Leeds LDM Basketball
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LDM Awards Night: Celebrating a Season of Success

The curtain came down on another incredible season over the April Bank Holiday weekend, as the LDM family came together to celebrate eight fantastic months of basketball. Parents, players, staff, volunteers, and supporters gathered to recognise the outstanding achievements across the organisation, while looking ahead to an exciting schedule of post-season activities.

A total of thirty awards were presented to our team players, with categories including Most Improved Player, Defensive Player of the Year, Player’s MVP, and Coach’s MVP. We also took the time to honour the invaluable contributions of our team managers and volunteers, who were acknowledged with heartfelt words of appreciation and thoughtful gifts.

We are immensely proud of all our teams, who continue to perform strongly across both National League and Local League competitions. This season, over 174 players engaged in team activities — a remarkable milestone for an organisation still very much in its infancy.

The evening also marked a bittersweet moment as we bid farewell to two of our dedicated coaches, Mohamed Alhaj and Charlotte Williams. Both coached their final games for LDM just weeks before the awards and were given a warm send-off, receiving gifts from their teams in recognition of their commitment and impact.

Charlotte has been an outstanding ambassador for women’s and girls’ basketball across the region since joining LDM two years ago. This season, she led both our U16 and U14 girls’ teams with passion, dedication, and care — fostering strong bonds and creating unforgettable experiences for her players. Charlotte leaves behind a proud legacy and will be deeply missed by everyone at LDM.

Mo’s journey with LDM began six years ago as a participant — and what a journey it’s been! From coaching U12s to academy level, and most recently leading our U14 Boys in their debut National League Premier season, Mo has been a constant presence and a shining example of what’s possible when opportunities are embraced. His energy, dedication, and infectious spirit have left a lasting mark on the organisation.

In true LDM spirit, the evening also highlighted the power of community, with over £1,200 raised through fundraising activities. A special mention goes to our LDM Basketball Academy players, who organised a car wash before the ceremony to support their upcoming trip to Florida — a phenomenal effort!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this season — and our awards evening — so special. With an exciting timetable of activities ahead and major announcements on the horizon, we look forward to welcoming new members and continuing to grow as an organisation.

2024/25 LDM Award Winners

Celebrating the dedication, growth, and excellence of our players this season.

Leeds LDM U12 Boys

  • Unanimous MVP: Orlando Victor

  • Most Improved Player: Ini Broderick

  • Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY): Raihan Teib

Leeds LDM U14 Boys II

  • Unanimous MVP: Samuel Kotei

  • Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY): Tche Ward

  • Most Improved Player: Harry Kirkby

Leeds LDM U14 Boys I

  • Player’s MVP: Lateef Shahin

  • Coach’s MVP: David Cassama

  • Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY): Nana Opoku-Boateng

  • Most Improved Player: Seth Annetts

Leeds LDM U14 Girls

  • Player’s MVP: Aamilah Haque

  • Most Improved Player: Bongie Ncube

  • Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY): Kimberley Musungo

  • Coach’s MVP: Sophia Minopoli

Leeds LDM U16 Boys I

  • Unanimous MVP: Shiloh Miller

  • Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY): Milo Dolan

  • Most Improved Player: Marvellous Osayande

Leeds LDM U16 Boys II

  • Unanimous MVP: Aidas Slauzgalvis

  • Most Improved Player: Ethan Durkan

  • Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY): Lashawn Mapiwa

Leeds LDM U16 Girls

  • Player’s MVP: Abigail Gela

  • Most Improved Player: Belinda Chidziva

  • Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY): Charis Okonye

  • Coach’s MVP: Grace Marshall

LDM Basketball Academy II

  • Coach’s MVP: Michael Sharkey

  • Player’s MVP: Lucas Oldham

  • Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY): Brayden Szczyrba-Brown

  • Most Improved Player: Oliver Boayke

LDM Basketball Academy I

  • Coach’s MVP: Kevin Jonathan

  • Player’s MVP: Shamari Sibley

  • Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY): Brian Hilaire

  • Most Improved Player: Gabriel Guimaraes

Loran Lewis