BENDIGO Spirit import Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe has recorded a top 10 finish in the Women's National Basketball League most valuable player award for 2016-17.
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The Canadian Olympian had a stellar season with the Spirit, topping the team averages in points per game (15.88) and rebounds (8.38).
Townsville Fire star Suzy Batkovic created history by winning her fifth league MVP award, including back-to-back titles for the third time.
She previously won the award in 2011-12, 12-13, 13-14 and 15-16.
Batkovic averaged 21.3 points and 10.7 boards across 24 games, one of only two players to average a double-double for the season.
She polled 129 votes to narrowly win the award from Perth Lynx import Sam Whitcomb (125).
Canberra's Marianna Tolo (115) and Sydney's Leilani Mitchell (107) rounded out the top four.
Sydney import Asia Taylor and former Spirit star Sara Blicavs (Dandenong Rangers) tied for equal fifth on 73.
Raincock-Ekunwe, who is now playing in the French national league, finished eighth in the voting.
Her total of 60 votes was 10 clear of another former Spirit player Maddie Garrick, from the Melbourne Boomers, in ninth.
Meanwhile, minor round premiers Sydney and Dandenong clash in game one of the grand final series at 7.30pm on Saturday night.
Game two will be in Dandenong next Friday, with a third game, if needed, in Sydney two days later.
