2024 Annual Roundball Awards
What a year of top performers!
Each year roundball gives out 12 prestigious annual awards, proudly sponsored by A1Sports, to our Top 12 highest-achieving performers of the year. Four of these awards are solely for our top teams per division while the other 8 are individuals apart of the RBA.
Our class of top teams was awarded to Ballerinas in Coed, Sikhomode in D3, Swamp Dragons in D2, and Pizza Factory in D1. In addition, many players attached to these specific teams also won awards as well. One of Roundball's all-time greats Paris Sahi took home the Coed Player of the Year as he was known all year for knocking down the three ball at ease. In addition, Tyler Clough earned GM of the year as his teams won championships across both D2 and D3 this year and even made a finals appearance in D1 Vancouver this year.
When it came to our Top Players, Kwan Taek Oh from the Tigers earned D3 Player of the Year honors as he was an absolute monster in D3. His one-of-a-kind style threw teams off guard as he could hold his own in the post but also dominate teams with his playmaking and outside shooting ability. In addition, Anoka Athaya took home the D2 Player of The Year winning two MVP titles and playing phenomenal basketball in both Vancouver and Burnaby this year. Last but not least Marty Bogajev added yet another big award to his trophy case, this time the D1 Player of the Year as his MVP awards in both Vancouver Elite and Surrey Elite this year were second to nobody.
Our top Defensive and Offensive performers are always exciting awards to give out. Roundball's greatest Defensive Player of All Time Alan Hogan continues to do his thing at a very high level. He earned Defensive Player of the Year and was also the first player in Roundball history to win MVP and Top Defensive Player in one season this past summer. As for the offensive front, the always entertaining Tom Walter took home the Top Scorer of the Year. Tom was a monster this year in Vancouver scoring 40 plus on several occasions. Tom has been in our league for years and is consistently an All-Star and continues to win MVP awards. However, this year he reached a pinnacle with his ability to run up the scoreboard at will!
Last and most importantly, we honoured our annual Community Impact Recipient this year. Our Charle Dalde Community Impact Award is named after a man who tragically lost his life in Roundball's first year of existence. He was a player in our league who had a tireless work ethic, with three jobs and a desire to achieve like no other. Charle would be caught during work break time reading books on how to retire a millionaire. His work ethic, drive, and outlook on life was one of a kind. The Roundball Impact Award is named after Charle because the day after he lost his life all his teammates still showed up to play their basketball game the next day. That night served as an awakening to the Roundball program. It showed us that there was something about the community of basketball that helped people cope in the hardest of times. We knew from that moment that our leagues would have to be more impactful than just some highlights and statistics. Charle was a beacon of hope and his story and legacy live on through our Community Impact Award.
We were very proud to give this award to Balraj Dhillon this year! Bal has been a pillar in the east Burnaby community for several years. Not only has he taken the Byrne Creek boys to their first-ever provincial championship game but he has made a far more profound impact in the lives of Burnaby youth on a daily basis. He's been the greatest advocate for hundreds of young marginalized youth in the community over the past decade often putting in the extra hours and personal finance to support those who need it most. When it comes to Basketball, Bal has got numerous young people scholarships abroad. Without his efforts, many students without support would not have reached the levels they have if not for his advocacy. Bal has been a shoulder to cry on for many in the community who have faced tragic hardships, even still he has also been the largest supporter in their most triumphant moment. Shout out to this phenomenal person making an outstanding impact!
Congratulations to all the amazing award recipients this year.