Rebels guard Megan Haines secures Molten Most Improved Player honours

Essex Rebels guard Megan Haines has been named the inaugural winner of the Molten Most Improved Player of the Year (MIP) award after a breakout campaign for Ashley Cookson’s side in the Women’s British Basketball League.

A new title established this season, the MIP award is given to a player who has shown the most improvement in a season compared to a previous campaign in the League, with the winner selected following a voting process involving the club Head Coaches and Captains.  

Headlining her standout campaign, 23-year-old Haines made her National Team debut for Great Britain earlier in the year as they tipped off their EuroBasket 2025 qualifying adventure.

The Rebels guard was also instrumental in the team’s most successful Championship campaign to date, as they secured their best-ever finish of fifth this term with Haines featuring in 15 of 20 contests.

Speaking following confirmation of her win, Haines said:

“I am very honoured to receive the Molten Most Improved Player Award this season. I have worked very hard to improve certain aspects of my game this year and really do appreciate the acknowledgment from the Head Coaches and Captains throughout the League in voting for me – thank you to all!”

Rebels Head Coach Ashley Cookson added:

“We are delighted to hear that Megan has won the Molten Most Improved Player Award this season. Megan has always shown great promise whilst wearing the Rebels uniform and credit must go to her teammates and coaches that have helped her reach this point. She has had a breakout season, and we are excited about this recognition.”

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A full voting record for the Molten Most Improved Player of the year can be found below. Each voter was asked to select their top three candidates for the award, with first choice receiving three points, second choice receiving two points and third choice receiving one point.

The player with the most points after all the votes had been tallied was named the Molten Most Improved Player of the Year. Coaches and Captains were not permitted to select members of their own team for the awards.  

VoterFirst ChoiceSecond ChoiceThird Choice
Erin McGarrachanKatie BennettElise TweedieMegan Haines
Chantelle HandyShauna HarrisonKatie BennettBrooklynn McAlear-Fanus
Laura ShanahanJessica WayneKatie BennettMari Stewart
Stef CollinsMegan HainesElle HendershotHannah Robb
Elle HendershotHannah RobbKatie CoxSavannah Wilkinson
Lee DavieKirsty BrownMari StewartEva Karasite
Claire PaxtonKatie JanuszewskaShauna HarrisonKatie Bennett
Askley CooksonElle HendershotElise TweedieMcKenzie Johnston
McKenzie JohnstonBrooklynn McAlear-FanusMegan HainesKatie Bennett
Ben StanleyMegan HainesAbby LoweMari Stewart
Temi FagbenleKirsty BrownMegan HainesMelita Emanuel-Carr
Stella KaltsidouBrooklynn McAlear-FanusMegan HainesMari Stewart
Georgia AndersonDaniela TurnerLaken JamesHarriet Ottewill-Soulsby
Marg JonesElle HendershotMari StewartKirsty Brown
Marina FernandezHannah RobbGeorgia GayleMegan Haines
Matt NewbyKatie BennettMegan HainesBeth Sarson
Mari StewartBrooklynn McAlear-FanusSavannah WilkinsonTia Freeman
Karen BurtonMegan HainesShauna HarrisonKatie Bennett
Allison DaySam RoscoeMelita Emanuel-CarrMegan Haines
Lee RyanSam RoscoeMelita Emanuel-CarrMegan Haines
Nicolette FairleyMegan HainesMari StewartKatie Bennett
Vanessa EllisMegan HainesKatie BennettKirsty Brown