Posted on 31 August, 2010

Three new faces receive recognition for sensational seasons this year with MVP favorites Ivan McFarlin and CJ Massingale earning recognition. The "All SEABL Team" is decided by the coach and captain of each team. The team is selected by playing position from a list of players that received Most Valuable Player votes throughout the regular playing season.

One of two Bendigo Players in the East Men’s Team, LUKE MEYER has had a spectacular debut season in the SEABL. Averaging 18.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game throughout the season, Meyer was also instrumental in the Braves win over Knox in the East Conference final, with 17 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists.

CJ MASSINGALE can be regarded as one of the premier players in the Leagues’ recent history. Now in his sixth year at the Raiders, Massingale has built up an impressive resume including three Leading Scorer titles, and two East MVP awards. Massingale has also developed a reputation as a clutch player, with his game winning shot against Kilsyth in this year’s playoffs an example of his calm under pressure.

FERNANDEZ LOCKETT was part of a Kilsyth team that took out the Minor Premiership in the East Conference. His 15.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game helped the Cobras to a 19-8 record, and he was instrumental in developing the side into a formidable outfit. Lockett’s ability to shoot from anywhere, combined with his rebounding prowess and overall quickness gave opposition sides many headaches throughout the year.

One of the best players in the League at the power forward position, ASH CANNAN has made it to the SEABL East Men’s team for the second time. Opposing teams rarely had an answer for his combination of strength and deft shooting touch, and his Brisbane team powered into the playoffs largely thanks to his 18.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. In a sign of his dominance at the 4-position, Cannan had 14 double-double’s for the season.

The Bendigo Braves can largely thank IVAN MCFARLIN for their meteoric rise in 2010. In only his first year in the league, McFarlin averaged a double-double every time he stepped onto the floor with 19.4 points and 13.8 rebounds per game. In his 29 games at the time of writing, he has failed to get into double figures with points and rebounds only three times, and on three other occasions, McFarlin has had 20+ boards.

Other players receiving votes: Greg Vanderjagt (Bris) 7, Adam Gibson (Bris) 5, Drake Reed (Ball) 4, Lester Strong (Knox) 3

Four players are awarded a position on the All SEABL Women team for the first time and Amy Denson receives her second consecutive selection despite changing teams.  The "All SEABL Team" is decided by the coach and captain of each team. The team is selected by playing position from a list of players that received Most Valuable Player votes throughout the regular playing season.

Leading the League in assists, SHARIN MILNER is an obvious choice at the point guard position for the 2010 All SEABL Women’s Team. Milner is the architect in a Tornadoes side loaded with talent, driving the offence, yet also managing 2.4 steals per game. She can also be deadly from long range, nailing it at an amazing 43.4% of the time.

Apart from narrowly missing out on the playoffs, DEANNA SMITH has had a stellar season. She was second only to Elizabeth Cambage in scoring for the League with 21.8 points, and second only to Sharin Milner for assists with 5.1 per game. Yet Smith also helped out on the boards with 7.3 rebounds per game. Blessed with amazing skills and reflexes, it was her on court leadership that was possibly her most valuable asset this season, lifting her teammates and forming a formidable duo with Youth Player of the Year Ellie Manou.

AMY DENSON built on her performance from 2009 into becoming one of the premier players in the competition. Able to shoot the turn-around jump shot with deadly accuracy, she stretched opposition defences to breaking point. But her shooting skills perfectly complement her inside ability; she had more than 120 boards than the next best rebounder on her team. Furthermore, Denson had great hands, leading her team in assists – an ideal choice at the first forward position.

RACHAEL JARRY almost redefined the power forward position this season. Able to score inside and out, rebound at will, and able to win games off her own back, Jarry is the prototype for power forwards in the future. Standing at 6’3” and with a decent turn of speed, the Lady Miner is the main reason for Ballarats return to the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

Following on from her All-Star 5 season in the WNBL with the Bulleen Boomers, LIZ CAMBAGE burst onto the scene in her first year of SEABL competition. Cambage smashed the scoring title with 27.3 points per game, well ahead of her nearest rival Deanna Smith with 21.8 points per game. She was also second to only Cayla Francis in League rebounding with 11.5 boards per game. At 6’8”, she is unstoppable in the post area, and forms part of Launceston outfit that went from last in 2009 to the Championship game in 2010.

Other players receiving votes: Natalie Purcell (Bris) 9, Marianna Tolo (Nuna) 8, Renae Camino (Sand) 7, Carly Wilson (Nuna) 6,