Sarah Mozley

MVP award winners Damien Scott and Ashli Payne talk about their recent accolade and share the Tigers excitement as they head into finals.

The Tigers celebrated their annual SBL Award Night on Monday, with Damien Scott and Ashli Payne receiving the MSBL and WSBL MVP award.

A humbled Damien Scott says it was an honour to be named MVP.

“It’s an honour to be named MVP for the Tigers knowing that there are some great players in our team also worthy of the award.” Scott said. 

“The feeling of winning is indescribable, knowing that the coaches think that highly of you in a team so talented.”

He gives credit to his family, coaches and teammates for putting him in a position to have such a successful year.

“I’d like to thank my mum and dad for the support they have given me, Steve and the rest of the team for letting me play and getting me in the best possible spots where I’m able to play my style of game.” Scott said. 

The Tigers will be hoping to get more amazing performances from Scott – he scored a season high 41 points last weekend – as the boys head into finals.

“The boys are super excited heading into the weekend as we’ve showed over the past couple of weeks that if we play our style of game we can go with the best of them.” Scott said. 

“We are super confident and believe that we have what it takes to go the whole way.”

Scott’s MVP award is a credit to his consistent form this season, with an incredible ability to score and assist.  

He has played every game this year, averaging 20 points per game, as well as playing in the Men’s All-Star game representing the South.

But head coach Steve Black says there is more to Damien than the numbers, and highlights his personality and passion for his team as a reason for selecting him as MVP. 

“Damien’s passion and enthusiasm for basketball is matched by his amazing ability to get himself in and out of trouble to produce yet another spectacular play.” Black said.

“This season in particular with the injuries we’ve had, Damien’s contribution to not only be a 20 point scorer, but to be second in the league in total assists highlights just how valuable he has been for our club.

“But more than just the numbers is the infectious sense of fun with which he competes.” 

While Scott has been thrilling Tigers fans for four years, Ashli Payne has been a standout during her first season at the club.

The American import has been an exciting addition to the club, playing her first game for Willetton on ANZAC Day.

She averages 15 points per game and played in the Women’s All-Star game representing the South.

Head coach Simon Parker says her consistency and versatility are the main reasons behind her selection as MVP. 

“Ashli has been a very consistent performer who is averaging a double-double.” Parker said. 

“She has been very versatile for us playing many positions and basically been doing whatever we needed her to do for her role in the team.”

With several players standing up this year for the Tigers, Payne says she is honoured to receive the MVP award.

“I’m honoured, there’s a lot of talent on this team, so much that every game I feel like there’s a different MVP so to be named it personally definitely makes me feel very much appreciated.” Payne said.

“The season has been a roller coaster, thankfully we’ve been able to reflect on our weaknesses as a team during the regular season head on and work on them every week to ensure they don’t effect us in the post season.” 

The girls have achieved their goal of finishing in the top four this year, giving them the home court advantage this weekend.

Payne says the strong finish to their season has given them momentum going into finals. 

“I think we’re all very excited, there’s momentum carrying us into this weekend since we’re coming off a few back to back wins to end the regular season and after having the ‘bye’ weekend we’re certainly feeling eager to play.”

 

See the full list of winners below: 

MSBL

MVP - Damien Scott

Coach’s award - Jake Burston

Encouragement Award - Andrew Black

Division 1 

MVP - Lachlan Evans

Coach's award - Max Whately

WSBL

MVP - Ashli Payne
Coach's award - Sam Norwood
Encouragement Award - Carla Drennan

Division 1 
MVP Sophie Maines
Coach’s award - Lauren Gandini

Thelma Friday - Rookie of the Year - Carla Drennan

Chris Purdie Award - Zoe Harper