IT has been a big week of WNBL action with the finals announced and awards handed out at the conclusion of the home-and-away season. There were plenty of contenders given the number of impressive and consistent performers throughout a condensed season, however there could only be one MVP winner.

After a strong showing with Adelaide throughout their 2020 campaign, it is no wonder Steph Talbot received the Suzy Batkovic Medal for the league’s Most Valuable Player. The Lightning captain was a consistent figure, averaging 18.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting at a solid 47.9 per cent from the field. The accolades did not stop there for Talbot, who walked away with the Robyn Maher Defensive Player of the Year award as well, capping off a spectacular season despite not making finals.

Talking of finals, it is only fitting that Townsville Fire coach, Shannon Seebohm was awarded the top gong  and title of Coach of the Year, with his side enjoying a rapid rise up the ladder. Seebohm has guided the Fire to nine wins and four losses this season to claim second spot on the ladder in what has been an unconventional campaign to say the least.

Keeping on the Townsville vibe, youngster Shyla Heal has more than made a name for herself this season, collecting the Betty Watson Australian Youth Player of the Year while teammate Zitina Aokuso also made a splash and was recognised for her efforts, named the Sixth Woman of the Year. Heal has been a solid contributor throughout the season, recording an average of 15.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting at 40.6 per cent from the field. Fellow award winner, Aokuso has played a strong cameo role for the Fire, able to bound onto the court and cause a ruckus with figures such as 9.5 points a game, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.

Moving away from individual awards, the All-WNBL First Team and All-WNBL Second Team were announced with a couple of familiar faces returning. The all-conquering Liz Cambage took out the center position in the Firsts with the Southside Flyers representative impressing in most facets of the game to average 23.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks. Her accuracy from the field was also notable, going at 62.6 per cent. MVP winner Talbot also earned a nod along with Cayla George, Lauren Nicholson and Katie Ebzery. The Second team consisted of a couple of Melbourne Boomers in Ezi Magbegor and Tess Madgen, while UC Capitals’ Maddison Rocci also earned a spot. Heal was further rewarded for her breakout season, included in the All-WNBL Second Team while Sara Blicavs rounds out the side.

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ALL-WNBL First Team

Lauren Nicholson (TF) – 18.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.08 steals, 48.1 FG%
Steph Talbot (AL) – 18.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.9 steals, 0.8 blocks, 47.9 FG%
Liz Cambage (SF) – 23.3 points, 8.2 rebounds 1.0 assist, 0.5 steals, 1.9 blocks, 62.6 FG%
Cayla George (MB) – 14.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.0 blocks, 43.2 FG%
Katie Ebzery (PL) – 18.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8assists, 0.6 steals, 0.3 blocks, 43.1 FG%

ALL-WNBL Second Team

Maddison Rocci (UC) – 16.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.0 steals, 0 blocks, 40.5 FG%
Shyla Heal (TF) – 15.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 steals, 0 blocks, 40.6 FG%
Sara Blicavs (SF) – 14.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.4 blocks, 52.1 FG%
Tess Madgen (MB) – 14.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.2 blocks, 44.7 FG%
Ezi Magbegor (MB) – 14.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1..5 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.1 blocks, 56.2 FG%