Narrandera Knights 2017 Presentation was held recently at the Narrandera Golf Club and the celebratory event was well-attended by players, family members and supporters.

The Knights fielded six representative teams in the 2017 Western Junior League – U18 Girls, U16 Boys, U14 Girls, U14 Boys, U12 Girls, U12 Boys. After strong performances in the three rounds played during February, March and April, the Association was delighted by all teams qualifying to contest finals held in Bathurst in May.

The finals’ results were a credit to players and coaches:

• U14 Girls won Division 2 Grand Final
• U14 Boys won Division 2 Grand Final
• U18 Girls defeated in Division 1 Grand Final
• U16 Boys defeated in Division 2 Grand Final
• U12 Boys defeated in Division 2 Preliminary Final
• U12 Girls defeated in Division 1 Semi Final

The U12 Girls enjoyed an additional carnival playing in the Country Tournament over the long weekend in June, where they made it through to the Semi Final.

The formalities began with the presentation of the premier award of the night, the Knight of the Year award. Knight of the Year is a perpetual trophy that acknowledges the achievements of someone who has given selfless input into Narrandera Basketball and enhances the image of the Association.

Congratulations to the 2017 Knights of the Year, Maree Johnson and Llewellyn Tuckett. Over the past year, Maree and Llewellyn have worked tireless in fundraising through sponsorship and raffles for team resources. Team members have benefited with new kit, including team hoodies, training tops, socks drink bottles and gear bags, as well as helping to keep player fees amongst the lowest in the League. Both Maree and Llewellyn also took on team manager roles for the U14 and U18 Women respectively. Very worthy recipients of the accolated, their commitment and contribution throughout the season embodies the spirit of a Narrandera Knight.

2017 Knights of the Year - Maree Johnson and Llewellyn Tuckett

Before presenting the remainder of the awards, the Association took time to acknowledge and thank the generosity of local sponsors: Charles Sturt Hotel, Coles Narrandera, GS & BD Electrics, Hayllar’s Transport, Hutcheon & Pearce Narrandera, IGA Narrandera, Murrumbidgee Hotel, Narrandera Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Manildra Group, Narrandera Jewellers, RK Fraser Home Hardware, Robinson’s Department Store, Select Harvest Almonds. As always, the sponsors have helped the Association make a basketball experience possible for many families.

Given the success of the season, the coaches all felt selecting award recipients was a tough task with many players deserving of recognition.

U12 Boys
Best Player of the Year - Thomas Lyons
Most Determined - Ky Bloomfield
Most Improved - Dean Chappell
Coach - Kerry Vaughn Niven
Manager - Beth Chappell

U12 Boys - Dean Chappell, Thomas Lyons, Ky Bloomfield

U16 Boys
Rep Player of the Year - Connor Bloomfield
Coaches Award - Harry Grintell
Coaches Award - Kane Williams
Coach - Chris Mohr
Manager - Leisa Williams

U16 Boys - Connor Bloomfield, Harry Grintell, Kane Williams

U14 Boys
Knight of the Year U14 Men - Lachlan Kerr
Coaches Award - Reid Hitchens
Coaches Award - Heath Chappell
Coach - Toni Kerr
Manager - Hannah Richardson

U14 Boys - Heath Chappell, Lachlan Kerr, Reid Hitchens

U14 Girls
Knight of the Year U14 Women - Marnie Grintell
Coaches Award - Lara Eldridge
Coach - Katie Grintell
Manager - Maree Johnson

U14 Girls - Lara Eldridge, Marnie Grintell

U12 Girls
Player of the Year - Ava Pritchett
Coaches Award - Emerson Leary
Coaches Award - Mikayla Bloomfield
Coach - Rex Evans
Manager - Helen Ryan

U12 Girls - Emerson Leary, Ava Pritchett, Mikayla Bloomfield

U18 Girls
Player of the Year - Lexi Tuckett
Coaches Award - Jess Sommerfield
Coaches Award - Sharnie McLean
Coach - Peter O'Leary
Manager - Llewellyn Tuckett

U18 Girls - Sharnie McLean, Lexi Tuckett, Jess Somerfield

Director of Coaching, Rex Evans, concluded the speeches by applauding the U18 Women and especially commending those players who had joined the Knights as U12s. Coach Peter O’Leary also acknowledged the commitment of the four U18 players who travelled from Cootamundra, Ariah Park and Leeton and who were vital to the success of the small team. The girls were warmly congratulated by all and the Association wishes the U18’s continuing success in their future basketball endeavours.

The Narrandera Knights would like to thank all of the umpires, coaches, team managers, Lee Longford and Narrandera Stadium staff, volunteers, the families who are prepared to travel to matches and training, and of course the players. It takes many people to make the season fun for everyone and success on the court is an added bonus. The junior Knights are now looking excitedly ahead to next season!