Essex Rebels scoop two player awards for the first time

For the first time two Essex Rebels stars secured prestigious end-of-season awards bookending an “outstanding year”.

The Women's British Basketball League singled out Essex Rebels’ guards Kat Tudor and Megan Haines.

The School of Sport, Rehabilitation, and Exercise Sciences students welcomed the honours and thanked their teammates.

Masters Coaching Science student Kat Tudor made the Women’s British Basketball League Team of the Year, which represent the five best-performing players of the league, voted by head coaches, captains and selected media representatives.

Kat never scored in single figures, scoring 15+ points in 15 out of the 20 regular-season games.

One standout performance was against Manchester at home, where she nearly broke the Essex Rebels’ single-game scoring record with 37 points, sinking seven three-pointers.

The gong came after Kat was named in the first WBBL All-Star Game and defeated Team North 99-81 at the Copper Box Arena, in London, putting up 17 points.

The 25-year-old said: “I’m honoured to be named to the WBBL team of the year.

“This season has been a such ride — I would just like to shout out my teammates and my coach for making it so special, I wouldn’t be receiving this award without each and every one of them.

“Up the Rebs!"

'Very honoured'

Megan, a Sports Therapy undergrad student, won Most Improved Player (MIP) of the year.

She said: “I am very honoured to receive ‘most improved player’ award this season, as I have worked very hard to improve certain aspects of my game this year.

“I really do appreciate the acknowledgment from coaches and team captains throughout the league in voting for me - thank you to all!”

A spokeswoman for the Rebels said: “These awards end an outstanding year for the Rebels which saw the side battle bravely in the league and cup.

“We are so proud of our team, and it was not just Megan and Kat who had fantastic years.

“I’d like to thank all of the squad, backroom staff and fans who have mane this such a memorable season.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone back soon!”