Third year AIS Scholarship holder Andrew Ogilvy receives his first Player of the Month award in his final season before embarking on a collegiate career with Vanderbilt University in the USA. Other contenders for the award were Adam Gibson (Southern Districts), Anthony Petrie (Canberra) and last month’s winner David Gruber (Frankston).

18-year-old Andrew, originally from Hills Hornets, had a stellar month which included a Player of the Week recognition for Round 8. Despite losing in Overtime against Nunawading, Andrew Ogilvy recorded 45pts@65%, 16rebs and 7blks, all career highs. To finish the month Andrew continued his impressive current form with 26pts@86%, 7rebs, 3ass and 2blks to help the AIS to a rewarding 100-89 victory against the higher placed Frankston. Andrew is a member of the Australian Emus team for the upcoming World Junior Championships in July.

EAST MEN COACH OF THE MONTH – BRUCE PALMER (Southern Districts Spartans)
After a disappointing start to their SEABL campaign, Spartans coach Bruce Palmer has guided his team to an impressive 4-0 record for the month of April. Starting the month with an average 4-4 record, the Spartans have slowly moved into second position, and look like the only team capable of defeating the undefeated Supercats.

Despite all four victories coming at home, the Spartans defeated Frankston (120-106) in round seven and smashed the Gunners (119-83) in round eight, and as a result of the victories stole their position on the ladder. Southern Districts have had a winning margin of 22.5pts this month, and are the second highest scoring team in the league averaging 106pts a game.

SOUTH MEN PLAYER OF THE MONTH – MICHAEL HILL (Bendigo Braves)
Michael Hill has been a quality addition for his new team since arriving in round 4 after winning the NBL Championship with Brisbane. Michael has been rewarded for his consistent performances for Bendigo this month with his first SEABL Player of the Month Award after averaging 26.4ppg, 6.4rpg, 5.4apg and 1.8spg.

28 year old Hill recorded his first career SEABL Triple Double with 27pts@41%, 12rebs and 11ass against NW Tasmania and earned Player of the Week honours to finish the month. Michael started the month with three consecutive 24 point games, and scored 33pts, 7rebs and 2 steals in the Braves 5pt loss to Hobart.

SOUTH MEN COACH OF THE MONTH – MARK CHIVERS (Hobart Chargers)
Hobart Chargers have had a very inconsistent season so far this year, sitting in second position with a 6-6 record. However Mark Chivers receives his fifth Coach of the Month award for a 3-2 record for the month of April, which included a sensational 102-86 victory on the road against Nunawading in round 7.

Chivers is currently in his 11th season as Chargers Head Coach, and has a team this season full of youth and experience, capable of winning the Championship. Chivers recorded home victories over NW Tasmania (129-112) on Easter Monday, and finished the month with a rewarding 103-98 win over Bendigo.

WOMEN PLAYER OF THE MONTH – KAREN ASHBY (Ballarat Lady Miners)
2006 League MVP Karen Ashby wins her third Player of the Month Award after another sensational month of basketball. Other contenders for the award in April were Crista Hays (Launceston) and Hollie Grima (Knox).

Karen won Player of the Week honours in round eight for her 24pts@67%, 11rebs and 7ass performance against NW Tasmania. In her first match against Southern Districts in Brisbane, Karen showed why she is regarded as one of the best players to have played in the SEABL with 22pts@50%, 13rebs, 3ass, 4blks and 2stls, helping the Lady Miners to a 79-65 victory. Ashby’s overall impressive play this month has helped her Lady Miners team remain on top of the Women ladder with a 10-1 season record.

WOMEN COACH OF THE MONTH – MARK HOLLAND (Knox Raiders)
A Prize mid season recruiting drive has enabled Knox Raiders coach Mark Holland to improve his 2007 season tally with a 4-1 record for the month. He also helped move his team into third position on the ladder with an overall 6-5 record, after starting the month in sixth place with a disappointing 3-4 record.

Despite a 60-75 loss to arch rivals Kilsyth to start the month, the Knox Raiders have won their past four matches. The Raiders finished the month with a confidence boosting 55-45 return victory over Kilsyth, and then backed up the following day with a 79-64 win at home against second placed Bendigo.