2008 marks the 10th year that the NACBA has officially hosted a Women’s divisions. Traveling down a long road that began decades ago with simple exhibition matchups, to the inaugural year of 1999 when 5 teams of pioneering ladies took to the courts, and ending up this year with a record setting 15 teams in 2 separate divisions this year, the women of the NACBAIT have certainly made their mark.  At the Tournament Banquet this year, we honored the Top 10 players of the past 10 years, as well as our Most Outstanding player to date.  These are the players who have made the biggest impact on our tournament over the years.

Most Outstanding Player

Cecilia Chan, Toronto CCYAA:  Cecilia has attended every single one of the 10 NACBA Women’s Tournaments.  A 7-time All-Tournament selection, she earned MVP honors in 2006 when she single-handedly led her Cinderella team to the Championship.   With her dedication to the tournament, her amazing ball skills, and selfless attitude, CC has easily been the most outstanding player in the NACBA for the past 10 years.

The NACBA Top 10 at 10

1. Cassie Chi, San Francisco Red Coach: The 2005 MVP and a two-time Champion, Cassie is a team leader and a deadly scorer from anywhere on the court.  She has 3-point range, can stop on a dime for the pull-up, and never misses a free throw.  With ice running through her veins, Cassie is one of the top players under pressure that the NACBA has ever witnessed. 

2. Ann Ching, Toronto Dragons:  Ann Ching is a multitalented, 6 time All-NACBAIT guard who can do it all.  You name and she does it.  She rebounds, handles the ball, passes to the open teammate, and scores with ease.  Ann is one of the most impressive players in our 10 years of hosting this division.  A great role model for the young fans.

3. Ling Lai, Philadelphia Lady Suns:  Ling is a 4 time All-Tournament selection and was the 2007 Liberty MVP, as Philly captured their first title.  As a long range bomber and superior defender, Ling is the top ranked player for the Suns.  She plays hard every time she steps foot onto the court and is the most improved player in the history of the tourney, as she has worked her way onto the short list of perennial All-NACBAIT selections. 

4. Kalyn Lee, Washington CYC China Dolls:  Kalyn is one of the best all around forwards in the game.  With her height, she can dominate around the hoop at both ends.  With her guard like skills, she can take her game outside to pop the three, or drive to the hole.  One of the last remaining players from the China Dolls 1999 Championship team, she continues to provide veteran leadership to a rebuilding program.

5. Angie Leung, NY Lady Cruisers/Toronto Dragons:  While she made her mark with the NY Lady Cruisers as a repeat All-NACBAIT selection at point guard, the diminutive Angie has continued to impress as she has made the switch to the Toronto Dragons during the past few years.  The biggest crowd pleaser in the game thanks to her slick dribbling show, she is also a top rated scorer and defender.  With her humility and dedication to the game, Angie was a first ballot choice for the Top 10 at 10.   

6. Kelly Tiao, SF ArcAngels:  Ever since she burst onto the scene back in Vegas, Kelly has made a huge impact every Memorial Day weekend.  She has talent unseen in someone her height, as well as the smarts to know how to use her skills to help her team succeed.  A two-time choice for the All-Tournament squad at the Forward slot, Kelly is the most pivotal player for the perennially contending ArcAngels.

7. Allison Welsh, LA Aiya: A four time All-NACBAIT Selection and 2007’s MVP, Allison’s exuberance and desire to score the pressure buckets have made all the difference for LA Aiya.  With her ability to pop the three and hit the midrange, Allie has been the crunch time scorer for the NACBA’s most fabled franchise. 

8. Danby Wong, Toronto Dragons: As a player, Danby’s tough defense and court vision from the forward position have been fundamental to the success of the Toronto Dragons.  As a selfless organizer, she has helped captain the Dragons into an established team on the NACBA circuit.  As our webmaster, her endless efforts have provided the NACBA with a top notch website.  Her unsung efforts behind the scenes over the years have been a key to the growth of the Women’s division and the NACBAIT as a whole.

9. Sabrina Yap, LA Aiya:  A 2002 All-NACBAIT choice, “Bree” was one of the driving forces behind the LA Aiya title runs in the early part of the decade.  As an all-around player, physical defender, and team leader, Bree’s efforts have helped LA Aiya to 4 Tournament titles in the past 7 years.    

10. Debbie Young, LA Aiya: The 2001 MVP and a three-time All-Tournament selection, Debbie is an automatic spot up shooter once her feet are set.  Well into her forties, she continues to compete at the highest of levels, as she faces competitors half her age and regularly takes them to school.  A consummate hard nosed team player and one of the best screen setters around, she simply does whatever her team asks her to do.