We're pleased to announce the 2009 English Players of the Year!

 

From the British men's and women's teams are Joel Freeland and Johannah Leedham.

 

Southampton native, Freeland, really came into his own in the 08/09 season, both with Spanish club team (Gran Canaria) and the British national team. With a newfound confidence and growing athletic ability, he scored 16 points in three games for Great Britain at Eurobasket in 2009.

 

At 22 years of age, Johannah Leedham is quickly establishing herself as one of Britain's top female players. Currently in her senior year at Franklin Pierce University (USA), Leedham has racked up countless school records stateside and as a British player in 2009, she averaged over 11 points per game.

 

At the Under 18 age group, Michael Manghum and Ella Clark have been selected as English Players of the Year for 2009. Mikey Manghum had a breakthrough year in 08/09, leading his Derby Trailblazers to the U18 playoff championship for the first time as well being amongst five England players who averaged double digits in scoring at the 2009 European Championship.

 

Ella Clark mirrored Manghum's achievements last year in both the EBL and in the European Championship. The 190cm forward was a member of the U18 playoff-winning Haringey Angels and also led the European Championship tournament in blocked shots. 

 

The Under 16 age group sees Devon Van Oostrum collect a second consecutive English Player of the Year Award thanks in part to an outstanding performance for England at the 2009 European Championship. Van Oostrum's 21 point per game average helped England to a bronze medal in Portugal and the young player from Sheffield has since joined Spanish high fliers, Caja Laboral (formerly Tau Cermica) Baskonia. His success continued at the schools level, winning Championships at the Under 16 and Under 19 levels, as well picking up the MVP of the latter final.

 

Sevenoaks Suns guard Olufemi Hamilton was selected as English Player of the Year for Under 16 Women. As well as playing for England in the 2009 European Championship, Hamilton was integral to Sevenoaks' Sureshot Cup and playoff titles in 2009.

 

Ella Clark accepted her Player of the Year award on Sunday 31 January at the National Cup Finals. Joany van Oostrum, mother of Devon, accepted the U16 Player of the Year award on his behalf. Michael Manghum and Olufemi Hamilton will have their awards presented at the 2010 Women's Day of Basketball at the Nottingham Wildcats Arena on Sunday 7 February. 

 

 

Senior Men - Joel Freeland

Senior Women - Johannah Leedham

 

Under 18 Men - Michael Manghum

Under 18 Women - Ella Clark

 

Under 16 Men - Devon van Oostrum

Under 16 Women - Olufemi Hamilton