The annual Ipswich Basketball end-of-season dinner saw over 200 club members, sponsors and followers attend the Cameo Hotel in Copdock for another hugely successful send-off.
The tradition is now deeply rooted in the Copleston-based club, who this year saw the achievements of 12 junior, senior and academy teams celebrated.
Coaches hand out awards for each squad, for Most Valuable Player, Coaches’ Player of the Year, and Most Improved Player, similar to accolades common in the NBA and major basketball leagues.
Dominant centre Leigh Greenan was the senior men’s team MVP, winning the award for the third time in his career and first since 2014.
“In terms of pure statistics, I don’t know if this has been my best season, but in terms of all-round production this has been the best year of my career,” said a delighted Leigh.
“I’ve been able to help out a lot more on the defensive end, which is where I’ve been criticised in the past.”
There was a special moment for Pavel Kricka, whose images of IBC in action feature in these pages and websites on a weekly basis, as the long-time coach and club photographer was announced as IBC’s third Life Vice President.
“I’ve joined a very elite group,” Pavel said. “I’m extremely proud that the club have chosen to honour me. Nick Drane’s speech was very moving for me as it reminded me of the journey I’ve made with IBC, joining at the birth of the boys’ programme and helping Ipswich become one of the three biggest clubs in England.
“The job’s not done yet though, and I’m not hanging up my coach’s uniform – or my camera – any time soon!”
Hayley Rigby, an outstanding junior coach who will lead the East Region Under-13 girls this summer, won the Bernard Ball Award for outstanding contribution to the club.
Colin Dockrell, a veteran player who has begun the transition to junior coaching, was announced as male club person of the year, while Frances Musson was awarded female club person of the year after another outstanding season which saw her play a leading role for both the academy, and the u18 women.
In addition Frances has been a first class student at Copleston Sixth Form, where she is the Head Girl.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here