Basketball star Jo Leedham has added another trophy top her growing collection after being recognised for her outstanding achievements on the court during the last 12 months.

Chester-born Leedham, 26, scooped the Syd Lipski Award for 2014, an accolade given to the top British performer on the global stage, for her performances for French side Tango Bourges in helping them to the semi-finals of the EuroLeague.

Former Ellesmere Port Catholic High School pupil Leedham saw off competition from Team GB’s NBA superstar Luol Deng, who plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Myles Hesson, currently plying his trade in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga with Giessen 46ers, to receive the award.

It was the first time that the Lipski Award, chosen by basketball writers, had been awarded to a female, with the gong being Leedham’s second in three months after she was named British Basketball’s Athlete of the Year back in February.

“Obviously I am very honoured to receive the award, it is another special moment for my family and I, but this season has been a difficult one for me,” said Leedham, who played her US college basketball at Franklin Pierce University, New Hampshire, where she became the all-time leading points scorer in NCAA Division II women’s basketball history.

“Not many people who aren't in France might realise this but I have been sidelined for most of 2014 with injuries so its been frustrating. However, still being able to be recognised is comforting to know that people appreciate what I have been able to do this season when on court.”

Shooting guard Leedham, who took her first steps in competitive basketball with the Ellesmere Port Panthers junior side, has managed to make a significant contribution to her side’s charge to the EuroLeague semi-finals, where they were eventually beaten by Russian side UMMC Ekaterinburg.

Having signed on for another season with the French outfit, Leedham, who starred for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics, is now hoping she can put her injury woes behind her and continue to make an impression on the court.

“It’s my second year here so I am use to the style of the play and it is good competition, which is what you want,” she added.

“Right now I have been rehabbing my calf and I am hoping to make an appearance in the play-offs.

“My injury has set me back. Just not playing and training with a team keeps you out the game. I sat out nine weeks and then came back for three games and have sat almost another four weeks out, so I don't expect to be where I was in January.

“But its the end of season and I have time to re-focus and come back for a stronger season in October.”