Girls Basketball – Regional Semi-Finals & Finals – SIlver Medals
Today was regional semi-final and final day in Athea for our girls basketball teams. After an early rise, the 1st year team took on Hazelwood College in their semi-final. The game was back and forth over the first three quarters before a strong final quarter from our girls put the game to bed and earned themselves a spot in the final, to be played later that day.
Up next, the 2nd year team had a tough test against Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine. The game was full of high level defense with both teams refusing to give up much to the opposition’s offense. Our girls were able to hold a 2 point lead throughout the first three quarters but relinquished it midway through the fourth. As the game was drawing to a close, the Kenmare school were able to go up by four with 35 seconds to go and carried this through to the final buzzer. A tough way to be knocked out but the team never gave up and stayed fighting until the end.
Just minutes after the 2nd years finished up, the 1st years were back on the court for their final. Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine were again the opposing team. The Kerry school took the lead early as we were finding their feet in the game. After two quarters, our girls were seven points down but never lost faith in their abilities as they fought back in the 3rd and start of the 4th to make it a 1 point game. But a timeout and change of tactic by Kenmare stifled our offense and they took hold of the game again. The girls battled hard but couldn’t muster a second comeback and eventually succumbed to an 8 point defeat.
Both teams showed great heart and determination in their efforts but today wasn’t to be their day. The 2nd year team have now finished their season and will step up to the U16 team next year. The 1st year team, as finalists and silver medallists, move on to the All-Ireland playoffs which is due to take place at the end of April. Commiserations to all involved.
