs multiple times and finally finding Camberwell as my home – I simply wouldn’t be the player I am today.

In April this year I committed to play for Skagit Valley College, located in Mount Vernon in Washington. It has long been my dream to play college basketball, one that started back in 2016 when my family travelled to the US. It was quite the trip. We went to one NBA game and happened to watch Steph Curry shoot an NBA record number of threes. I am super proud of the progress I’ve made since starting at Camberwell in Under 16s, and the pathway the club has set me on through the junior program to becoming a vice-captain for the youth league team and being Youth League MVP this season.

Since finishing high school last year I’ve worked a lot, been able to coach even more, and I’ve even started my own clothing brand – BACK2BACK CLOTHING (@__back2back__ on Instagram) – cheeky plug (Ed note: Cheeky plug noted, and forgiven!).

I’ve been able to coach many young Dragons players, many aspiring future Dragons players keen to try out for the upcoming 2025 season, and many young players who, like me, just can’t get enough of the game. Many of you have probably seen me on the Youth League court on a Saturday night, or even earlier on a Saturday refereeing games. I’m going to miss it all.

To all young aspiring Dragons players, never give up on your dream, and always know you may not have even discovered what your dream is yet. I had no clue of the American college pathway until I was about 16 years old, and only at 17 did I really start to take it seriously. Keep leaping those hurdles one by one, and I promise you you’ll reach your own milestones, on or off the court.

Basketball can take you places, and where I’m going, it’s just the beginning …

• Angus Nelson played for Camberwell Dragons 20.1 Boys and our Youth League Men’s team this season.

Photo: Craig Dingle, Melbourne Sports Photography

The dates, times and venues are set for Camberwell Dragons Tryouts.

To find out everything you need to know about tryouts for the 2024-25 VJBL season, including registration details, Permission to Train (PTT) forms, Tryout Absence forms and the selection process, please visit the official Tryouts Landing Page HERE. 

The Landing Page will be updated regularly in the lead-up to, and throughout the tryout period. For more information, contact Mandy Mathews HERE. 

Camberwell Dragons wishes all players the best of luck for the 2024-25 Tryouts.

Please view our 2024-25 Player and Parent Handbook HERE

Camberwell In Business today released the date and venue for its next event.

The drinks and canapes networking evening for Camberwell In Business members and guests will be at Pincho Disco in Collingwood on Thursday, November 28 (5.30pm-8.30pm), with more details to be released closer to the date.

For more information about Pincho Disco, click HERE. To learn more about Camberwell In Business, view our Information Pack HERE. 

To become a Camberwell In Business member and/or to buy a ticket to its November 28 event, contact Andrew Johnstone HERE.

Be Collaborative. Be Curious. Be Camberwell.