15th July 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
With the Youth League One Men 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 consistency and development have helped shape another highly competitive season.
Confidence, growth and breakthrough performances have been defining features of the Youth League One Men competition this season.
As clubs prepare for the final push towards finals, players across the league have continued to elevate their game, producing standout performances while helping their teams build momentum at the right time of year. With talented athletes emerging across the competition, the depth of the league has once again been on full display.
Sunbury has been led by the outstanding performances of from Angus Palmer and Alex Gray. Palmer has been a dominant force throughout the season, averaging 18.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, while Gray has continued to impress with averages of 17.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
Coburg has also featured prominently, with Noah Santos and Zachary Thomas both playing key roles. Santos has averaged 17.1 points per game while continuing to influence games with his all-round play, while Thomas has been a commanding presence on the boards, averaging an outstanding 12.1 rebounds per game.
Blackburn's Mitchell Turner has continued to establish himself among the competition's leading scorers, averaging 20.8 points per game, while Wyndham's Declan Reno has emerged as one of the league's most consistent performers, averaging 12.9 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.
McKinnon's Oliver Mann has continued to deliver across the season with averages of 19.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, while Camberwell teammates Jesse Macleod and Billy Barton have both produced impressive campaigns. Barton has averaged 15.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, while Macleod continues to contribute across the floor with averages of 16.3 points and 2.9 assists.
Bendigo's Lachlan Somerville, Bulleen's Marcel Haj and Ballarat’s Bailey Jacobs have also put together strong seasons. Jacobs has averaged an impressive 14.9 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, further highlighting the depth of talent across Youth League One Men.
Basketball Victoria Big V League Manager Andrew West said the Youth League One Men competition continued to highlight the exciting progression of young athletes across the Big V.
"Youth League One Men has been another fantastic showcase of the talent coming through our pathways, with players continuing to grow in confidence and consistency as the season has progressed," West said.
"What's been particularly pleasing is seeing so many athletes step up for their teams in different ways. Whether it's scoring, rebounding, defending or creating opportunities for teammates, we've seen outstanding contributions right across the competition, and that's what makes this league so exciting to watch."
With the regular season entering its final round, every performance presents another opportunity for players to help their teams build momentum heading into finals. With so many athletes enjoying impressive campaigns, the race for the 2026 Youth League One Men 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
