Fri 20th April
Friday night saw the BCS Sports Academy Awards Dinner, highlighting the brilliance at sport at the school. Basketball was well represented with most of the senior squad in attendance.
As every year, this evening highlights what a strong sporting school BCS has become, under the massive input from Richard Harrison-Poole and his PE dept. staff, supported well by the Headmaster, Richard Slatford. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring in the pupils and give them oppurtunities to chase their dreams. Among others the Football academy winning the national school Futsal championships, whilst getting players into Premiership academies, the Tennis Academy getting to national finals and having players ranked the best in Europe, the Swim Academy who continually rack up medals and medals in every meet, alongside individual accolades, like sailors, skiers, badminton and volleyball players who are not only allowed, but supported and encouraged to take time off school to pursue their sports.
This years guest speaker was Rio 2016 Silver Medalist, Para-Triathlete Laura Steadman, who talked brilliantly about overcoming her disability and taking what is on offer.
As for basketball, even though we have a few games left in the season it was a great oppurtunity to get together and thank the players for their input for the year and seasons past, and hand out the awards.
Peter Huang picked up the coveted MVP title for 2017-18. Peter has worked non-stop on his game. Always looking to improve himself and his team around him. His speed has always split defences and his ball handling and control of the game from the PG position has led the team. He also picked up Player's Player, as voted by his team-mates.
Josh Strongman picked up a special Coaches Award. Since 2013 at the age of 13, Josh has been a staple in the Seahawks academy, improving year on year. This year he has pushed myself and Peter for the scoring title, which is yet to be decided. Having left BCS for 6th form, he has returned as an Alumni and committed to his Seahawks. We congratulate him on his scholarship position at Harland University, Arkansas, USA.
Abner Li took the Most Improved Player award. Starting the season already saw an improvement on last season, but still nervous with the ball in hand. Some good solid basketball IQ meant he could always improve with skills based drills. Now as a 6th man, gaining a few starts, Abner has been adding points with good drives and corner shooting. Defensively he's stepped up and plays an amazing press defence when called upon.
Junior Player of the Year went to Brendan Willson, who having joined the academy this year has turned his amazing sportsmanship and understanding of team play, from the football pitch to the basketball court. His dedication is second to none, always the first in, and working hard, asking questions to improve and has now broken into the senior squad.
Newcomer of the Year went to Yera Aigmaganbetov, who has been solid underneath. He also becomes Club Captain for 2018-19.
Spirit of the Sport goes to Benno Huber for his continued effort and improvement over the year.