Sobey, 24, produced two stellar performances for the under-strength Miners against Knox and Kilsyth in round 18 action on the weekend.

Missing star import Ken Horton, the Miners scored two unlikely wins and are now locked in for their first finals appearance since 2006. 

Sobey was as consistent as can be, leading the team with 28 points including five three-pointers, 10 rebounds and three assists in both games, adding two blocks against Knox and two steals against Kilsyth. 

After returning to the Miners mid-season upon completion of his US College degree, Sobey has quickly become a fan favourite for his high-flying dunks and blocks. 

He is averaging 17 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists a game – formidable stats in his first professional season. 

Ballarat Miners players have now won an unmatched six Player of the Week awards across the 18 rounds played, with Horton claiming three and Roy Booker two. 

Meanwhile, Ballarat Rush player Abbey Wehrung was close to earning the female award, averaging 27.5 points, three rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals to give the Rush two wins in the absence of captain Kristy Rinaldi at the weekend.

The Miners and Rush play their last home game of the season against Canberra on Saturday night.