Wildcats guard Valerie Cassidy De Falco secures Molten Young Player of the Year honours

Great Britain junior international and Nottingham Wildcats talent Valerie Cassidy De Falco has capped off an incredible 12 months by securing the Molten Young Player of the Year title. 

The second Wildcat to win the award in three years after German forward Praise Egharevba took home this honour in the 2021/22 season, the 17-year-old has been a key component in Nottingham’s return to the Playoffs this campaign.  

Featuring for Great Britain last summer as a 16-year-old at Under-18 level, Cassidy De Falco notched a GB career high 14 points in the tournament and came into the British Basketball League season building on that strong form.  

Averaging eight points and three assists in 24 minutes per game, the 5’4” guard posted a League career high of 28 points against the Manchester Giants in December and contributed double-figure scoring numbers in five of the team’s 20 Championship encounters. 

Still only 17 years old, the Wildcats youngster has a huge future ahead of her both domestically and for the National Team, and will surely be a key piece for Nottingham Head Coach Karen Burton as they continue to build the programme in years to come. 

Speaking following confirmation of her award, Cassidy De Falco said:  

“I feel so grateful for having been given the opportunity to play in this team. Everyone supported me along the way and helped me to progress both on and off the court.  I appreciate the recognition of my hard work and I will continue striving further to improve my game.” 

Wildcats Head Coach Karen Burton added: 

“I am so pleased that Valerie has been recognised this season by my fellow Head Coaches in the League. She works incredibly hard every day to maximise her potential.   

“Valerie has been a key factor in our push to be back in the Playoffs this season. Playing with maturity and leadership, her understanding of reflection and improvement is the driving force behind her work ethic.”   

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A full voting record for the Molten Young Player of the Year can be found below. Each voter was asked to select their top three candidates for the award, with first choice receiving three points, second choice receiving two points and third choice receiving one point. 

The player with the most points after all the votes had been tallied was named the Molten Young Player of the Year. Coaches and Captains were not permitted to select members of their own team for the awards.   

VoterFirst ChoiceSecond ChoiceThird Choice
Erin McGarrachanKatie JanuszewskaAbbey WhitehouseFaye Endean
Chantelle HandyKatie JanuszewskaAbbey WhitehouseValerie Cassidy De Falco
Laura ShanahanYevheniia PutraKatie JanuszewskaValerie Cassidy De Falco
Stef CollinsValerie Cassidy De FalcoAlex McIntoshErin Powell
Elle HendershotValerie Cassidy De FalcoFaye EndeanAbbey Whitehouse
Lee DavieKatie JanuszewskaValerie Cassidy De FalcoAbbey Whitehouse
Claire PaxtonValerie Cassidy De FalcoEva KarasiteAlex McIntosh
Ashley CooksonKatie JanuszewskaValerie Cassidy De FalcoFaye Endean
McKenzie JohnstonValerie Cassidy De FalcoFaye EndeanYevheniia Putra
Ben StanleyValerie Cassidy De FalcoYevheniia PutraCamerom Taylor-Willis
Temi FagbenleTiarna Chambers-DesmondEva KarasiteTeniola Okunrinkoya
Stella KaltsidouValerie Cassidy De FalcoKatie JanuszewskaEva Karasite
Georgia AndersonValerie Cassidy De FalcoKatie JanuszewskaFaye Endean
Marg JonesKatie JanuszewskaValerie Cassidy De FalcoCamerom Taylor-Willis
Marina FernandezKatie JanuszewskaKian Omer-JonesKatie Cox
Matt NewbyValerie Cassidy De FalcoKatie JanuszewskaFaye Endean
Mari StewartYevheniia PutraAlex McIntoshFaye Endean
Karen BurtonFaye EndeanKatie JanuszewskaAlex McIntosh
Allison DayValerie Cassidy De FalcoKatie JanuszewskaEva Karasite
Lee RyanValerie Cassidy De FalcoKatie JanuszewskaEva Karasite
Nicolette FairleyYevheniia PutraFaye EndeanValerie Cassidy De Falco
Vanessa EllisAbbey WhitehouseFaye EndeanKian Omer-Jones