TWO Bendigo Basketball stars have been named in Basketball Victoria Country's annual awards.
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Rising star Dyson Daniels was bestowed as Junior Male Athlete of the Year for his elite accomplishments on the court during 2019.
Daniels' standout year included his debut with the Bendigo Braves in the NBL1, national squad duties, selection to the NBA Academy and playing with Victoria Country.
"It feels great to win a BVC award," Daniels said.
"Growing up being part of the country basketball program has really helped me develop and make me a better player and person - it feels really good to know all the hard work I have put in has earned me this award."
Upon reflection Daniels couldn't be prouder of what he achieved last year.
"I would say all the amazing trips I was able to go on and the teams I was selected in stand out to me about 2019 - being selected for an Australian team was amazing, even though we were unable to compete just being selected to represent my country is a great feeling," he said.
"Also being able to play for Vic country at nationals was great and being selected in the NBA academy and going on overseas trips and getting great coaching was really good for me."
The awards acknowledge the importance of not just the players, but the dedicated teams of referees who oversee thousands of matches every year.
Tayla Flint's talent as one of the state's top referees was acknowledged with the Senior Female Referee Award, named in honour of Helen Pawsey.
"This is the third time winning this award and I'm just as honoured this time as I was the first, especially because this award is named after Helen Pawsey who was a huge part of my BVC career pathway," Flint said.
"So thank you Helen and thank you BVC."
During 2019 Flint refereed her third WNBL season addition hitting a century worth of NBL1/SEABL games.
However, milestones and accolades aside Flint is thrilled to be able to do something that is close to her heart.
"Reflecting now in isolation, I think the thing that stands out the most is being able to just enjoy doing something that I love almost every weekend of the year," Flint said.
Bendigo Basketball was also acknowledged for its ability to train some of the state's best and was given the Development of Referees at a Large Association Award.
FULL AWARD LIST
- BVC AWARDS - 2019 WINNERS
- Junior Female Athlete - Jade Melbourne (Traralgon)
- Junior Male Athlete - Dyson Daniels (Bendigo)
- Female Coach of the Year - Gail McFarlane (Traralgon)
- Male Coach of the Year - Mat Holmes (Korumburra)
- Junior Female Referee - Courtney Carroll (Shepparton)
- Junior Male Referee - Fletcher Smith (Warragul)
- Senior Female Referee - Tayla Flint (Bendigo)
- Senior Male Referee - Brodie McLachlan (Warragul)
- Development of Referees at a Large Association - Bendigo
- Development of Referees at a Medium Association - Warrnambool
- Development of Referees at a Small Association - Wonthaggi
- Outstanding Achievement by a Large Association - Bellarine
- Outstanding Achievement by a Medium Association - Horsham
- Outstanding Achievement by a Small Association - Riddells Creek
- Female Administrator of the Year - Branca McFarlane (Phillip Island)
- Male Administrator of the Year - Aaron Lothian (Bellarine)
- Female Volunteer of the Year - Bess Gillard (Mansfield)
- Male Volunteer of the Year - Tony Kane (Bellarine)
- Contribution by a Female to Diversity and Inclusion - Emily Attard (Melton)
- Contribution by a Male to Diversity and Inclusion - Paul Bugg (Geelong United)
- Outstanding Promotion of Basketball - Megan Sultry - (McPherson Media Group)
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