SEABL TEAM OF THE MONTH

The SEABL Team of the Month is a league initiative to increase public awareness and emphasize the exceptional talent that is on court each week playing in “Australia’s Premier Winter Basketball League”.

Previous years the best performed player and coach has been rewarded with recognition as Player & Coach of the Month. With a number of standout performances each week in both conferences the League decided to credit more players for their contribution to the success of their club. This year the performances of the best five players and one coach will be acknowledged with a position on the                          SEABL Team of the Month.

SEABL WOMEN’S TEAM OF THE MONTH - MARCH

After a sensational WNBL season with the Canberra Capitals, Nat Hurst has continued her brilliant form into the SEABL, helping her new team Launceston Tornadoes to a 4-0 record for the month. Hurst received Player of the Week honours in round one recording 38pts@50%, 7rebs and 5ass in the Tornadoes 76-70 victory against Kilsyth. Nat finished the month averaging 25.0pts, 4.7rebs and 6.7ass.

Joining her in the backcourt is Albury/Wodonga Lady Bandits 17 year old sensation Alex Duck. Averaging a career high 15.5pts, 7.5rebs, 2.8ass and 2.3stls, Alex has been the standout player for her team despite their disappointing 0-6 season start. Duck recorded 22pts and 8rebs in the Lady Bandits 54-84 loss at Kilsyth, but finished the month with 20pts, 4rebs, 1ass and 2stls against the Raiders. Alex represented NSW at the Under 20 National Championships earlier this year and has reaped the rewards of a busy off-season.

Kilsyth Cobras recorded a 4-3 record for the month of March thanks largely to the efforts of locally developed youngster Clare Papavs. Clare spent the summer playing with Dandenong Rangers in the WNBL and she has showcased the experience gained by playing in the Nations number one competition for women. Clare received Player of the Week honours in round five, helping the Lady Cobras to a 1-1 weekend result and averaged 24.5pts, 12.5rebs and 2.5ass for the round.

One of the surprising stories of the season has been the performance of 17 year old Catherine Guest. Catherine has had a busy start to the year, representing Tasmania at the U/20 National Championships and then playing a key role for the Tornadoes. Catherine has averaged 13.25pts@54%, 14.25rebs, 2.3ass and 2.3blks so far this season, all well above her career averages. Catherine recorded 15pts and a season high 21 rebounds in round two against Knox earning Player of the week recognition. Catherine had spent the morning and afternoon rowing for her school at the state rowing championships, making it a very memorable weekend for the youngster.

Bendigo Lady Braves star Gabrielle Richards has been tormenting her opposition each game and is a favourite for the Most Valuable Player award at seasons end. Richards has averaged 22.0pts, 11.0rebs, 2.2ass and 2.0blks in March, helping her team to a 5-0 ladder leading position.

SEABL WOMEN COACH OF THE MONTH

With a successful 5-0 record for the month, including four wins on the road to start the season, Nunawading Spectres coach Mike Bainbridge earns this months Coach of the Month recognition. Bainbridge guided his team to successive victories on the road at Frankston, Albury/Wodonga, and Southern Districts to start the season and finished the month with a home victory against arch rivals Kilsyth. Returning to the league after many seasons away from the game, the 1995 SEABL Coach of the Year with Eltham Wildcats, has put together a very competitive team, and will figure prominently in the post season if the form continues.