Our first year basketballers got the action underway this week with a visit from Limerick City’s Crescent Comprehensive on Wednesday. Our girls took the lead early in this one and never relinquished it. Going in after the first quarter with a 22-0 lead, it was clear we were firing on all cylinders. The game eventually finished 50-11, an impressive score line to say the least. Stand out performances on the day came from Grace McGovern, Caitlin Griffin, Kirsten O’ Connor and Ellie Curtin.
With just a day to recover, it was a quick turnaround before a trip to Mounthawk awaited. Known for being a cauldron like atmosphere, with the bleachers filled with home supporters banging on drums, this was going to be a huge test for these young girls. Unlike yesterday’s game, this one went right down to the wire. Trailing by just 2 points, and with the full time buzzer about to sound, Laura McShane managed to level it up, or so it seemed. Unfortunately, the match officials deemed that the ball had not left Laura’s hand as the buzzer sounded. Though there was disappointment with the decision, it does not take from the girls’ monumental effort. A semi-final in the South-West League still awaits this team, having finished second in their group to Mounthawk. Best on the day were Bríd Curtin, Katelyn Brosnan and Laura McShane. I have a funny feeling that the disappointment from today will be fuel for revenge if these teams meet again down the line.
Our second years, who were also level on points with Mounthawk in their group before today, got the day up and running. With three wins from three to date, they knew that this would be their toughest challenge so far, and that it was. This game was nip and tuck throughout. Though we gained an early lead, our opponents managed to turn it around as the game progressed. With the crowd seemingly getting louder and louder with every basket the home team scored, it was clear that our backs were against the wall. Back and forth both teams went throughout the fourth quarter, and as the final buzzer sounded, the score read 31-31. We were headed to overtime. At this point, it is fair to say the place was rocking. It was going to be a true test of character for our girls to get out of here with a victory, when the whole gym seemed to be rooting against them. Amazingly, the cauldron like atmosphere was not enough to intimidate our girls, and they put in a remarkable performance in overtime. Erin O’ Connor lead by example, with Amelie Kerin and Lauren Coffey too taking the game by the scruff of the neck. With the overtime buzzer sounding, we manged to win 35-33, a heroic performance indeed. This team have now topped their group and go onto the semi final of the South West League.
After a fantastic week’s basketball in the South West League, both our first and second year teams have advanced to the semi-final of the competition. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for what comes next from these fantastic groups of girls. Pres Abú!
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