The English Basketball Association have announced their choices for the domestic Players of the Year for the 1997/98 season.
Heading the list at senior level are two players who have demonstrated a fierce commitment to the sport in England, as well as excelling at international level.
Peter Scantlebury, the veteran Newcastle Eagles' guard is named Men's Player of the Year for the third time in his distinguished career, which last season saw him break Paul Stimpson's long standing cap record for international appearances, which now stands at 121.
Thames Valley Lady Tigers' Julie Richardson had also had a very positive season, helping Tigers to National Cup success at Sheffield, while picking his her 25th cap this month. The 32 year old is Women's Player of the Year.
In the Junior ranks, Matt Hogarth of Manchester Giants is rewarded for a season in which the 18 year old broke into the senior Nynex team, making 20 appearances. Similarly, 17 year Lily Mallet broke into the NBL D1 Ipswich side this year and played for the England Junior team.
Chris Jeremiah of Chessington and Caroline Ayres of Spelthorne were named as Players of the Year at Cadet level.
