Sanford Collegiate was well represented among the province’s top high school basketball talent Saturday as Basketball Manitoba handed out its annual awards.
Leading the way was Grade 12 standout Halle Penner, who was named the AAA female player of the year following a dominant season on the court.
“I was happy and ecstatic but also proud of all the work I put in to get here,” Penner said. “It means a lot to earn the AAA player of the year for the second year in a row.”
Penner’s impact extended beyond her play, as she was also recognized with the Carl Ridd Award, which includes a $750 scholarship toward post-secondary education and honours student-athletes for excellence in sport, academics and community involvement.
“It means a lot that they would even consider me for the award,” she said. “I feel grateful for this recognition and proud of this achievement.”
Penner was also selected to compete in the A, AA, AAA girls graduating all-star game, where she joined many of the province’s top players.
Sanford’s presence at the all-star event extended beyond Penner, with teammate Jacintha Muir also earning a selection. Muir was additionally recognized with the Donovan Gayle Scholarship, a $500 award presented to players who demonstrate resilience, perseverance and a positive attitude both on and off the court.
The program was further represented on the AAA female all-Manitoba team, where Ryan McKinlay earned a spot among the province’s top players in the category.
Behind the bench, Sanford’s success was also reflected in coaching honours, with Kelli Sinnock named AAA girls coach of the year.
“It has been an honour to be named AAA coach of the year,” Sinnock said. “There are many great coaches out there that dedicate a lot of time, so it’s a true privilege to be nominated by fellow coaches.”
Sinnock credited the team’s success to its commitment and culture, noting the group’s consistency at the provincial level.
“The time, dedication and buy-in from this group has been incredible,” she said. “We have made it to the provincial finals for the last three years, and it was extremely special to win on home court in Sanford.”
She added that the team’s demanding schedule — including competing in higher-level tournaments — helped prepare the athletes for success.
“We played a heavy 4A tournament schedule and they rose to the challenge every time, winning four tournament championships,” Sinnock said. “I’m beyond proud of all of their accomplishments both on and off the court.”
Sinnock also highlighted Penner’s leadership and all-around ability as key to the team’s success.
“Halle led with her intensity, athleticism and experience,” she said. “She’s a player who is always willing to play both sides of the ball, and her rebounding ability is extremely special.”
Penner delivered a standout performance at provincials, averaging 27 points, 18 rebounds and five steals per game en route to being named tournament MVP and earning the players’ choice award.
Sinnock also pointed to McKinlay’s role as a steady presence on the court.
“Ryan is our starting point guard and an incredible defender,” she said. “She creates so many opportunities for us and has shown outstanding composure under pressure.”
For Penner, the success was a reflection of both personal growth and team achievement.
“I would describe my season as successful,” she said. “I’m most proud of our team winning provincials and the growth we’ve shown since last season.”
Penner will continue her basketball career at Brandon University while pursuing a bachelor of business administration degree.
“It has meant everything to be part of the Sanford program,” she added. “Coach Sinnock has been a great role model and support for me during my time here.”
Longtime contributor Hank Nyman was also honoured for his commitment to the sport, receiving recognition for 25 years of coaching service — a testament to the sustained strength and tradition within the Sanford basketball program.
The Basketball Manitoba Awards, held at Sport Manitoba Courts and the Manitoba Museum, celebrate the top players, coaches and contributors from across Manitoba’s high school basketball community.
For Sanford Collegiate, the collection of honours reflects not only individual excellence but the continued growth and success of its basketball program at multiple levels.
