Ipswich Celebrate End of Season in Style

Players, coaches, parents, volunteers and supporters of Ipswich Basketball Club came together on Saturday 9 May 2026 for the club’s annual End of Season Dinner at club sponsor Venue 16, celebrating another memorable year for the programme as we head into the club's 50th season.

The evening recognised achievements across every age group, with each team presenting three individual honours — Most Improved Player, Coaches Player and Most Valuable Player — alongside a series of prestigious club-wide awards.

Club Chairman Nick Newman introduced the evening, thanking sponsors, most notably Endeavour Automotive, Venue 16, MSC and Forge Kitchen, before the awards were presented and the three-course meal enjoyed.

A highlight of the night was the presentation of the Kathryn James Award for Bobcat of the Year to Natalia Lawicka. The talented youngster was recognised following her breakout performance in the Under-18 National Cup Final, where she scored 14 points at just 13 years old, underlining her enormous promise for the future.

There was also a special moment of surprise for Club Chairman Nick Newman, who was awarded Life Vice President status in recognition of his years of dedicated service to the club. Club Secretary John Yorke received the Bernard Ball Award for Club Person of the Year for his continued commitment behind the scenes.

The most emotional moments of the evening came with the final presentation of the evening; the Lee Linton-Hodges Award for Tomcat of the Year to Alfie Morris-Sanders. Alfie, 18, was honoured for the resilience and determination he has shown following life changing injuries sustained in a car accident last June. The award carried extra poignancy following the passing of Lee in October last year, with all in attendance reflecting on his lasting impact on the club as Head Coach Nick Drane paid tribute to the Big Man in front of a crowd including Lee's beloved wife, mum, family, teammates and friends.

Photographer Luke Simcock was on hand to capture the evening, and his gallery can be viewed here: https://lsmedia.smugmug.com/Sports-2526/Sport/Ipswich-Awards-Night-2026/n-6S2d62

Team Award Winners

Under 13 Mixed

• Most Improved Player: Saphina Severino

• Coaches Player: Logan Webb

• Most Valuable Player: Henry Geaves

Under 14 Girls

• Most Improved Player: Aisling Mutepfa

• Coaches Player: Freya Drane

• Most Valuable Player: Natalia Lawicka

Under 14 Boys

• Most Improved Player: Joel Dapa

• Coaches Player: Anthony Agabi

• Most Valuable Player: Jacob Geaves

Under 16 Girls

• Most Improved Player: Millie Daly

• Coaches Player: Mercedes Nelson

• Most Valuable Player: Amelia Ariyo

Under 16 Boys

• Most Improved Player: Evan Burt

• Coaches Player: Khamani Fox De Silva

• Most Valuable Player: Eli Leach

Under 19/18 Women

• Most Improved Player: Anna Koscielny-Lamaire

• Coaches Player: Kaiya Bateman

• Most Valuable Player: Maisie Keyes

Under 19/18 Men

• Most Improved Player: Oliver Drane

• Coaches Player: Luke Read

• Most Valuable Player: Matt Liddamore

Senior Women

• Most Improved Player: Holly Ensoll

• Coaches Player: Angel Whyte

• Most Valuable Player: Harriet Welham

Senior Men

• Most Improved Player: Matt Liddamore

• Coaches Player: Flo Damptey

• Most Valuable Player: AJ Vega

As another successful campaign draws to a close, the evening served as a celebration not only of performances on the court, but also the community spirit, resilience and dedication that continue to drive Ipswich Basketball Club forward. With 2026 marking the 50th anniversary of the formation of the club, and the forthcoming season being the 50th season of competition, Ipswich will go back to their roots and play under the Ipswich Bobcats / Tomcats label in the new season.