On the 10th December, the U16 boys’ basketball team competed in the League Final against Pobalscoil Neasa in the Oblate Basketball Hall in Inchicore. The team has improved greatly over the past few years and worked hard to get to the final. Team members included Luke Rock, Kevin Foley, Tiernan Healy, Liam Leonard, Tom Laforgue, Richard Watson, Jack Bass, Cian Redmond, Ben Gaston, Jack Simpson, Harry Nugent and Alex Argue.
Excitement filled the air, as they warmed up and after a short team talk from Ms. Orohoe, the game began.
A foul on Pobalscoil Neasa was called just as the game started, which resulted in two free throws for Luke Rock which he scored effortlessly. In the first quarter, Donabate took the lead with excellent baskets from both Tom Laforgue and Luke Rock. The second quarter went by smoothly and at half time Donabate had a two point lead. Throughout the game Luke Rock played brilliantly. He consistently played excellent defence and offence and was the top scorer from Donabate.
Half time gave the team time to calm down and focus on the next two quarters ahead. Pobalscoil Neasa came back fighting with six baskets in a row. With great rebounding from Tiernan Healy and quick dribbling by Tom Laforgue, Donabate managed to get five points by the end of the quarter.
By this point in the match, some of the players from Donabate were on four fouls; this meant that they had to be very careful as five fouls would mean they would be sent off. Some opportunities to gain possession of the ball were possibly missed due to this.
The fourth quarter started off tense and both sides panicked as time started to run out. Donabate held their own as the opposition kept up strong defence with baskets from Luke Rock and Cian Redmond.As the time ran out, the whistle blew and unfortunately Pobalscoil Neasa went home the winners. The final score was 29-41.
Medals were awarded to everyone and a trophy was awarded to Pobalscoil Neasa.
Donabate put up a brave fight and played excellently with great team work skills and excellent coaching from Ms. Orohoe. This was the first time in a few years that a basketball team from Donabate has reached the final, the boys should be very proud of themselves and of the team’s hard work. Hard luck boys!
Thanks to Louise Evans and Sarah McGrath from Transition Year for this report!