Awards

Each season there are a selection of individual awards to be won, these are:

Ryan Whalen Trophy
Ian Pollard Memorial Shield
Cup MVP

Ryan Whalen Trophy

This award was started to commemorate the sudden and tragic death of Keith Whalen's (Oldham) son, a promising player himself. Keith asked if he could donate a trophy in his son's memory to be given to the young player of the year.

Season	Winner	Club
2010-2011	Russell Hafidh	Holmes Chapel
2009-2010	Jack Purdham	Congleton
2008-2009	Theo Martins	Bolton Lads and Girls Club
2007-2008	Luke Marston	Oldham Titans
2006-2007	Liam Gibbons	Oxford Phoenix

Russell Hafidh - 2010-2011

Russell Hafidh Russell was with Holmes Chapel Junior squad pre-season and playing some under 19 matches and although of small build and only 16 he was holding his own.

The next logical step for Russell was a place in the second team squad. With two experienced point guards Russellwould find himself initially working from the bench and learning the game at the Senior level. Russell accepted this and applied himself to Pre-season training where it quickly became apparent that Holmes Chapel had a talent.

Russell learned quickly and showed that he could score off a drive and a long shot. He combined this with a stout defence where a steal is one of his specialties.

Through the season it was quickly realised that he was a key player and he earned more and more court time and soon established himself as a starting 5 player.

His abilities certainly earned us Holmes Chapel victories, his defence against Preston Pride away, turned the match and his long 3 pointer against Cardinal Langley 2 tied the match, and Holmes Chapel won in overtime.

Russell stats for the season showed he was the teams top scorer! He played more matches than anyone else and he only had a 1.17 foul per game average. Holmes Cahpel 2 hope that they can hold onto him for many seasons to come - although the first team may beckon soon!

Ian Pollard Memorial Shield

This award is presented to a referee for his contribution to officiating in the Manchester League and is awarded in commemoration of Ian Pollard, FIBA referee, Committee member and friend of the MABL who passed away in 2009. Ian typified the role of referee and player and the awarding of this trophy mirrors his ideals.