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.
Ash Ambihaipahar, MP Federal Member for Barton, with Maria Nordstorm CEO of Basketball NSW, presenting awards to Youth League Women, Lena Kahle, Nika Pobjie and Madeleine Zoumpoulis.
General Manager Valerie Stoddardt address at the start of the Presentation Night.
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.”
Ross Aliferis best Defensive Player, Men’s White team presented by Sam Stratikopoulos, Deputy Mayor of Georges River Council.
Ray Barbi President of SGBA presenting Luther Shannon the Senior Coach of the Year award.
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.”
Ray Barbi President of SGBA with Sam Stratikopoulos Deputy Mayor of Georges River Council, Con Angelis Vice President of SGBA and Ash Ambihaipahar, MP, Federal Member for Barton.
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
Youth league Men’s team, Angelo Tsitsos, Assistant Coach with players and assistant coach Ed Smith and Head Coach Luther Shannon.
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
Awards to Men’s White team, Riley Brown Players player, Ross Aliferis Best Defensive player and Jayden Tanevski MVP.
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.”
George Aliferis Treasurer presenting Platinum Sponsors City Ford Rockdale, Jason Gerungan, Dealer Principal and Reid Zammit Sales Manager.
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.”