St George Basketball Association marked a major milestone with its Senior Presentation Night, held for the first time as a stand-alone event separate from the juniors – a reflection of the Association’s rapid growth and success.
The event, staged at St George Leagues Club, drew a capacity crowd of players, families, coaches, sponsors, and friends, along with a distinguished list of VIP guests. In attendance were Ash Ambihaipahar MP (Federal Member for Barton), Zhi Soon MP (Federal Member for Banks), Deputy Mayor Sam Stratikopoulos (Georges River Council), Councillor Peter Mahoney (GRC), Basketball NSW CEO Maria Nordstrom, representatives from Club Rivers, and City Ford Rockdale Dealer Principal Jason Gerungan with Reid Zammit.
A season of firsts
The 2025 season will be remembered as one of the most successful in the Association’s history. Achievements included:
- The launch of the season with a Jersey Presentation Day, attended by members and sponsors.
- Signing of a sister-club relationship with Apollon Patra Basketball Club in Greece.
- A visit to junior training by Vassilis Parthenopoulos, CEO & President of Panathinaikos Basketball Club (Greece).
- Record-breaking home crowds of more than 300 spectators for Youth League Semi Finals.
- Unprecedented growth in social media engagement and reach.
- The Association fielding five senior teams in the NSW Waratah League for the very first time.
- Jaxon Frintzillas becoming the first St George player to trial in Greece with our sister club Apollon Patra Basketball.
“These achievements highlight the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in St George Basketball,” General Manager Valerie Stoddaart said. “Our community is strong and our players continue to thrive.”
Life membership awarded
One of the evening’s highlights was the awarding of Life Membership to Con Angelis, the Association’s Vice President, who has served for more than 15 years in coaching, leadership, and administration roles.
“Con’s contribution has been critical to the sustainability of St George Basketball,” President Ray Barbi said. “His involvement of St George Basketball has left a lasting legacy.”
Recognising coaches
The Association also paid tribute to its senior coaches and managers:
- James Needle (Head Coach) & Kem Pobje (Assistant) – Waratah Youth League Women
- James Gunaidi (Head Coach) & Apostolos Thanos (Assistant) – Waratah Youth League Men White
- George Aliferis (Head Coach), Chris Fiddler (Assistant) & Tony Trikilis (Manager) – Waratah Men White
- Joel Kimber (Head Coach) – Waratah Men Red
- Luthor Shannon (Head Coach), Edward Smith & Angelot Tsitsos (Assistants), Esther Shannon (Manager) – Waratah Youth League Red
2025 Senior Presentation Award Winners
- Waratah Youth Women: Best Defensive – Nika Pobje; Most Improved – Madeleine Zoumpoulis; MVP – Lena Kahle
- Waratah Youth Men White: Best Defensive – Adonis Thanos; Most Improved – Archie Fasch; MVP – Andrew Kim
- Waratah Men White: Best Defensive – Ross Aliferis; Players’ Player – Riley Brown; MVP – Jayden Tanevski
- Waratah Men Red: Best Defensive – Hayden Serrao; Players’ Player – Finn McDonagh; MVP – Blake Borgia
- Waratah Youth Men Red: Most Improved – Luis Nunez; Players’ Player – Mason Nichols; MVP – Maper Makur
- Special Awards:
- Ray Barbi Coach of the Year (Senior) – Luthor Shannon
- Valerie Stoddart Association Player of the Year (Senior Men) – Jaxon Jon Frintzilas
Backed by sponsors
The Association gave thanks to the sponsors and supporters who underpin its growth.
- Platinum Sponsor: City Ford Rockdale
- Diamond Sponsor: Club Rivers
- Silver Sponsors: Club Central, St George Leagues Club
- Bronze Sponsors: Paramount Tours, Owl Watch Securities, Marvel Skip Bins
- Social Sponsors: Sports in Focus, First Education, Easy Signs, St George Masos, Pancakes on the Rocks
- Club Sponsors: Spizvac Marketing, Paramount Tours, Queens Street Patisseries
- Senior Player Sponsors: Wellness Department (Christian Ishak), JAS Transport (Yianni Trikilis), Tilt Splicing (Chris Fiddler), Oceana Sea Products (Ilan Stern), Chullora Auto Body (Jack Ticic), Athletes Lab (Jayden Tanevski), Valsamis & Associates (Ross Aliferis), Anson Hoops (Anson Wen), DSS Facilities (Jaxon Jon Frintzilas), Point Underwriting (Talia Allouche), Brain Sells (Isabella Needle)
- Community Partners: Blakehurst High School, PCYC Rockdale, Dementia Australia
- Media Partners: The St George Leader, The Greek Herald
Treasurer George Aliferis said: “Our sponsors are not just financial supporters; they are partners in our vision. They are part of the fabric of St George Basketball.”
Board recognition
The Association also acknowledged the hard work of its board members, who continue to drive growth and development:
- Ray Barbi – President
- Con Angelis – Vice President
- George Aliferis – Treasurer
- Valerie Stoddart – General Manager
- Luthor Shannon – Board Member
- Phillip Towers – Board Member
Looking ahead
With representative trials beginning in October, attention is already turning to the 2026 season.
“Basketball is thriving in the St George area,” Luther Shannon, Head of Coaching, said. “We are building pathways for juniors and seniors alike, and with the strength of our community and sponsors, the future is incredibly bright.”
General Manager Ms Stoddardt concluded: “We thank every sponsor, coach, manager, volunteer, player, and family who contributed to our success in 2025. Together, we look forward to another historic year in 2026.”
