On the 24th of September, the Donabate Community College junior basketball team played Beneavin De La Salle College away from home.
The squad turned out to be quite a large amount, which meant that they had plenty of substitutes. Tiarnan Healy from 4th year was their captain.
The coaches Mr O’Sullivan and Mr St. Ledger did not know what to expect as this was the junior’s first game of the season. Luke Rock also stepped up to coach, and played a large part in picking the starting line-up.
The game started off with Donabate quickly taking control. Their experience from playing with each other over the last few years was clear to see. They dominated Beneavin in the first quarter who were completely taken by surprise. A barrage of shots on the basket ranging from layups to further ranged shots were launched by Donabate. Many of these bounced around the hoop and were cleared by Beneavin but many found their way in. This gave Donabate a comfortable lead at the end of the first quarter.
Going into the second quarter Beneavin picked up their game and started playing well but were still no match for Donabate. Any attacks they launched were defended well and then carried up expertly by Tiarnan Healy. However, they seemed to find a chink in Donabate’s armour and began using their small and agile players to expose this. One very skilful player was difficult to stop and made his way through the middle of Donabate’s defence at times.
Apart from this setback, the whole Donabate team banded together. They defended and attacked as a unit. John Troy was clinical and scored twenty one points for the Donabate team. The defence was also solid and stopped many attacks. Substitutes were frequent for Donabate and ensured that there were always energetic players on the court.
The final score was 44-26 and was a well deserved win for Donabate. Mr O’Sullivan was very impressed with the performance and even said “They don’t need much coaching”.
Donabate’s spirit and play was very impressive and they looked like an unstoppable side at times. Congratulations to all the players for a well deserved victory.
By Adam Bourke.