By Nick Creely
Although it was a disappointing finish to the season, there was every reason to celebrate for the Dandenong Rangers who held their awards night to honour some of the players who shone in an otherwise successful season.
After both putting together equally impressive seasons on opposite ends of the court, soon to be sisters-in-law Sara Blicavs and Steph Cumming were duly awarded the MVP as the Rangers’ standout stars.
Throughout the 2016/17 season, Cumming, 26, was stellar, averaging more than 17 points and four rebounds per match, as well as rating highly in the assists column with 3.3 per game.
Blicavs was dynamic throughout the season, averaging 15.5 points, seven rebounds and a healthy 2.3 assist per game. Both were also placed inside the top-10 in the WNBL awards and can take their momentum into next season.
In some other awards, Nat Novosel was awarded the coaches’ award in her return season at the Rangers. With injuries hampering her for the majority of the season, Novosel still had a major impact on the team’s wares with her professional attitude.
Rising gun Amelia Todhunter was praised for her spectacular defensive efforts throughout the season, taking out the Defensive Player of the Year. Todhunter, the smallest player on the Rangers’ roster, was stellar against some of the league’s most damaging point guards, often shutting them down.
Retiring legend and club favourite Jacinta Kennedy received her final award as a WNBL player, taking out the Janine Fielder Award for the team’s favourite player on-and-off court.
It was another consistent campaign for Kennedy who regularly impacted at key moments throughout the season as well as helping assist the development of some of the club’s brightest stars.
The Dandenong Rangers have kicked off their SEABL campaigns for both the men and women, with both sides expected to be right up there in the championship mix.
Full list of winners:
MVP: Sara Blicavs and Steph Cumming
Coaches’ Award: Nat Novosel
Defensive Player of the Year: Amelia Todhunter
Janine Fielder Award: Jacinta Kennedy
