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Teesside Lions ‘Whitby’ Star Named League MVP

ByEmily

Mar 23, 2018

A Whitby basketball star has earned a prestigious award in the Durham Basketball League, which covers a vast area from Richmond to Newcastle upon Tyne.

Ben Fox, 16, plays for the Teesside Lions and was awarded the Durham League Division Three MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the Season.

Fox played for the Lions C Team and this was a coming of age for the 16 year old Whitby native. He had to compete against experienced and talented players not only in the rest of the senior men’s league, but also against the Lions B team and even within his own team, and with so many good players around the league this is high praise indeed.

Fox though not only competed, he dominated, averaging over 30pts & 20 rebounds per game.

More importantly the experience has allowed tweaks to his game including improvements in put-backs, cutting, timing and mentality which has proven invaluable for this season and his future.

This is a very proud moment for the club and its youth development policy as Ben is the fourth consecutive League MVP for the Lions with previous winners being Jack Ridley (16/17 + 15/16) and Anthony Reed (14/15).

Head Coach and team-mate of Ben this season; James Thomson was full of praise for the talented forward:

“Ben has been with us for two years now and arrived as a very raw player. His dedication to training is inspiring and this has helped him become the best player in the league. From a playing perspective, as a point guard looking to create, there is nothing better than having a player like Ben who has learned to make the right cuts at the right time. He has not only helped himself, but also helped make me look good!”

Ben travels the 60 miles and two hour journey from Whitby to Teesside for training two to three times per week and if not for his initial dedication by bus and train, he would not be the player he is today. A magnitude of appreciation must also be given to his mum Sandra who has driven Ben and team-mate Max Galloway to the vast majority of sessions and games over the last year and a half.

Ben is tipped to move into the second tier team of the club for next season, but nothing is certain with strong competition for places. Team trials beginning on Monday 9th April. Players will have to earn their place and work harder to earn their minutes, but ultimately this is the best environment to encourage development.

For more information on basketball and the Teesside Lions visit www.TeessideLions.com

By Emily