Newest life members Amanda Wheaton and Brett Harvey.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Basketball Representative Association held its annual night of nights on Saturday celebrating the achievements of the association and athletes.
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The event was attended by 150 guests which included special guests, Life Members, Gayle Ralph, Sue Bigger, Brett Harvey and Amanda Wheaton.
Under 12 girls MVP Scarlett Kennedy, Runner Up MVP Georgie Perks and Coaches Award Indy Burnett.
Gold sponsors Nathan Tresize, Col and Janet Brennan representing YMH and Club Mulwala respectively.
President Seona Wheeler and MC for the evening Adam Clark welcomed everyone and assisted coaches in awarding each age group with their MVP, runner up MVP and coaches awards.
Under 12 A boys MVP Darby Bigger, Runner Up MVP Harper Buckingham and Elliot Tresize, Coaches Award Roly Brear.
Athletes from each age group were excited to celebrate their seasons success and congratulate the award winners.
President of YMBA Scott Jaques formally acknowledged newest life members Amanda Wheation and Brett Harvey for their loyal and dedicated service to Yarrawonga Mulwala Basketball Association spanning over 13 years.
Under 12 B boys MVP Jetta Oughton, Runner Up MVP Riley Wallace and Coaches Award Nixon Nunn.
Other special awards for the evening included Club Person of the Year and Junior Club Person of the Year.
Neil Walker has been an integral part of YMBA since 2017 and has played roles of coach, VJBL coach and director of coaching over this time.
Under 14 girls MVP Winnie Heffernan, Runner Up MVP Layla Thwaites and Coaches Award Makayla George.
Neil was very honored to receive the award and in particular thanked his wife Jo for her supporting him to pursue his love of basketball.
Under 16 Boys MVP Oliver Watson, Runner Up MVP Lenny Lonergan and Connor McCarty and Coaches Award Archie Jaques.
Jessica Freeman was the recipient of the Junior Club Person Award.
Jeccica has been involved with YMBA since a junior in the under 12 program and has always volunteered around the club.
Under 18 Boys MVP Riley Mitchell, Runner Up MVP Ryan Cameron and Coaches Award Jye Brennan.
This year in particular she has continued to referee in the domestic competition as well as the men’s and ladies’ competition.
She has forged a love of coaching and has been involved since 2019 assisting with the Aussie Hoops program and this year with the u14 girls. Jessica was very grateful to be allowed to continue to volunteer and really enjoys watching young kids grow, improve and find a love of basketball.
Top age 18 boys - Jye Brennan, Lach Dwyer, Mitch Appleby, Nate Williams, Jaxen Wheeler and Riley Mitchell.
Lochlin Harvey, Jessica Freeman, James Frazer and Brett Harvey presented to the audience their highlights and a slideshow of their recent trip to America in December 2022.
They thanked YMBA for their support that enabled them to attend and hoped to inspire the littlest Lakers that one day they too could attend America to play.
Club Person of the Year Neil Walker.
Lochlin Harvey was presented with an Award for Outstanding Achievement in Basketball 2023. This was in recognition of his selection in the U18 Boys Victoria Country Basketball State Team.
Lochlin then chatted with President Seona Wheeler about his journey to reach the state team, what a day looked like while in Brisbane and what his future may hold. His advice to athletes was to never give up if you do not reach your dreams the first time, but to keep trying and finally your hard work will pay off.
Junior Club Person of the Year Jessica Freeman.
The association also thanked Coach Ethan Lay for this outstanding service to YMBA this year. Ethan took on the role of coaching the u16 boys and did an outstanding job.
Towards the end of the evening Yvonne Strawbridge and coach Luke Brennan had the privilege of farewelling the top age u18 boys.
Outstanding Achievement in Basketball Lochlin Harvey.
The audience heard about some of their career highlights and viewed photos dating back to when they first joined the program. These boys will be greatly missed and YMBA hope to still see them around the courts in the men’s comps, coaching and refereeing.
Life Members Sue Bigger and Gayle Ralph.
The association also acknowledged top age u18 girls Mikalya Woosnam and Mikyah Frauenfelder who were unable to play this season due to lack of numbers.
This event finalised the season and President Seona Wheeler thanked all involved including the committee, parents and players for a wonderful season.
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