Team Northumbria Women’s basketball Hoops star Ellen “Loui” Hall capped a stunning top flight campaign when the forward was named the EBL’s Women’s Division 1 2008 Most Valuable Player.

Hall followed in the footsteps of her male counterpart Lynard Stewart. The Newcastle Eagles centre was named Molton Player of the Year. Similar to Hall’s award the Player of the Year for both leagues is voted by the Head Coaches. Stewart averaged 15.76 points and 8.61 rebounds per game, ranking him fifth in the league in the latter category. He led the BBL in field goal percentage at 67.9% and was also eighth in blocked shots with 1.1 per game. Meanwhile American Hall averaged thirty points and 10 rebounds a game.

The highest accolade in the women’s game went to Deirdre Hayes’ leading import after a series of spectacular displays against British basketball’s big guns. Go-to forward Hall was instrumental in leading TN to their highest ever third place spot in the women’s top division.

And a delighted Hayes said: “This award proves just how much progress we’ve made this season.

“Loui has been outstanding from day one and her role in a fast-improving team was pivotal to our success.”

“I think everyone involved with TN can take great pride in her achievement.”