9th July 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
With the VC Youth League 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 who have helped shape another highly competitive season.
Consistency, versatility and team-first basketball have defined another outstanding VC Youth League Women season.
As clubs prepare for the final push towards finals, a number of players have continued to deliver for their team's week after week, producing impressive performances across every area of the game. With representatives from eight different clubs featuring among the competition's standout performers, the quality and depth of the league have been on full display throughout the season.
Kilsyth's Krystal Arnason has enjoyed an outstanding all-round campaign, averaging 17.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.7 steals per game. A versatile player who thrives on doing the one percenter, Arnason has built a reputation as a relentless defensive presence while continuing to make an impact across every area of the game.
McKinnon has also enjoyed strong contributions from Arden Bailey and Kayla Welsh. Bailey has averaged 17.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, while Welsh has continued to make her mark with consistent performances across multiple areas of the game, giving McKinnon two players firmly in the MVP conversation.
Knox teammates Ella Sutherland and Tahlee Farrell have also put together impressive seasons. Sutherland has showcased her all-round ability with strong scoring, playmaking and defensive pressure, while Farrell has continued to deliver across the board, highlighting the depth of talent within the Knox program.
Keilor's Orla McMahon has continued her consistent form throughout the season, while Diamond Valley teammates Tahlia Leeson and Amy List have each enjoyed impressive campaigns, making important contributions at both ends of the floor.
Waverley's Hayley Hermus has continued to play an important role for her side this season, while Eltham's Justine Walker has continued to provide consistent performances for her side, further highlighting the quality spread right across the competition.
Basketball Victoria Big V League Manager Andrew West said the VC Youth League Women competition continued to showcase the quality and depth of emerging talent across Victoria.
"The VC Youth League Women competition continues to go from strength to strength, and it's been fantastic to see so many athletes continue to develop while making important contributions to their teams," West said.
"What stands out is the number of players impacting games in different ways. Whether it's scoring, rebounding, creating opportunities for teammates or making defensive plays, we've seen outstanding performances across the competition. That depth of talent is a real credit to the athletes, coaches and clubs, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the season unfolds as finals approach."
With the regular season entering its final rounds, every performance presents another opportunity for players to help build momentum for their teams heading into finals. With so many athletes enjoying impressive campaigns, the race for the 2026 VC Youth League 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.
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For Media Enquiries:
Maree DeGeorge
Basketball Victoria
Media & Communications Specialist
maree.degeorge@basketballvictoria.com.au
0499 851 266
