Bulldogs Enjoy End of Season Celebrations...

Club Captain Billy Smith was named First Team Most Valuable Player

Bury St. Edmunds Basketball Club recently celebrated the end of another season with a trio of exhibition games, before an awards evening at the Moreton Hall Club.

Outgoing Chair Andrew MacDonald opened the evening by commenting on the superb growth in the club over the past season, with Junior player and Volunteer numbers at their highest in the club for some time, regular training starting in September for Junior Girls and Senior Women interested in playing basketball, and the success of the “Get Back Into Basketball” programme that the club has run this year.

‘Mac’ also noted the cause the club had to celebrate in just the last couple of days, as the Under 16 Boys and Senior Men had both been accepted into the National Basketball League, whilst the formation of the Norfolk Youth Basketball League provided further playing and developmental opportunities for the players at the club.

After Vice Chair Ashley MacDonald had thanked the numerous volunteers who help the club to run, the night’s awards were then presented.

Aiden Steel capped off a debut year for Suffolk with the Defensive Player of the Year Award for the U14 Boys, and Offensive Player of the Year for the U17 Boys

Aiden Steel, Joseph Franks and Woody Jackson each picked up a pair of awards in the Junior Teams from Coach Seb Benford, while in the Seniors, Captains David Wise and Billy Smith were both voted as their team’s Most Valuable Player, veteran Ash Read was named Coach’s Player of the Year in the Reserve team, and the club had a video from Jimmy Steedman, the First Team Coach’s Player of the Year, who is currently deployed.

Lynne Quelch & Gina Hickey were "shocked and humbled" to be announced as Club members of the year.

In the club awards, volunteers Gina Hickey and Lynne Quelch were awarded the club members of the year, and Head Coach Arron MacDonald was recognised for his outstanding service to the club by Terry Clements – who named him the President’s Award winner of the Year.

Having already won every team honour available in Suffolk, Big Binnsy scooped his first personal award at the club - as the veteran forward earned "Bulldog of the Year" honours from the club captains.

Perhaps the biggest ovation of the night was for the Captain’s Award Winner for the Bulldog of the Year – which was won by popular veteran Andy Binns for his dedication to the club and his team-mates.

Head Coach Arron MacDonald was presented with the President's Award by Terry Clements for his outstanding service to the club.

“It was an amazing day, again, for our club” said Head Coach Arron MacDonald. “To have an opportunity like this to bring everyone at the club together to celebrate not just the season we’ve had, but the journey we’re on to where we want to be, it’s priceless. Nights like this make every effort our volunteers make worthwhile.”

MacDonald added “It’s been a tough year on and off-court for us, but what we’ve shown again and again is that we’re a family here. We’re fortunate to have such strong links to our past at the club, and when I can see my brother and Dad here, but also can see families who’ve had all of their children involved, and team-mates who become as close as siblings, it tells me that we’re building something very special for our community.”

The Bulldogs are presently on a summer break, but if you’d like any more information on any of the activities the club offers, please email: bulldogsbasketball@hotmail.co.uk

Full Honours: