2024/25 Award winners announced

Last Friday saw Hemel Storm players, coaches, volunteers and fans get together to celebrate the end of regular league season. Here are the award winners that were announced:

NBL Division One Men’s Award Winners:

• Coaches' Player of the Season - Darien Nelson-Henry
  When considering who should be our coaches' player we needed a player who leads, who works relentlessly for the team, takes responsibility for what he is accountable for, is supportive of everyone in the group and contributes. These are the attributes Darien has brought every day he has been here.

• Players' Player of the Season - Matt Ellis
  He has been consistent all season he's been our anchor both on offense and defensive truly an amazing player . . . . with a screw loose!

• Fans' Defensive Player of the Season - Darien Nelson-Henry
  He is the heart of Storm's defence. Always straight in to guard the basket and a long reach to steal those points. Consistent, reliable, and has had some mega blocks at key moments this season. He is a gentle giant and a legend on the boards. Most defensive rebounds for the team and 3rd highest in the league. His experience and ability is an invaluable asset to the team. Best big man in the league. Super IQ and knows how to rebound!!

• Fans' MVP of the Season - Matt Ellis
  He has been an absolute beast this season for us. His passion is incredible for his first season on board. He will fight, sometimes literally(!), to the very end!! Impacts at both ends of the floor. Super smooth jump shot and he delivers every game. Has a will to win. Effective at both ends, does not shy away from a battle and always tries to hype the crowd and his teammates. His presence on the court gives the team a massive boost and was really noticeable when he was out injured. He can literally change the course of a game with his power.

• Fans’ Offensive Player of the Season - Matt Ellis
  A high energy and exciting player to watch who is a prolific scorer and when he is not forcing his way to the basket to score, he is rebounding or tipping in for second chance points. He has had an amazing season offensively and you can feel his lack of presence when he was injured. He's the scoring lead but also it brings energy to the crowd and team to score more and more. His skills and field goal percentage are excellent, his baskets under pressure with a dunk or an assist, has been leading us to the wins this season! Formidable going forward this season with some very impressive points totals in important games.

Volunteers of the Year - Francisco and Owen from TeamSportz

• Francisco and Owen have been a massive part of getting our live streaming programme off of the ground. With the lack of such a service previously labelled as the one constant criticism of the club, they have taken hold of the project and transformed our output into a product we can all be proud of and enjoy. The time, effort and dedication required in achieving this should not be underestimated - giving up their game nights and many hours in between to provide our coaches with key information used for player analysis. The pair epitomise the nature of our volunteer-run, family-orientated club - adding value out of their love and loyalty to Hemel Storm.

NBL Division Two Women's Award Winners:

• Coaches' Player of the Season - Ellie Maidman
  One of the key targets for our team this year was an improvement in defence. Ellie gave us that edge. She actively sought out the best opposition players to guard, and in doing so not only demonstrated her own defensive abilities, but also led by example, galvanizing the rest of the team to fight for each and every possession. And it wasn't just blocked shots, denials, and steals, she also proved a potent threat at the offensive end. But Ellie was the dynamo behind our defensive improvement, earning her this years coaches' player award.

• Players' Player of the Season - Emma French
  If you are looking for passion in a player. If you are looking for team spirit in a player. If you are looking for a tough, committed grafter. Then look no further than Emma French. Give her a job on the court, it gets done. Ask her to check in on a teammate, it gets done. Indeed Emma epitomises what it means to be a teammate, so it is no surprise she's won this award. She'll help you, she'll support you, she'll celebrate your success. A true players' player.

• Most Improved Player of the Season - Michelle David
  I first met Michelle at the trials for the University of Hertfordshire team, and was impressed with her attitude and athleticism. She played a major part in the success of that team and we were delighted when she took up the opportunity to join Storm and test herself further. Her work ethic and desire to learn are second to none. Defensive positioning and rebounding are key strengths and her offensive footwork just gets better and better. A great asset for a team and a bright future ahead.

Special Recognition Award - Steve Darlow

• Steve is a hugely popular figure who has been in and around Storm in its various formats for over 35 years. playing for Hemel Royals for two years where he became a fans favourite with a huge female following it seems…..and ended up as a pin up portrait in a Hemel Royals kit under the railway arches somewhere in Ware or Stevenage but nobody has ever looked! His playing career moved on to Ware and coached by our very own Mark Clark, Leicester Riders and Stevenage where the medals kept on flowing. He had 16 England caps and won a commonwealth gold medal in 1991. A huge moment in our game. In total 189 senior games, 2868 points, 48% shooting, 1100 rebounds, 334 steals, 430 assists. 100 blocks.
• After his playing career he coached junior national league, winning numerous league titles and taking teams to final fours and cup finals. He also coached Hertfordshire junior representative teams, winning the East Region inter-county tournament. Luckily for us, across the years always he had a huge love for Hemel Storm and its people-helped by the successful playing and coaching career of his own son. He was never far away from helping, supporting or giving advice and long may that continue.
• He returned to coaching Hemel Storm senior men for two years, securing a third-place league position with an all British team in the 2013/14 season. In 2016 he was a part of the wider basketball management team helping Tony through his early tenure. In what he described as "the very last time I am doing this", he has recently been coaching the men's and women's teams at the University of Hertfordshire. However, and it's something we'll always be grateful for, he has been coach of our women's team across these past 2 years. His impact in this role has been immeasurable and its something the club and the members of the women's team will be forever grateful.