READING Rockets celebrated their ‘Coming of Age‘ 21st year with a presentation evening at the Hilton hotel.
From humble beginnings and just two National league squads, the Rockets now have 15 teams playing regional and National leagues together with 5 Satellite Clubs, two SEN Clubs and a comprehensive Miniballers and Mightyballers programme for 4-10 year olds, besides one of the top four basketball academies based at The John Madejski Academy.
The evening welcomed VIP guests including Rockets Chairman Gary Johnson, who began with a short address including warm thanks to Rockets benefactors colloquially as The Friends of Reading Rockets. This was followed by Head of Communities sharing what is success together with the success, initiatives and developments in and around the town, including the establishing of a Berkshire Special Olympics programme run by Rockets and coupled to an SEN project. Rockets Eat Well for Less community practical food and hygiene programme had rave responses.
The Director of Coaching, Matt Johnson, talked of the journeys of a basketball player as he shared the stage with the captains of both the Senior Men (Danny Carter) and Senior Ladies (Maike Delow Fasbender), who are now both retiring.
Matt also shared the exciting and successful launch of Rockets new streaming of all senior games and the developments of Rockets charity, Rockets Sport and Educational Foundation as it plays an increasing role in the future growth and plans for the Berkshire Club. Being the first English basketball player to be signed by Barcelona, former JMA student, 16-year-old Matt Marsh received an alumni award.
Some 30 young and older volunteers received Special Appreciation awards with five others receiving Special Awards and due to the limitations on the Windsor Suite being 330, Rockets growing number of 4-10 year-old players will have their own Miniballers and Mightyballers event later this month.
Player awards:
Under 10 Boys
MVP- Dominykas Bukys
MIP- Noah Perrone
Under 12 Girls
MVP- Amelie Griffiths
MIP- Ciara Griffiths
Under 12 Boys
MVP- Emran Mahmutovic
MIP- Seth Payne
Under 14 Boys I
MVP- Thomas Ferguson
MIP- Minshok Angthopo
Under 14 Boys II
MVP- Elliot Hayburn
MIP- Niall Rapecki
Under 14/16 Girls
MVP- Leesa Woods
MIP- Abigail Wyatt
Under 16 Boys I
MVP- Victor Gadea Arcos
MIP- James Okonkwo
Under 16 Boys II
MVP- Ciaran Murtagh
MIP- Connor Rapecki
Under 16 Boys III
MVP- Ruel Idedia
MIP- Louis Johnson
Under 18 Women
MVP- Paula Romero Tarrega
MIP- Saffie Jarju
Under 18 Regional
MVP- Jamie O’Sullivan
MIP- Joshua Adams
Under 18 Premier
MVP- David Chive
MIP- Sam Grant
Wessex Ladies
MVP- Emmanuelle Huto
MIP- Barbara Ahland
Div 1 Women
MVP- Monica Herranz De Antonio
MIP- Maria Angeles Valdeolmillos Gomez
Div 1 Men
MVP– AJ Carr
MIP– David Chive
Coach of the Year– Vicent Blai Benlloch
Margaret Kenderdine Clubman of the Year– Steph Johnson
