Knops, Rennell win awards

Press, 7 October 1980, Page 52

Knops, Rennell win awards

Untiring efforts throughout the. season for their clubs, province and national teams have earned Bert Knops and Sharon Rennell the Canterbury Basketball Association’s “Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year” awards. The Ryan Cup, awarded to the person making the greatest impact on the Canterbury basketball scene, was won by the country’s most successful international player, Stan Hill. The awards will be presented at the association’s annual meeting on November 11. Although not outstanding as an individual on court, Knops proved invaluable as a team man, always contributing a wholehearted effort. His performances were marked by consistency and determination. The United Service Aranui forward was a member of the New Zealand team which finished equal third in an international tournament in Taipei last May. Knops was also a key

player in the Canterbury team which won the national first division title in Auckland last month. He was described by the Canterbury coach (Mr Bob Bishop) as the most consistent,, allround player at the tournament. Last season was especially notable for Mrs Rennell. After six years away from the national scene, she returned to the New. Zealand team for an international tournament: in Taipei. Although the . oldest member, she was among the fittest. Mrs Rennell led her club side, Checkers, to victory in the Christchurch senior championship and also in the national club championship. She proved a most resolute guard. z - Hill, the big man of Canterbury and New Zealand basketball, was a logical winner of the Ryan Cup. His contribiition to his club and province was outstanding. Checkers won the.provincial and national club championships, Hill putting his height and experience to telling effect in every match.