And so, with the season drawing to a close we look back and discuss the Season Award Nominations.
Each year we present our 3 Seahawks trophies to worthy winners for "Most Valuable Player", "Most Improved Player" and "Junior Player of the Year", as well as a few other awards from BCS including "Players Player" as voted by the squad, "Spirit of the Sport" and "Best Newcomer". We may also include some further spot prizes which will be revealed on the night.
But first the shortlist of nominations, to give credit to those who deserve it. (Alphabetical order)
Most Valuable Player (MVP)
1. Vito Cheng - Vito has lead the team from the Point Guard position, using his speed to beat defenders with ease and get to the basket, whilst also adding a bunch of 3's to his name. He has also become a great commander, leading the team and organising the offence. The highlight was clearly his 4-point play on the buzzer to get the win over BU Developement.
2. Boris Petrov - Boris is a force under the basket, with solid post moves and strength at such a young age. He has played hard against men twice his size and never come up short. In the U17 tournaments, he was unstoppable and racked up serious numbers to help us finish 2nd overall.
3. Nathan Wickens - Nathan has come from strength to strength and his numbers have shown that. Against the Storm he got his season high 13pts as he played with flair and heart against strong opposition which almost got us the win. He has also shown a brilliant understanding of the game and has become a great mentor in the squad.
Most Improved Player (MIP)
There are so many, to pick 3 is difficult, so congrats to all!
1. Yera Aimaganbetov - Yera has worked so hard under the basket, going from a 3.0 ppg average last year, to dropping 13pts against Bridport last game. His moves have continued to grow, and he can twist and turn a defence at will.
2. Benno Huber - Benno has worked effortlessly on all aspects of his game, and has gone from a few minutes a game (or not even playing) to a solid 6th man. His shot has improved non-stop and his confidence with it, and has become a real asset to the team this year.
3. Brendan Willson - Brendan has gone from footballer to baller and is non-stop wanting to improve and learn. Although limited minutes in the senior squad, he has shown he belongs there, with some of the best defence on the squad. At U17 level he has played with fire and effort to help his squad finish 2nd overall.
Junior Player of the Year - Year 10 and below
All have played brilliantly for their age groups in the DBA Junior Tournaments, helping us get wins over Dorset Storm and Weymouth throughout the year. Kian, Andreas and Raul have also played in fixtures for the senior squad, and have only missed out on more minutes by such a strong senior squad this year. Congrats to All for the nominations.
1. Jack Cato
2. Harry Midgeley
3. Raul Mladin
4. Kian Safaee
5. Andreas Williams
Player's Player
This is voted for by the squad: Each player will get to pick 2 players (1st and 2nd choices), who they feel deserves the award. It may not be the "best" player, or the player who has scored the most, or the best blocker, rebounder, stealer... but should also include commitment, improvement, coach-ability, team work, involvement, mentor roles... basically, why you want them in your team!
Spirit of the Sport
Chosen by the coaches and the school, as the player throughout the whole squad who has generally been the best pupil in the team. Includes offence, defence, commitment, team work, friendliness, attendance, games and training sessions, .... everything. [BCS Pupils Only]
Best Newcomer of the Year
Includes their ability, but also their integration into the team and squad. Must be a new player from September or later.
1. Adam
2. Boris
3. Manuel
4, Tony
5. Raul
6. Vito