The North Canterbury Basketball 2020 Club Prizegiving Major Award Winners were announced on Saturday night in front of teammates, friends, and family. 2020 was a big year for all these people and we are very fortunate to have them represent the #NCFamily. Congratulations to all finalists and winners, and big thanks to Jack Salt from the Cantebury Rams for presenting the awards!

Youth Coach of the Year - Maya James and Holly Parish

We have seen enormous growth in the numbers of our youth coaches this year, and the positive feedback we receive from parents and players is awesome, Maya and Holly are no exception. They have put their hand up for all things coaching this year, and have shown an eagerness to learn and ask questions. They have connected so well with their players, and it's a joy to see those relationships being built. 

Coach of the Year - Paul Jenkins 

Paul has managed to combine the old school with the new school to create an environment and relationship with his players that reflects what we are after in our club coaches. Paul consistently gave his players even minutes, even if it cost them a game or 2. Paul displayed positive coaching at training and games, but still ran a tight ship and kept the boys fit.

A note on our coaching awards, Coaching to NCBA is more than just wins and losses, it is also about how coaches create an environment that promotes growth, character, and enjoyment of the game. We have considered, Do the players come back the next year? and do the players have smiles on their faces? In youth and community sport, this is what makes a great coach. Our awards for coaching will reflect our shifting mindset towards coaches that display these values and characteristics aligned with Balance is Better and Good Sports.

Most Improved Referee - Hunter Cutbush

Hunter attended his first-ever national tournament this year going to u15s in Tauranga. Hunter has worked his way up from reffing our Friday night competition up to club ball on a Saturday where he has shown huge improvement. 

Jr Referee of the Year - Dayna Simpson

Dayna has shown to be a strong referee that looks to be on her way to a national tournament next year. Dayna has taken on board advice and applied it straight away which every ref trainer loves to see. Be careful with Dayna when she’s reffing your game because she’s not afraid to throw a technical your way!

Sr Referee of the Year - Harry Skirrow

Harry has shown further improvement in his refereeing this year with reffing men's prems and u23 A grade games on Saturdays. Harry also attended u17 nationals this year in chch where he was appointed a 3po boys quarter-final. 

Junior Girls Club Player of the Year - Aliyah Newton

Aliyah was a consistent performer and one that could always be relied upon to bring her best game. She also played in the Waitaha U15 womens team that went to nationals last month, where she also performed extremely well. Aliyah is one that any team and coach will be blessed to have in their squad.

Junior Boys Club Player of the Year - Rama Naidu 

Rama was a great leader to the new ones coming into the team. Rama took every opportunity they could get, leading the team in all aspects on the floor, regardless of winning or losing. Rama also attended u15 Nationals as a member of Waitaha and helped the team come 5th place.

Senior Women's Player of the Year - Mary Goulding

Dominant is the best word to describe this ladies' season. Mary's play locally saw her selected for the Tall Ferns camp in July but also earned her a professional contract overseas in Australia where she is currently playing in the NBL for the Bendigo Spirit.

Senior Men's Player of Year - Mason Whittaker

This year was a big year of growth for Mason on the court, who took advantage of the numerous opportunities he had. Selected to the Canterbury Rams for the NBL showdown, and also chosen to play for the Rams 3X3 team. Mason also received an invite to the Junior Tall Blacks camp in December. Mason was awarded the NSCA 'All In Award' to help him gain a college scholarship. 

Team of the Year - Women's Premier 

Undefeated, and Dominant, the Women's Premier team was in a league of its own, Winning both the Patron trophy and the CBA Final. 

Mark Whittaker Service to Basketball - Nicky Simpson

In what came as a pretty big surprise for Nicky she was awarded the Mark Whittaker Service to Basketball award. Nicky has been influential for the club this year administrating Friday Night Basketball, Club teams, organizing the committee, running events, helping Pip and George where required (which was often) in the office, and just being an all-around good sort. 

Team Award Winners - MVP - MIP - Players Player

u15 Girls Maroon Harper McDonald - Karlize Janse Van Rensberg - Sofia Va'aelua & Hadley James

u15 Girls White Lucy Thompson - Ella Evers - Allie Jagger

u18 Girls Aliyah Newton - Dayna Simpson & Alex Robinson - Aliyah Newton

u21 Women Willow Keen - Tahila Beck - Lily Gaughan

Women's Premier Mary Goulding - Hannah Crabtree - Esra McGoldrick

u13 Boys Jaguars Joel Harris - Lucas Fagan - Blake Packham

u13 Boys Lions Mark Reidie - Arly McConchie - Boston Paerata

u13 Boys Cheetahs Kelby Smith - Tom Hazeldine - Archie Leggett

u13 Boys Tigers Eamon Martin & Lachie Cameron-James - Cohan Max - Eamon Martin

u13 Boys Bengals Drew Edmondson - Sam Board - Drew Edmondson

u13 Boys Pumas Milan Newton - Max Martin - Max Airey

u13 Boys Mountain Lions Samuel Woolhouse - Elijah Emery - Liam Bartlett

u15 Boys Maroon Schalk Janse Van Rensberg - Josh Service - Schalk Janse Van Rensberg

u15 Boys Grey Rama Naidu - Luka Fuller - Rama Naidu

u20 Men Black Will Scott - Matt Price - Jack Saunders

u20 Men White Hunter Archbold - Jayden Sincock - Noah Westwood

u20 Men Maroon Jake Pascoe - Ben Wildey - Adam Ireland

Article added: Monday 16 November 2020

Article added: Monday 16 November 2020