South stars recognised on national stage

NBL1 South accounted for half of the All-Star Five selections at the 2026 NBL1 National Finals, with 5 of the 10 players recognised coming from the South.

The Women’s and Men’s All-Star Five teams were announced following Sunday’s Championship Games, with Frankston Blues star Jeremy Combs joined by Knox Raiders trio Haliegh Reinoehl, Agnes Emma-Nnopu and Paige Bradley, along with Waverley Falcons standout Katelyn Shumate.

Combs was named in the Men’s All-Star Five after averaging 20.5 points, 12.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists across Frankston’s 2 games.

The import forward opened the tournament with 14 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists against the Norths Bears before delivering 27 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals against the Forestville Eagles.

Knox’s championship-winning campaign produced 3 members of the Women’s All-Star Five.

Bradley averaged 20.3 points and 5.7 assists across the weekend, scoring at least 19 points in all 3 games. She finished the tournament with 20 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds in Knox’s 86–73 Championship Game victory over the Bankstown Bruins.

Reinoehl averaged 14.3 points and 8.3 rebounds, including consecutive 18-point performances against the Sturt Sabres and Mackay Meteorettes.

Emma-Nnopu averaged 12.7 points and 13.0 rebounds, highlighted by 28 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks against Mackay. She completed the weekend with 6 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 assists in the Championship Game.

Shumate completed the 5 NBL1 South selections after averaging 22.5 points and 6.5 rebounds across Waverley’s 2 games.

She opened the tournament with 25 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals in Waverley’s win over Mackay before adding 20 points and 7 rebounds against Bankstown.

NBL1 South was also represented in the Women’s Championship Game by referee Sam Viergever, who earned an appointment to officiate the national decider.

The weekend was capped by Alicia Froling being named Championship Game MVP after producing 24 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 assists in Knox’s victory over Bankstown.

Froling averaged 13.7 points and 8.0 rebounds across the tournament as the Raiders secured a second consecutive NBL1 National Finals championship.