The Lakes Entrance Pelicans culminated their 2024 Gippsland Country Basketball League season with a presentation day last weekend at The Servo.
Both the men’s and women’s teams gave it their all and competed at a high level throughout their season, with the men showing fight and determination throughout and making significant improvements from last season, coming away with three victories.
Men’s coach Andrew Wright was proud of his squad identifying growth and strengths in all of his individual players and showing great interest and determination in encouraging all players to return for the 2025 season to go bigger and better.
He thanked his players for their commitment and and care they showed to welcome and include the junior kids in their games.
The future looks bright for the men’s team with the experienced men in the Pelicans line up being complimented by a variety of young men.
Andrew Wright was also thankful of the support from Angus Murdoch in his role as assistant coach and for the knowledge and skills he brought to the role, and Jason Russell for his efforts as team manager.
Awards for the season went to Massimo Hobbs (MVP and defensive player of the year), Angus Murdoch (runner-up MVP), Jimmy Russell (defensive player of the year), Anthony Wright (most consistent), Kobe Edwards (coach’s award), Chris Fields (best club person) and Grant Balintong (free throw shooter).
The women’s team had a tough season, however they continued to show fight, although winless this season, it was fantastic to see everyone contribute and the girls develop their game individually and as a team.
Like the men, the women have younger players who contributed well to the team’s performance with coach Kaylah Dunstan thankful for her players’ dedication and support in her first year as coach.
She sees a bright future for the women’s squad and she encouraged the return of her players while acknowledging the work of her assistant, Gabi Wright, and the support of team manager, Belinda Dooley.
Award winners were Nat Bire (MVP), Kelly Poynton (runner-up MVP), Emma Wolffenbuttel (defensive player of the year), Olivia Borley (most consistent), Mariah Kelly (best first year player) and Emily O’Donnell, Jamie Fordham and Grace Ingram (rising stars).
The Pelicans continue to provide a great pathway for the younger generation to improve their skills and knowledge in a high quality competition.
Both coaches thanked the Lakes Entrance Amateur Basketball Association committee for supporting the teams throughout the season, highlighting the efforts of coordinator, Mikaela Witherow.
Another talking point on presentation day was the huge crowds and community support the Lakes Entrance Pelicans have received from the wider community this season.
It has been incredible to see so many people turn out to support both teams in their 2024 campaign, with the club looking to come back bigger and better in 2025.
