The Scoil Chríost Rí U-16 A basketball team have delivered an All-Ireland bronze medal after an incredible effort in Dublin’s National Basketball Arena.
It was a fabulous finish to a memorable season, which started with SCR going unbeaten in the Midlands/South-East Regional Championship, defeating Presentation Kilkenny in a close final.
SCR then played their best basketball of the season to defeat Virginia, Cavan in the All-Ireland quarter-final at the National Basketball Arena on a score of 49-28.
However, they had to be content with All-Ireland bronze medals after they were beaten by a very strong side from Mungret, Limerick in the semi-finals.
Mungret, who were defending champions, built up a big lead early in the game as SCR found themselves 22 points down down early in the third quarter.
But a spirited recovery from the Portlaoise school slashed the deficit to just 11 points.
Hopes of a comeback win were dashed, however, with two break-away baskets for the Limerick girls helping them pull away for the win.
SCOIL CHRÍOST RÍ: Roisin Murphy, Chloe Byrne, Ella Beere, Ciara Keenan, Emily Abrama, Aoibheann Phelan, Shauna Lalor, Kaleigh Dunne, Ellen Fitzpatrick, Ellen Bergin, Grainne Buggy, Cara Phelan.
Meanwhile, the SCR U-15 A team won their Cup qualifying tournament over Mount Anville, Dublin, Pres Kilkenny and Carrigaline Community School, Cork.
They will play Malahide, Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final on Monday April 15 in the National Arena with a possible final later that day.
The school’s U-14 A side also won their Cup qualifying tournament, overcoming Pres Kilkanny and Gaelcholaiste Mhuire AG, Cork.
They play Loreto Dalkey, Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final on Thursday April 18th in the Arena with a possible final later that day.
The Senior A team lost the Regional Final to Pres Kilkenny and were knocked out of the Cup by the same opposition who went on to win the All-Ireland.
They were knocked out of the Championship at Last 16 stage with an away defeat to Oranmore, Galway.
Meanwhile, the Senior B and U-16 B teams competed well in the Regional Leagues.
The Senior B team had a very enjoyable and successful Laois Blitz in Mountmellick Community School, with the U-16 B team having a great day at the Laois/Offaly Blitz in St Mary’s Hall.
The future is bright at SCR with the first- and second-year A teams getting off to a great start in the Regional Championships with wins over Tullamore College, Our Lady’s Bower, Athlone and Sacred Heart, Tullamore.
The B teams will be in action shortly in their respective competitions.
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