The top high school basketball players in Western Massachusetts were honored Sunday at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Ballroom, at the MassLive Western Mass. Basketball Banquet.
Tyonne Malone of Putnam won the John “Honey” Lahovich Award as the most outstanding boys player in Western Massachusetts, while Holyoke’s Callie Cavanaugh took home with the Vi Goodnow Award as the region’s top girls player.
Another high profile award – the Harold M. “Kid” Gore Award – was presented to Springfield Public Schools athletic director Mike Martin as a lifetime achievement honor.
The William G. Wise Awards recognize court excellence, sportsmanship, determination, hustle and scholarship. The six winners are: Rachel Granger, Minnechaug; Chelsea Moussette, Hampshire; Alyssa Stefanelli, Chicopee Comp; Brian Callahan, Pope Francis; Riley Held, East Longmeadow; and Matt Koperniak, Hoosac Valley.
In addition, John O’Brien of Westfield was honored with the Eric Koszalka Award for his efforts and success in handling challenges in life. Hoosac Valley’s Bill Robinson (boys) and Andrea Enright (girls) of Longmeadow were honored as the region’s Coaches of the Year, while other honors include the Larry Briggs Scholarship award and Western Mass. Tournament Most Valuable Player awards. Approximately 125 basketball players, coaches and administrators were honored at the banquet.
Captains and coaches of the state champion Longmeadow girls basketball team were also honored for their achievements.
Longtime local media personality Scott Coen served as master of ceremonies, and John Laviolette of New England DJs provided the music.
Longmeadow senior Olivia Shapiro also had the chance to take over the MassLive Snapchat account during the banquet, and you can see her video here.