Nicholson wins back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year

Lauren Nicholson has been awarded her second straight Defensive Player of the Year award.

Announced on Monday night, the Sutherland Shark star edged out fellow nominees Norths’ Emily Seebohm, Canberra’s Lizzy Tonks, Manly-Warringah’s Antonia Henderson and Newcastle’s Mykea Gray for the prize.

Lauren Nicholson went off ?

3??7?? points, 9?? rebounds and 5?? assists in the #NBL1East Grand Final rematch ??

Watch the #NBL1East First Nations Round via https://t.co/NEk1I7kIKG or NBL1 App ?&? pic.twitter.com/JyCMtzmXm3

— NBL1 (@NBL1) July 8, 2023

Nicholson led her Sharks to the Elimination Finals before falling short against the Centre of Excellence. For the season she averaged a competition high 29.2 points, seven rebounds and 6.6 assists and 2.6 steals for Sutherland this season.

Tune into the NBL1 East women’s Grand Final between Manly Warringah and the Norths Bears on Saturday from 2:00pm AEST, streaming Live & Free Kayo Freebies.