Ring family prominent at prize giving

It was a big night for the Ring family at last night's Basketball Otago representative prizegiving.

Sisters Annabelle and Laura both took home most valuable player awards, while father Jason was awarded the John Paul trophy for coach of the year.

The head coach of the Otago under-15 girls side, Jason Ring, helped guide his team to fifth at the national championships.

That team was spearheaded by its MVP, Annabelle, while Laura claimed the under-13 girls MVP award.

However, that team was beaten by the under-23 men for team of the year.

That side, coached by Greg Brockbank, impressed at the national tournament, beating perennial contender North Harbour in the quarterfinals, before eventually finishing fourth.

Richie Rodger was named the team's MVP, while Jeanie Pattison won the award for the women's under-23 team.

Olly McCombie was the under-19 men's MVP, while Dre Whaanga and Michael Ruske won the girls' and boys' under-17 top awards respectively.

Benjamin Freeman and Oscar Cameron won the boys' under-15 and under-13 MVPs respectively.

Todd Marshall was given the Gary Smyth award for services to basketball.

Marshall recently completed a four-year stint with the Otago Gold Rush during which he guided the side to a WBC title in 2014.

Torrance long-service awards for 10 years of service were presented to Angela Ruske, Jan Shriffer and Rochelle Wilson.

Most improved and endeavour awards were also awarded for each age-group representative team.