Scoil Chriost Ri 44 Mallow 39
U-15 ‘A’ Basketball Schools Cup Final
Scoil Chriost Ri are All-Ireland U-15 ‘A’ Basketball Cup Champions for 2024 following two superb wins at the National Arena on Monday, April 15.
They defeated Malahide 36 to 24 after overtime in the semi-final, and the Cork Champions Mallow 44 to 39 in a thrilling final.
This is Scoil Chriost Ri’s 16th All-Ireland win in basketball, and the first since the Senior A double of Cup and League Championships in 2020.
The team demonstrated high levels of skill, organization and composure but it was the relentless intensity of their play especially on defense which brought them All-Ireland glory.
In the semi final SCR led throughout the game, but went cold on scoring in the last quarter allowing Malahide to level the game.
In overtime, Malahide couldn’t handle the pressure and SCR scored a whopping 12 points in three minutes, securing a place in the final.
In the final, Mallow came flying out of the blocks and raced into a 10-point lead, but SCR didn’t panic. They showed great composure for young players competing in their first All-Ireland in the Arena.
They rallied to trail by six points at the break, and two at half time.
In the second half, SCR played a stronger offence against a strong resolute Mallow zone defense and held an eight point lead. However, Mallow rallied and cut the lead to three points.
SCR put in a massive effort on defense to stay in the game and their captain Emily Abrama stayed cool on the line to score three for four foul shots in the final minute to stretch the lead to a winning five points and secure another All-Ireland title for Scoil Chriost Ri.
The school have a chance of three more All-Irelands. Starting this Thursday, April 18 when the U-14 ‘A’ Cup team travel back to the Arena to take on Dalkey, Dublin in the semi-final with a possible final to follow later in the day.
The Second Year A team host an League Championship All-Ireland Qualifying Tournament next Tuesday April 23 with possible semis and final on May 1 in the Arena.
The First Year A team play the All-Ireland Tournament in the UL Arena on May 11 and 12.
The U-16 ‘A’ team were League Championship All-Ireland beaten semi-finalists to eventual winners Mungret, Limerick before Easter so the future looks very bright indeed for Scoil Chriost Ri.
Team: Emily Abrama [Capt], Kara Phelan, Amarachi Obi, Sarah Donoghue, Ellen Fitzpatrick, Leah Brophy, Molly Dempsey, Desire Okonoboh, Salma Valentine, Mia Delaney, Grainne Coleman, Kara Powders, Rhea Flanagan, Afric Hennessy.
Coaches: Pat Critchley, Kate Jacob, Hannah Bailey, Roisin Poole
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