Harriet Welham: Basketball record holder chasing more silverware

Welham has been part of nine trophy-winning teams, including three national cups – she was MVP in last year’s final against Brent Bulls – and three Division One titles.

However, she has one more call-up as the club’s under-18 girls’ team, which she coaches, makes it to the finals of the national age-group cup.

“Obviously the women are gutted that we’re not in it (winning the trophy in 2023) but the under-18s are flying the flag for Ipswich,” Welham said.

“They’ve started the season really well, there’s been another injury crisis but they’ve managed to pick up wins and we’re really excited for the final (against Nottingham Wildcats) next weekend.”

“Worcester is a great arena, we’ve played there in the league a few times… so it’s something different. I’ve got an exciting feeling about it.”

Drane said it was great to see Welham “blossom” into a good coach despite “all her ridiculous accolades” as a player.

After the final, however, the full focus will be on the senior women’s team and Division 1, which is anything but predictable.

“The league doesn’t make sense and I think that’s a good thing and a complement to the teams in it,” Drane said.

“It will all come down to who is the healthiest and fittest when these key games are played, but I think the team that wins the league this year could win it with five, six, seven losses.”

“It’s really crazy, what’s going on.”

Welham’s experience and resilience will be a key factor for Ipswich, so how does her coach sum her up?

“I just think it’s incredibly disappointing that she’s not getting more blocks and steals,” he joked.

“Seriously, she’s been part of my program for 14 years and I spend more time with her than anyone else in the world.”

“The pride I have in watching her develop as a coach, and the joy she brings to me as a coach when she plays for me, is like nothing else I’ve experienced.”

“Ipswich basketball, a Suffolk sport, needs to understand that we have in our presence a great player in National League history who plays in little old Ipswich and she is also a homegrown player.”