A coach, a veteran superstar and a rising young gun had their fantastic 2019 seasons honoured as the Mandurah Magic proved a big part of Basketball WA's awards night on Saturday.
Head coach Craig Watts was announced the Women's State Basketball League coach of the year, Casey Mihovilovich was named to the all-defensive team and Jaime Skeggs was crowned high performance female athlete of the year.
Watts' accolade comes in just his first year at the helm, after he led the Magic to a top-two ladder spot and a playoff berth after taking the reins from predecessor Randy Miegel.
The coach faced a number of hurdles and changes to his line-up, but the Mandurah women still managed to conjure a 9-0 run to end the regular season.
"It's definitely a massive honour," Watts said.
"I look across the board and there are some A-grade coaches in the WSBL, so to be recognised by them as coach of the year certainly brings about a bit of pride.
"Really I think it speaks to what we achieved as a team, and the amount of work the Mandurah Magic puts into the women's program."
Mihovilovich's selection to the all-defensive team adds to an already enormous list of accolades for the iconic Magic star, as she also finished third in the league's MVP voting.
It's a huge feat for someone poised to break the league's all-time games played record over the course of next season, with Watts heaping praise on his evergreen guard.
"For her to still be playing at the level she produced this season, I think that's just amazing," he said.
"It speaks to her preparation. She's meticulous in making sure she's always fit and ready to play, and you won't find anyone that works harder."
While Mihovilovich continued to make history for the Magic, the club also had one of its rising stars recognised through Skeggs.
The teenager's selection as high performance female athlete of the year follows her hard work representing WA on the court, with Watts eyeing big things for the future SBL player.
"Jaime is one of many young women's players that has really enjoyed success coming through the Mandurah pathway," he said.
"She's one of a handful of girls giving our future a huge boost. I definitely see her having a strong career in the SBL."
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
