Basketball - Andre and Françoise named top players of 2016 |16 January 2017

Beau Vallon Heat’s Steven André and B Challenge’s Laura Françoise are the 2016 male and female basketball players of the year, after their outstanding contributions to their team’s successes during the year.

After switching allegiance in the middle of the season, from 2015 league champions Mont Fleuri Dawgz to Beau Vallon Heat, Steven André was influential in helping the Heat win their first league trophy.  This means he has now won two league titles in a row, incredibly with two different sides.

Point guard André was pivotal for his side and he helped them secure not only the league title, but also the Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) Cup to complete a league and cup double.

Baya’s influential captain Dave Roseline was named as the runner-up, after helping his side to third place in the league.

While B Challenge managed to capture all three trophies – Curtain-raiser, league and SBF Cup – in 2016 to complete a great treble, none was more instrumental to their great form than young playmaker Laura Françoise.

With her fast drives and accurate passes, Françoise managed to take over from veteran Simone Malbrook to lead her side to achieving a great season.

Agnes Bristol, who plays for Mont Fleuri, was the runner-up after helping her side to third place in the league and two cup semifinal appearances.

As for the younger players, Taryll Hall is quickly becoming one of the most talented young players in the top division.

Hall, has been a regular starter for league and cup champions Beau Vallon Heat and has constantly contributed to the team’s great performances. His good performances have worked in his favour as he has been named the top young player of the year.

Jinny Dorby is the young female player of the year. She plays for Juniors and despite the fact that her team finished the league in fifth place, she was their best player all season long.

S. N.