23rd July 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
With the Division One Women finals fast approaching, the race for the 2026 MVP is building towards an exciting finish. We take a look at some of the standout performers whose leadership, teamwork and consistency have helped shape another outstanding season.
Team-first basketball and shared leadership have been hallmarks of the Division One Women competition this season.
As clubs prepare for the final push towards finals, players across the league have continued to lead by example, delivering influential performances while helping those around them succeed. With several clubs boasting multiple players among the competition's standout performers, the race for the 2026 Division One Women MVP remains as competitive as ever.
Mildura's Maleia Bracone has been among the competition's leading performers, averaging 23.7 points and 9.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game while playing a pivotal role in her side’s campaign. Melbourne University’s new signings Ai Yamada and Lana Hollingsworth have quickly established themselves as one of the competition’s most influential duos. Yamada has averaged 17.6 points, 4.3 assists and 2.4 steals per game, while Hollingworth has complemented her with 17.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per contest. Alongside the continued contributions of Meera Coburn and Olivia Virt, the pair have showcased the depth of Melbourne University's line-up.
Gippsland United teammates Ellie Coutts and Tresai McCarver have both showcased their versatility throughout the season. McCarver has averaged 15.1 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, while Coutts has continued to impact games across the board with 12.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 3.3 steals per contest.
Altona has also been well represented, with Alicia Sciberras and Kobe Tehau King-Hawea. Sciberras has averaged 14.2 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, while King-Hawea has continued to provide a strong inside presence with 13.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per contest. each making important contributions throughout the season. Their ability to influence games in different ways has been a significant factor in Altona's campaign.
Whittlesea's Sharna Ayres and Craigieburn's Vivien Saad have also produced impressive seasons. Ayres has continued to lead from the front with 17.1 points per game, while Saad has dominated the glass averaging an outstanding 16.9 rebounds per contest, to complete another strong field of MVP contenders.
Basketball Victoria Big V League Manager Andrew West said the Division One Women competition had continued to highlight the strength and balance of the Big V.
"Division One Women has been another fantastic competition this season, with players consistently stepping up and making important contributions to their teams," West said.
"One of the things that's stood out most has been the number of clubs with multiple players performing at such a high level. It speaks to the strength of the competition and the team-first mindset we've seen across the league. With finals approaching, I'm looking forward to seeing how these teams and players finish the season."
With the regular season entering its final rounds, every performance presents another opportunity for players to help their teams build momentum heading into finals. With so many athletes producing outstanding seasons, the race for the 2026 Division One Women MVP promises to go right down to the wire.
The Race to MVP series celebrates some of the standout performers across the Big V competition. With finals approaching, the race for individual honours remains wide open as players continue to help drive their teams towards postseason success.
-Ends-
For Media Enquiries:
Maree DeGeorge
Basketball Victoria
Media & Communications Specialist
maree.degeorge@basketballvictoria.com.au
0499 851 266
