Family and friends gathered to remember a teenage basketball player a year after her death by hosting an all-star game in her honour. 

Makenna Williams, who represented Ipswich Basketball Club, was just 17 when she died on June 29 last year. 

Ipswich Star: Makenna WilliamsMakenna Williams (Image: Nick Winter)

The student was an avid player on the court and had been a promising talent at Ipswich Basketball Club since the age of 11. 

Her sudden death shocked the club, with head coach Nick Drane describing the teen as someone as well known for her personality off the court as on it. 

Ipswich Star: Ipswich Basketball Club hosted a match in memory of a teammate, Makenna Williams, Ipswich Basketball ClubIpswich Basketball Club hosted a match in memory of a teammate, Makenna Williams, Ipswich Basketball Club (Image: Ipswich Basketball Club)

The club hosted a game in her memory, which took place on July 27, featuring players from the side's past, present and future. 

The event was attended by 300 people, including Makenna’s family.

The total sum raised on the night and through a fundraising page is more than £4,200. 

READ MORE: Ipswich Basketball Club to honour Makenna Williams with game

Ipswich Star: Ipswich Basketball Club hosted a match in memory of a teammate, Makenna Williams, Ipswich Basketball ClubIpswich Basketball Club hosted a match in memory of a teammate, Makenna Williams, Ipswich Basketball Club (Image: Ipswich Basketball Club)

Mr Drane said: "Makenna’s memorial game was the embodiment of all things Ipswich Basketball.  

"An army of volunteers working tirelessly to make something special off the court, an incredible level of talent on the court, and a total community effort to allow us to put on an event that goes far beyond basketball I am incredibly proud of everyone." 

The chairman of Ipswich Basketball Club, Josh Carson, added: "It is amazing that this event was so well supported, and we are very grateful to everyone who turned up on the night, who donated online, and who sent messages of love from around the world.  

Ipswich Star: Ipswich Basketball Club hosted a match in memory of a teammate, Makenna Williams, Ipswich Basketball ClubIpswich Basketball Club hosted a match in memory of a teammate, Makenna Williams, Ipswich Basketball Club (Image: Ipswich Basketball Club)

"We hope we did Makenna and her family proud. The club will be using the funds raised to provide mental health support to our members and mental health training to our staff.

"While being an elite sports club, we must keep the wellbeing of our Ipswich Basketball Family at the forefront of everything we do." 

The hosts said that from now on the match will be the club’s annual event.