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The WNBL season festivities drew to a close on Friday night for the Alcohol. Think Again West Coast Waves, concluding their successful year with an awards night at The Sandpit in Perth.

The evening commenced with speeches from Waves Captains Melissa Marsh and Tully Bevilaqua.

Marsh paid compliments to Bevilaqua, informing her younger team mates to value what they’ve been taught by the West Australian great.

“To have been able to play alongside somebody like Tully for a year [in your first season], count yourselves as lucky.”

Marsh was also quick to thank Waves coach David Herbert for what he had done to help the club in 2010/11, claiming that the season was the beginning of great success for women’s basketball in Perth.

“The amount of time Herbie has put in to the season is unbelievable” she said. “We are now on the way [to winning], so thank you for all you’ve done this year.”

From Indiana USA, Bevilaqua joined the awards night via Skype, thanking her team mates for allowing her to finish her WNBL career at home, on a high note.

“I had the best time playing with you all back in Perth” Tully stated. “It was really refreshing and I hope you understand just how much I enjoyed it.”

Bevilaqua then went on to relive some of the highlights she experienced throughout the season, expressing her excitement for the many more memories that will be had by her team mates on their home court.

Tully concluded with the positive effect the Waves organisation had had on her, again sharing her thanks to those who made her season so memorable.

“This year was so fulfilling” she said. “It was really humbling to see what one win meant to my team mates.

“To see the team go from really wanting to win, to truly believing they could win, regardless of the opposition, was just amazing.”

Waves coach David Herbert concluded the speeches, speaking of how Perth was no longer considered an ‘easy win’ throughout the WNBL.

“We were very very close to playing finals [this season]” Herbert said “Coaches now fear coming to play here at the Sandpit in WA.

“We’ve learnt some valuable lessons and the players need to realise the sacrifices they need to make, to be great.”

All 18 members of the 2010/11 Alcohol. Think Again West Coast Waves squad were then re-introduced to their fans, and given their WNBL jersey to remember the season by.

Six awards were given on the night, with two of the clubs veterans taking home half the trophies.

Tully Bevilaqua won the Waves Best Defensive Player of the Year Award, along with the Waves MVP.

Melissa Marsh earned herself the Coach’s Award.

Rookie of the Year was awarded to Zoe Harper.

Sam Norwood took home the Most Improved Player Award.

Gabriella Clayton received the Commitment to Excellence Award.

The evening wrapped up with fans, players and staff on the dance floor, celebrating the successes of the season that was.

Article by Matthew Ogg