The five major award recipients from the 2019 season were presented on Senior Finals Day – here’s a brief rundown of what each winner has been recognised for:
Administrators of the Year – Scott and Ritchie Howell (Atami). The two brothers share the administration duties for their club, and are excellent in regards to their communication, which is always timely. Atami is regularly one of the clubs who are pro-active in regards to funding, and keep us up to date with the progress on this front. With the implementation of the BBNZ National Database Registration form this year, the Howells made sure to chase up their club players to register promptly.
Coach of the Year – Jack Williamson (Middleton Grange/Gators). Jack has enjoyed tremendous success at the top level of his coaching – steering the Middleton Grange Thomson Trophy team to an exceptional 20-1 record (so far) where they: claimed the Dowson’s Cup; won the McDonald’s Thomson Trophy; and won the South Island Schick Championship. In addition to this, Jack coaches two Men’s U20 teams for the Gators club on Saturdays and Head Coached the Under 15 Boys’ Representative team this year. Jack also mentors some younger coaches in the Gators club, helping ensure the next generation is confident and well prepared. He worked each week with an Intermediate Girls’ team alongside a student coach.
Services to Basketball – Paul Duggan. Paul has recently finished his tenure as a paid employee of the CBA. During this time, he oversaw the launch of a number of new initiatives, such as the Thomson and Whelan Competitions, the Close-Out, and Midnight Basketball. It was not just the big picture things where Paul was involved. Whenever there was a pressing need, Paul would have a go at filling in. Some of the things we know he did: Refereeing; Floor Controlling; Commentating; Coaching; Photography; Presenting Awards; Bus Driving as well as countless other tasks.
Bruce Martin Award: Contribution to Basketball – Rosanowski Family. The Rosanowski family have gone above and beyond this season in helping assist with the running of our competitions. In terms of refereeing, Jayden and Blake are always first to put their hand up and help when we are short and we have countless situations this year where they had come forward and helped in this fashion.
Christina has been a consistent floor controller (even when she tries to get fired every week) at Avonside/Shirley gym this year and has done a great job in our new facility. She also is the first to help at any tournament that the CBA is involved with and puts her hand up to assist with anything: floor controlling; to score benching; to setting up a venue; and even is willing to stand behind a camera and take photos of us or video games. Grant has been the chief taxi driver and transported the boys from YMCA back to Celebration Stadium, then over to Ara to allow us to appoint the referees onto the most appropriate games. He also assists Christina when necessary when it comes to dealing with situations and helping pack things down. His background work never goes undetected and we appreciate all the little things you do for us Grant.
This family of four has been a great asset to Canterbury Basketball and it’s people like these guys that really offer so much to the community and their work does not go unnoticed. Thanks so much for everything this year –we don’t know a more deserving family to receive this award!
Club of the Year – Selwyn Hawks. The Selwyn Hawks Basketball Club has grown again in 2019, more than doubling their 2018 entries to nine teams this past season. The Hawks have instituted a legitimate club structure, with the posts of President, Secretary, and Treasurer all filled. The Selwyn Hawks have also done a great job with branding – their hoody, complete with striking logo, has been seen out and about up in Hanmer Springs during School Holidays. The Club also runs junior basketball in the Selwyn District – including competitions for kids in Y3/4, Y5/6 and Y7/8, and delivering After School Hoops in three separate venues. A social competition is also run for adults in Term Four each year courtesy of the Selwyn Hawks.
In addition to these awards, First team and Grade MVP winners were recognized too.
