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




























