Basketball Mount Gambier will conduct Most Valuable Player Counts presentations during this week. Taking into account the interest shown in the Counts last summer season, the Association will present power point presentations for the Men’s B Grades and Women Social competitions on Tuesday night following their respective preliminary finals.

The SECBL Count presentations will follow the preliminary finals being played at 7.30 pm on Wednesday night. There will also be several presentations to “500 gamers” during the finals series.

 The SECBL Most Valuable Player winners are difficult to predict. The results of many of the Men’s games have been unpredictable for a range of reasons, including players not being available for periods of the season. In looking through the teams, some of the names that come to mind include Simon Berkefeld, who has dominated the Counts since 2005. His ability and continuing commitment to his beloved Bulldogs and Association basketball are second to none. Brother Matthew, and young guns Stephen Sochacki and Josh Jenner have easily settled into the Bulldogs senior squad and could receive votes.

Hard working Chris Mason and State junior Brad Rathjen have played important roles in the Panthers-Wizards’ performances this season resulting in second place on the premiership table. They may share votes in this season’s Award.

Roos likewise, have two standout players this season in Mony Makuer and Lukass Blicavs.

Both have however missed a significant number of games thus possibly affecting their tallies.

Panthers have had several consistent players this season. Dellon Brown has been their leading scorer, brother Teagan has competed well on the boards while Jak Ryan has had impacts in his limited number of games.

Kane deWit and Sam Stafford have been the “go to” players for Cougars in recent seasons, but both have seen minimal court time since the break. deWit turned his attention to the State Under 20 team and Stafford has moved to Adelaide to continue his football career with Glenelg.

Josh Murphy has easily been Millicent’s most consistent player this season and is expected to lead the team’s voting.

As there are many unknowns when one looks for contenders, the 2014/5 season Men’s SECBL voting is expected to be very close.                  

The Women’s SECBL competition has been dominated by one or two players from each team. While last season winner, Brianna Walters has continued her strong form for Panthers this season, four state juniors could have a telling impact on the final count.

They are Roos’ Rachael Hines and Millicent’s Alex Walker, who rank with the best in this age group in South Australia, talented Cougars forward, Tenille Gray and Panthers’ Brenna McKay, who is making her mark as a ”big” in SA Country junior ranks. On the down side, Walker may have missed out on votes because of forfeits received by her team during the season.

Bulldogs are to be commended on returning to the SECBL competition this season, led by former state junior Ebony McDiarmid and support from Ashley and Talia Earl and Sam Smith. The return of Smith for a full winter season will be a plus for the Club         

This Count, like the Men’s, promises to be a close contest.

A light supper and drinks will be available during the Counts on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.