There was a double celebration for the Oaklands Wolves Basketball Academy when a coach and student were both recognised in Basketball England’s national awards.

Eighteen-year-old Beth Sarson was named player of the year for the midlands south east region, while coach Lee Ryan won the NBL Women midlands south east category of the coaching Awards.

Third year student Sarson said: “It was a great season for the Wolves and although there were challenges along the way, we stuck together and had huge success. I was proud to be part of it and to captain such a great group of friends. The support of the Academy coaches and all staff at Oaklands was essential for my development and progress as a player this season. The Player of the Year award was just icing on the cake.”

Sarson, who lives in Brookmans Park, is senior captain for the Wolves and is also a member of the U20 basketball squad for Great Britain. She is currently exploring scholarship offers in the American college system for when she leaves Oaklands.

Coach Ryan added: “It’s an honour to be recognised with this award, and it is received on behalf of all the players and staff at Oaklands Basketball Academy who have been first class this season. To be recognised along with Beth is a testament to all our hard work and the success our academy can deliver to aspiring basketball players.”

The success caps what has been a fantastic season for the Wolves, who finished with an overall record of 22-2 in all competitions, which included winning the National Trophy in February this year and defeating the WBBLs Leicester Riders in the National Cup last year.