Announcing our Playmakers of 2025

The 2025 SportsVisio Playmaker Awards recognized the athletes and plays that shaped the season, honoring not just performance, but influence. From dominant individual campaigns to a single decisive play under pressure, this year’s winners represent the highest standard of competitiveness and execution.

Women’s Player of the Year (Mia McEntee- Dublin Raiders)

Mia McEntee has continued her rapid rise as one of the youngest players competing in the Irish National League, showing maturity and composure well beyond her years. After beginning her senior career with the Oblate Dynamos last season, McEntee made the move to the Dublin Raiders, a transition that proved pivotal in her development. Embracing a larger role and increased responsibility, she delivered consistent performances throughout the campaign, highlighted by a season-high 18-point outing. She also had a strong showing on the Got Game All Stars tour at the Mare Nostrum Cup in Spain in April. Her progression from promising newcomer to Player of the Year underscores both her work ethic and her growing influence at National League level.

Men’s Player of the Year (Anthony Escobedo- Red Eye Rebounders)

Anthony Escobedo has been a dominant force for the Red Eye Rebounders. His impact is huge: averaging a double-double with 24.9 points and 16.7 rebounds per game. His ability to control the paint, shoot efficiently, and consistently outwork opponents made him a standout performer in a league full of experience and intensity. The Suburban Dad's League continues to prove itself as one of the most competitive and entertaining environments in recreational basketball, blending high-level play with personality and passion. Vibrant, often humorous, commentary adds to the atmosphere, games deliver not just results but genuine entertainment and Escobedo’s performances were must-see moments through both Season 1 and Season 2.

Play of the Year (Destinee Bursch to Sorcha Tiernan)

Destinee Bursch brought a strong collegiate pedigree to Liffey Celtics after a standout college career at Minnesota State University Moorhead, where she established herself as a consistent scorer and floor leader at NCAA level. That experience translated seamlessly to the European environment. Paired with Sorcha Tiernan, a true Celtics native who has been a cornerstone of the program for years, the duo formed one of the most dynamic performances in the league.

Both played pivotal roles in driving Celtics all the way to this year’s National Cup Final, with Bursch averaging 14.7 points and 5 rebounds per game, and Tiernan contributing 14 points and 4.4 rebounds. Their sharpshooting was a major weapon, with both converting 35% from beyond the arc, blending experience, precision and competitive fire to elevate their team throughout the season. Moments like Bursch’s audacious behind-the-back pass to Tiernan on the fast break away from home captured the confidence and flair that defined the Celtics’ style, performances that proved pivotal in shifting the group into a winning mindset and ultimately powering their run to the National Cup Final.