Awards
The Lakers basketball annual awards celebrates and recognises the outstanding performances of players, coaches, teams, referees and club volunteers throughout the season. The awards are an opportunity to reflect on the hard work and dedication of many and to highlight their achievements on and off the court. These awards are eagerly anticipated by Lakers players and families, and provide an exciting event for the club to come together and celebrate the successes of the season.
CLUB AWARD
Keith Paton Club Person of the Year
- 2024 - Alex Patsan
- 2023 - Chris Hall
- 2022 - Doogie Marks & Deb Marks
- 2021 - Jamie Summers
- 2020 - Leanne Haberl
- 2019 - Renee Peters
- 2018 - M & C Davidson
- 2017 - Leanne Haberl
- 2016 - Troy Peters
- 2015 - Mat Dow
- 2014 - Keith Paton
- 2013 - Leanne Clarkson
- 2012 - Jacqui Johnson
- 2011 - Jamie Summers
- 2010 - Nicole McCann
- 2009 - Marianne Rogers & Leanne Clarkson
- 2008 - Keith Paton
- 2007 - Joseph Kelly
- 2006 - Ann Kelley
- 2005 - Kristina Evans
- 2004 - Lauren Blake
- 2003 - Janice Blake
- 2002 - Jenny Herringe & Kerry Drewe
- 2001 - Neil Pratten
- 2000 - Lee Stott & Martin Haasnoot
- 1999 - Keith Paton
- 1998 - Sue Longworth
- 1997 - Christine Creamer
- 1996 - Keith Paton
- 1995 - Kerry Drewe
- 1994 - Chris McGovern
- 1993 - Jeff Boyle
- 1992 - Lee Stott
- 1991 - Jeff Gow
- 1990 - Michael Leeming
- 1989 - Dianne Cook
- 1988 - Trevor Kelly
- 1987 - Sue Royan
- 1986 - Gail Griffiths
- 1985 - Jim Royan
- 1984 - Bob Pascoe
- 1983 - Jim Royan
CLUB AWARD
Coach of the Year
The Coach of the Year award celebrates the exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact of those coaches who inspire their players to reach new heights, both on and off the court, and who embody the passion, drive, and spirit of Lakers Basketball.
Presented each year to one of our greatly appreciated volunteers who has provided incredible service to the club and their teams in a head coaching role.
- 2024 - Chris Johnson
- 2023 - Carter Shields
- 2022 - Jack Adlington
- 2021 - Kylie Frearson
- 2020 - Peter Harvey
- 2019 - Ayden Grigor
- 2018 - Mark Hancock
- 2017 - Jamie Summers
- 2016 - Tristan Payne
- 2015 - Jamie Summers
- 2014 - Craig Bown
- 2013 - Mark Hancock
- 2012 - Tom & Neville Cole
- 2011 - Jamie Summers
- 2010 - Brad Barker
- 2009 - Brett Lambert
- 2008 - Chris Johnson
CLUB AWARD
Junior Club Person of the Year
The Junior Club Person of the Year award recognises the rising stars of Lakers Basketball – the young female and male club members who are making a difference in the community often as a coach, referee, administrator or club assistant, and who embodies the passion, dedication, and promise of the future of the sport within Lakers.
- 2024 - Finn Callen & Lyla Nardo
- 2023 - Aidan McKelvey & Lara Marks
- 2022 - Mackenzie Webb & Carter Lee
- 2021 - Lara Kitchen & Logan Peters
- 2020 - Saffron Shiels & Joey Summers
- 2019 - Zac Kennedy
- 2018 - Tom Tracey & Hannah Rowe
- 2017 - Zac Summers, Ryan Fenton & Emily Rock
- 2016 - Logan McElhone & Rachel Haberl
- 2015 - Zach Summers, Lily Blyth & Elise St John
- 2014 - Ryan Rowe & Rachel Haberl
- 2013 - Matt Clarkson & Rachel Haberl
- 2012 - Mitchell Waide
- 2011 - Matt Clarkson
- 2010 - Ray Saunders
- 2009 - Matt Busch
CLUB AWARD
Logan Peters Referee of the Year
Named after one of Lakers & Newcastle’s premier junior officials, Logan Peters, the Junior Referee of the Year award honours the dedicated young individual who is essential to the game of basketball, bringing fairness, accuracy, and a passion for the sport to every game they officiate, and embodying the ideals of excellence and integrity in Lakers Basketball.
- 2024 - Cooper O'Neill
- 2023 - James Bernasconi
- 2022 - Lara Kitchen & Luke Douglas
- 2021 - Lara Kitchen & Carter Lee
- 2019 - Lara Kitchen & Logan Peters
- 2018 - Lara Kitchen & Logan Peters
- 2017 - Bonny Frost & Toren Peters
- 2016 - Bonny Frost & Lucas Gibson
- 2015 - Rachel Haberl & Harvey Byrne
PLAYER AWARD
Saffron Shiels Award
Starting in 2023, the Saffron Shiels award is a tribute to one of Lakers most talented players, having played for the Australian Opals, NBL1, COE & our very own Lakers Basketball club – taking her place in our Hall of Fame.
Recognising the junior female basketball player of the year who embodies the skills, determination, and grace of the sport, and who inspires others with their exceptional play, teamwork, and absolute passion for the game the same way Saffron does.
- 2024 - Matilda Burns
- 2023 - Elle Kaluski
PLAYER AWARD
Ben Lake Memorial Award
This honour recognises a deserving U14 Boys player who embodies the heart and soul of the game, with a passion for competition, sportsmanship, and a never-give-up attitude that inspires everyone around them in the same way that Ben did.
- 2024 - Lincoln Dewar
- 2023 - Eamon Gilbert
- 2022 - Dane Reid
- 2021 - Nicholas Kelly
- 2019 - Oliver Pearson
- 2018 - Cameron White
- 2017 - Kayne Gilmore
- 2016 - Kynan Marcozzi
- 2015 - Ben Lehmann
- 2014 - Tenzin Pickles
- 2012 - Keith Saunders
- 2011 - Robert Johnson
- 2010 - Jake Winchester
- 2009 - Brandon Ayres
PLAYER AWARD
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Highlighting the future stars of the game, the Rookie of the Year Award gives one male and one female budding player, who have just completed their first year in Junior Basketball, a moment in the spotlight.
This award isn’t just about the stats — it’s about the heart, hustle, and dedication these young athletes show game after game. It’s a nod to their impressive first season and the potential they bring to the future of basketball. Keep an eye on these rising stars, they’re just getting started!
- 2024 - Thierry Daniel Cadette & Chloe Aitchison
- 2019 - Kasandar Stojcevski, Liam Ogilvie, Scarlet Fox, Kira Kajendren
- 2016 - Beau Sharrock, Lachlan Day & Raphael Richards
- 2014 - Josie Robson
- 2013 - Lawrence Davidson & Rameesha Meeran
- 2012 - Perry McIntyre & Emily Kloos-Sternberg
PLAYER AWARD
Lakers Loyalty Award
The Lakers Loyalty Award is a proud recognition of those rare players who have dedicated their junior basketball lives as a one club member with Lakers.
Often presented to those who have been with Lakers for 8 seasons or more, embodying the passion, commitment, and camaraderie that are the hallmarks of Lakers, and leaving a lasting impact on the local basketball community.
- 2024 - James Bernasconi, Nate Lambert, Oliver Pearson, Cooper Donnelly, Beau Sharrock, Zac Kitchen, Aiden Cooper-Clark, Elke Mark, Jessica Hall
- 2023 - Campbell McSpadden, Bailey McDonnell, Blayze Easey, Savarna Patsan & Ruarc Hanrahan
- 2022 - Logan Peters, Sam Hall & Carter Lee
- 2021 - Lucas Gibson, Cobey Barker & Joey Summers
- 2020 - Rachel Haberl, Brody Payne & Zac Summers
TEAM AWARD
Most Valuable Player
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award stands as the pinnacle of recognition in the world of sports, honouring the athlete whose remarkable contributions, both in skill and leadership, have elevated their team to new heights.
The team MVP award highlights the athlete’s ability to consistently deliver standout performances throughout the season. As the highest individual accolade attainable in each team, the MVP award not only celebrates athletic excellence of the player, but also underscores their dedication and passion within the competition – and is given to the deserving player on each Lakers team for the year.
TEAM AWARD
Defensive Player of the year
Defence. Coaches love it, and it wins championships.
The Defensive Player of the Year Award is presented to one standout player from each Lakers team as chosen by their Head Coach, who has demonstrated exceptional defensive skills throughout the season.
This award recognises the athlete who consistently displays relentless effort, strong defensive fundamentals, and the ability to shut down opponents, making a significant impact on their team’s overall defensive performance.
TEAM AWARD
Players Player Award
A special recognition given to one player on each Lakers team, as voted by their teammates. This award honours the player who embodies the true spirit of teamwork, displaying outstanding sportsmanship, leadership, and support both on and off the court.
They are the heart of the team, consistently putting the group’s success above their own and earning the respect and admiration of their team.
The Players’ Player Award celebrates the athlete who best represents the values of camaraderie, hard work, and selflessness, making them an invaluable part of Lakers.
PLAYER AWARD
