For two years the Energy have done the hard yards for little reward in the win-loss column, but 2006 is a different story, with their team currently sitting 6th after 11 rounds, and with a great shot at playing in finals.

23 points and 10 reounds per game from Dean has played a large part in that.

But Latrobe City recognise that her contibution to a young, emerging team goes far deeper. Dean's efforts from the first time she walked onto the training court this season have been greatly appreciated.

Club Delegate Peter Ruane says Dean has been a breath of fresh air in terms of attitude and commitment. In his words "The other players in the team are more inspired not only to play well but desire to win at every outing".

Of course Dean's pedigree was well known for many years before joining the Energy. A long term player with Traralgon T Birds in the old premier division, Dean won a swag of awards and was well recognised as one of the league's stars.

This year the club named her Captain, and she has accepted the leadership responsibility for her young team in a way that probably reflects her professional life as a teacher - chossing to be a teacher and role model for juniors and young players around the club.

For all that, Dean is being recognised as our Big V/Basketball Victoria Queen of the Court for Week 11.

The Queen of the Court promotion is jointly auspiced by the Big V and Basketball Victoria with funding provided through Sport and Recreation Victoria.

Basketball Victoria is in the second year of a three year funded program aimed at increasing women's participation in all facets of the game.