By Karim Juan
NEBL Commissioner
Friday, April 19, 2019
The NEBL is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s regular season awards. Top scorer goes to Kris Frazier from Verdes who averaged 21.82 points/game while his teammate, Elsworth Itza, grabs the trophy for most rebounds at 12.33 rebounds per game. Edgar Mitchell from Griga Dream Ballers dished out the most assists at 6.5 dimes a game, winning this award three consecutive years. The team managers, commissioner and media representatives who cover the league voted for the other awards.
Coach of the Year is awarded to Bernie Tarr from Verdes who finished with the best regular season record, 10 – 2, while reeling off a league best 9 game winning streak and the #1 seed going into the playoffs. Rodrigo Barrera, also from Verdes, was named the Manager of the Year. Mr. Barrera was able to lock in new comer Belizean-American, Tyrone Hall, while bringing in Kris Frazier to the NEBL scene. Barrera was also able to keep key parts of last year’s team in the likes of Richard Troyer, Elvis Usher and Elsworth Itza, while signing Bernie Tarr to lead the helm.
The Defensive Player of the Year went to American import, Delvon Henderson from Griga Dream Ballers who led the league with 4.67 blocks per game while ripping 8.25 defensive rebounds per game, ranking second in that statistic. Jamal Kelly from Griga Dream Ballers won the honors of Most Improved Player, averaging 16.58 points per game, which was eight in the league and 3.42 assists/game this season, which was seventh most this season. Jamal was also one of the main offensive weapons for his team this season, helping Griga Dream Ballers to finish as the #2 seed going into the playoffs. Kevon Laurie of Belmopan Bandits walked away with the Sixth Man Award, averaging 7.58 points per game off the bench, while grabbing 3.83 rebounds per game. Rookie of Year was awarded to Raul Vanegas from Orange Walk Running Rebels, averaging 4.8 points per game and starting half of the games at point guard for his team. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) for this season was awarded to Kris Frazier from Verdes, as he led the league with 21.82 points per game while grabbing 11.73 rebounds per game, which was second in the league, behind teammate Elsworth Itza. Frazier’s stats were complemented by his flair, passion and monster dunks.
Awards were also handed out for the All-Star Events, as Nigel Jones from Belize City Defenders was the Slam Dunk Champion, while Tyrone Hall from Verdes was crowned Three Point Champion. The Most Valuable Player for the All-Star Game was awarded to Kris Frazier from Verdes. The league would like to congratulate all the players who won awards this season. Awards will be presented during the playoffs.