Horton, Cumming the Miners and Rush MVPs

Ken Horton and Stephanie Cumming were awarded the Miners and Rush MVPs medals on Sunday at the Ballarat Basketball Awards Dinner.

Cumming claimed the Robyn Maher Rush MVP medal in her first year with the Integra Ballarat Rush – Cumming led the South East Australian Basketball League in points per game, was second in assists, was the league’s most accurate free throw shooter, but was also acknowledged for her enthusiasm and never-say-die attitude. Cumming earned the league’s Player of the Month award in June.

Horton had performed well in the first half of the GMHBA Ballarat Miners’ season but stepped up following the injury of Roy Booker to earn the Ray Borner Miners MVP award. Horton led the league in rebounding, was eighth in points per game (first of the Miners’ active players), was fourth league-wide in steals, and won three SEABL Player of the Week awards and one Player of the Month award.

Star youngsters Anthony Fisher and Abbey Wehrung won the Brian Goorjian Miners Coach’s Award and Dawn Jose Rush Coach’s Award. Both players had breakthrough years statistically, but also demonstrated a professionalism and maturity beyond their years – Fisher is 20 and Wehrung 18.

Lydia Brooks claimed the Bev Harwood Youth League Rush MVP award after leading the team with 14.1 points, 12.1 rebounds and a monstrous 2.5 blocks per game. Brady Neill won the Les Hotchin Youth League Miners MVP award after being second in team scoring, fourth in rebounds, fifth in assists, third in steals and second in blocks.

Andrea Nolan won the Dennis Foley Best Club Person award after going above and beyond the duties of Rush Team Manager to manage all Rush and Miners road trips, demonstrate a positive, enthusiastic attitude of commitment, and initiating a relationship with Special Olympics Basketball to have a Special Olympics basketballer on the Rush bench at all home games and Rush players assisting with Special Olympics Basketball training sessions.

Thrifty was awarded the Mount Avoca Club Service Award for their ongoing service to Ballarat Basketball programs, and owner Andrew Overall’s additional support of Miners and Rush finals and members.

Long-serving Youth League Miners Team Manager Gary O’Keefe won the Frank Allisey Volunteer of the Year award in recognition of his ongoing service, and additional support to the SEABL Miners in 2014.

Fisher and Wehrung were also amongst the recipients of the Ballarat Basketball Foundation awards, which also honoured Taylah Wynne and Kasey Burton.

Kym Cassells received the night’s highest honour, being inducted into the Ballarat Basketball Hall of Fame.

Photos of the event can be seen on the Ballarat Basketball Facebook page.