Pickert adds the award alongside the league MVP, league top scorer, grand final MVP and a drought-breaking Horsham Hornets championship. 

He was also named in the Country Basketball League’s North West All-Star 5 team for the best players in the competition, as well as runner-up in the league’s defensive player of the year.

Pickert won the award comprehensively with 88 votes from fellow all-star Matt Lovel, who won 39 votes. 

Playing-coach Cam Bruce finished third with 20 points. 

Pickert said it was always great to be recognised for his efforts to the team.

“It’s always nice to get some individual recognition for a successful year, but the main thing was the grand final win,” he said.

“We had a very consistent year. We had no idea how we would go so in the end it finished up really well.”

Bruce said both Pickert and Lovel had fantastic seasons both on and off the court.

“They had an exceptional year, not only on the court but also off the court with how they were mentors for the younger players,” he said.

“Tim was a standout and if you came to the games you would have seen every week he was a very consistent player. We could rely on him to score, defend and do everything.”

Young gun Jeremiah McKenzie was honoured with the Graham Adams Memorial Award, an award given to an outstanding young player.

“Jezza deserved it and he improved out of sight this season,” Bruce said.

“We are looking forward to seeing him further develop his basketball in Ballarat during the year, and hopefully he can break into the South East Australian Basketball League with Ballarat.” 

For the Lady Hornets, Georgia Hiscock took out the top prize with 38 votes, five ahead of Caitlin Story with Liv Jones third on 26 votes.

Coach Gareth Hiscock said Georgia had a solid season on both ends of the court.

“She had a good year and took her game to another level,” he said.

“She averaged double figures in scoring for the year and came runner-up in the league’s defensive player of the season, so she had a good all-round season.”

Coach Hiscock praised both Story and Jones’ consistency throughout the season.

“They were both consistent. Caitlin plays that same good, consistent game every week and has been doing that for years,” he said.

“Liv is a great player and has given us a cool head in the back court. She has been a good addition to the team.”

Jess Cannane was given the coach’s award, which Hiscock said was an easy award to give.

“Jess is just a really valuable, influential player in the team,” he said.

“She’s a coach’s delight with her enthusiasm and passion for the game.”