Cairns Basketball has been named the 2026 NBL1 North Association of the Year after its men's and women's programs collected a series of individual awards and All Star selections.
The Ground Australia Cairns Marlins entered the semi-finals undefeated after recording 16 wins from 16 games, setting an NBL1 North record.
The Industry Estate Agents Cairns Dolphins finished the regular season with 13 wins and three losses.
Indigenous Marlins coach raised on Yidinji Country, Joel Khalu, was named the Men's Coach of the Year.
Coach Khalu said the undefeated season reflected the work completed across the program.
"16-0 is an incredible and historic achievement, one the club and our team can be very proud of," Coach Khalu said.
"Our focus is now finals to make all this hard work worth it."
Arrernte, Kungarakan, Muran, Wagadagam, Warramungu and Walmampa man Kobe McDowell-White was named the Men's Youth Player of the Year and selected in the Men's All Star Five Second Team.
Torres Strait Islander woman Leichan Williams, who is from Darnley Island and Bowen, received the Women's Sixth Player of the Year award.
Māori man Luca Yates was also selected in the Men's All Star Five Second Team.
Cairns Basketball's award recipients were:
Kody Stattmann - Men's NBL1 North Most Valuable Player and Men's All Star Five First Team
Kobe McDowell-White - Men's Youth Player of the Year and Men's All Star Five Second Team
Leichan Williams - Women's Sixth Player of the Year
Marcus Wong - Women's Coach of the Year
Joel Khalu - Men's Coach of the Year
Mia Loyd - Women's All Star Five First Team
Luca Yates - Men's All Star Five Second Team
Brooke Basham - Women's All Star Five Second Team
Emma Collihole - Scoretable Official of the Year
Cairns Basketball general manager Luca Vergari said the Association of the Year award recognised the work of people across the organisation.
"This is a proud moment for everyone connected to Cairns Basketball," Mr Vergari said.
"These awards are the result of countless hours of hard work, and they belong to our players, coaches, officials, staff, volunteers, members and supporters."
"Every single person plays a part in what we've built here."
The award followed the Marlins' recent 10-year reunion, which brought players from the club's 2016 team together at its latest home game.
Mr Vergari said the Cairns basketball community had helped create an environment where the sport could develop.
"We're incredibly grateful to our community for making Cairns such a strong place for basketball to grow," Mr Vergari said.
The Dolphins will also enter the finals under Women's Coach of the Year Marcus Wong.
Coach Wong said the team's attention had shifted towards its semi-final.
"Everything now turns to finals, and it's important we remain healthy and have good training sessions leading into the semi-final," Coach Wong said.
Both Cairns teams will play their semi-finals at Trinity Ford Stadium on Saturday, August 1.
