IBC remembers Makenna with 4th Annual Makenna Williams Memorial Game

On Thursday 30th July, Copleston Sports Centre was once again packed out as the basketball community came together to honour the memory of Makenna Williams. Players from the past, present and future all came together for a special evening of basketball, joined by some of the legends of the women’s game, to celebrate the life and memory of the former Ipswich and Copleston player, who tragically passed away in June 2022.

Now in its fourth year, the Makenna Williams Memorial Game continues to bring together people from across the club and the wider basketball community for an evening that celebrates Makenna’s life and her connection to the game. The event once again provided an opportunity for players from different generations to take to the court together, creating a unique and special format for the evening.

The game continues to follow its unique format, with the first and fourth quarters featuring legendary players from the women’s game. Harriet Welham, Maya Price, Susannah Rafiu, Cameron Taylor Willis and Danni Cazey were among those taking to the court, joined by regular opponents of Ipswich, Kat Goldsby, Megan Haines and Chinwe Iwunze.

The second and third quarters then allowed current Ipswich players to take to the court. The second quarter also included Makenna’s cousin Myles, making the occasion particularly special as players continued to come together to remember Makenna.

The third quarter provided another opportunity to celebrate the future of Ipswich basketball, with some potential future stars of the Ipswich team taking to the court alongside some of their idols. The format once again allowed players from different stages of their basketball journeys to share the court and be part of the evening.

On the court, it was ‘Team White’ who came away with the win following a one-sided affair. Maya Price was also recognised for her performance, taking home the MVP award for the second time in three years.

Away from the basketball, the club was also raising money in support of the Ipswich Basketball Club’s ongoing mission to raise awareness of mental health and provide funds to support players and staff with their mental health.

The fundraising will also help the club to continue growing its ‘hardship fund’, which helps the club keep the cost of playing high-level basketball in Ipswich to a minimum. The evening therefore once again combined basketball, community and remembrance, while supporting the club’s continued efforts both on and off the court.

Photos from the event are available here. Please credit @sanne.hoffman.photography