Cranston-Lown’s presence could always be felt across any squad he represented, whether it was his home Goldminers side, New South Wales or even Australia.

His highlights this year included a step up to the Under 18s Australian training camp, competing in the Under 20s Australian Junior Championships as a bottom age player and earning a place in the national Under 18s Asia Cup extended squad.

“We had a phone probably a week prior to the night saying that I’d won an award but I didn’t know what it was. It was only when they called it out that I found out,” Cranston-Lown said.

“I was really surprised because a lot of those other winners are big names so it’s great to be in the same category as all of them.”

Statistics certainly back up his award.

Cranston-Lown shot at 24.5 points per game for the Goldminers during a tough campaign in this year’s Waratah Youth League men’s division two season.

In the Under 20s nationals he shot at a higher percentage from the three point line than the rest of his team, 42 per cent, and shot above 50 per cent from the field.

He will be looking to back up those numbers should he line up for the next edition in February.

Keep up to date with the latest sports news by clicking here.

Another highlight came in August when he helped NSW claim gold in the School Sport Australia Secondary Basketball Championships in Darwin.

His influence was also felt in the school scene.

He helped take St Stanislaus’ College to the ISA division two title with an undefeated record.

From there he was named captain of the ISA representative team who recorded their first ever clean sweep over GPS, AICES and CAS.

However, it was his step up to the national level that Cranston-Lown looks back on most fondly.

Cranston-Lown may have missed the cut to play in the FIBA Under 18s World Cup at Thailand but took plenty away from his time in the training camp.

“Making the Australian squad was great, and probably what got me the award,” he said.

“That was the biggest step I’ve taken in my basketball career.

“I like to thank all my basketball coaches and staff who have trained me and helped get me to this position. Also have to thank my family and my teammates who have kept encouraging me.”

Cranston-Lown was announced as a NSW under 20s squad member in October, as was Bathurst’s Matilda Flood.