By Colin MacGillivray
Wallan Panthers capped a successful season of Big V basketball with an awards night earlier this month.
The Panthers’ division two men and youth league division two women each progressed to semi-finals, while the club’s division two women were knocked out in the first round of finals.
While the men’s team fell short of its championship aspirations, there was still plenty to celebrate as first-year United States import Arcaim Lallemand was named among the division two All Star Five, and forward Tyler Best was named the division two Youth Player of the Year.
Lallemand was named the team’s most valuable player at the association’s award night and said he was excited about the team’s direction after his first season in the Panthers’ teal and black.
“When I was named in the All Star Five it was more about how the team helped me to be a leader. It wasn’t always me dominating the ball as much as just being on the receiving end of a great play,” he said.
“I can create my own points and I do a times, but for the most part other people create for me – I just get found in the right spots.
“It was awesome to get that award because I do the rebounding and grunt work, but a lot of times I’m just the person who finishes the job off of plays that one of my teammates created.”
Lallemand said he was committed to returning to the Panthers for the 2023 season and believed the team could take another step forward together.
He said he had adjusted to the pace and physicality of the Big V competition as the season wore on and was keen to return with experience under his belt.
“I think I had to get a feel for things. I had some frustrations adjusting to the physicality of the game, not necessarily because it was too tough, but just understanding when and how to match that toughness,” he said.
“I didn’t realise how crafty some guys were, and how aggressive they are in the right moments.
“Personally, I wasn’t happy about how the season ended, so it will be great to be back next year.”
Lallemand said his connection with Wallan Basketball and the wider community made the decision to return to the Panthers an easy one.
“During our games we’ve got kids who are coming to see us and I’m stopping during warmups to shake somebody’s hand or go wave to a kid,” he said.
“I’m excited, because I think we’ll look a little different and surprise people even more. At the same time, it’s all because of the work we put in last season that we can hopefully reap what we sowed this year.
“What’s keeping me around isn’t just the basketball side, it’s the community and the connections I’ve built.”
Big V award winners
Division two men: MVP, Arcaim Lallemand; runner-up, Abraham Solano; coach’s award, Jaak Ponsford.
Division two women: MVP, Sarah Scott and Kaitlyn Wakartschuk; runner-up, Jacinta Scott; coach’s award, Katarina Kekez.
Youth league division two men: MVP, Sebastian Villegas; runner-up, Dion Stacey; most improved, Dion Stacey.
Youth league division two women: MVP, Olivia Dalmau; runner-up, Ruby Pantisano; most improved, Melissa Buckley.
Victorian Junior Basketball League award winners
Under 20 boys: MVP, Oliver Stewart; runner-up, Tyler Jackson; coach’s award, Oliver Stewart.
Under 14 boys (1): MVP, Rivva Scully; runner-up, Orlando Andersen-Wells; coach’s, Ed Stephenson.
Under 14 boys (2): MVP, Lincoln Pappin, runner-up, Brooklyn Smith; coach’s award, Brooklyn Smith.
Under 14 girls: MVP, Heidi Pirpinias; runner-up, Matilda Skora; coach’s award, Heidi Pirpinias.
Under 12 boys (1): MVP, Adriano Bresciano; runner-up, Parker Schultz; coach’s award, Case Thomas.
Under 12 boys (2): MVP, Remy Breen; runner-up, Aslan Kan; coach’s award, Maximillian Mayer.
VJBL Club Champion: Adriano Bresciano.
Coach of the Year: Peter Caspar.
