Historic day for Scoil Chríost Rí basketballers
Scoil Chríost Rí 1st Year A team
THURSDAY 12 March will go down as an historic one in the annals of Scoil Chríost Rí basketball history as the school won a hat trick of regional titles. Wins in the 2nd Year B, 1st Year A and 2nd Year A pushed the schools regional tally to an incredible 71 titles.
The 2nd Year A and B double was the first such double since the 1998/99 season when the school did the double at U/16 level. That year the A team lost narrowly in the All-Ireland semi-final but the B team won one of the best ever All-Ireland wins with a one point victory over Castlerea.
The day began with the 2nd Year B final against Baltinglass. There was an electric atmosphere in the Nagle Rice Hall as both teams were neck to neck through three quarters. SCR led by two points at the half and four points going into the last quarter. The work rate and defence were immense throughout but a Cara Dunne three pointer opened the scoring floodgates and SCR went on to win 36-22 amid joyous scenes.
It was then down to St Mary’s Hall for the 1st Year A final against Longford. SCR won the game with an impressive first two quarters winning 11-2 and 12-4 to take a commanding lead at half time. They struggled somewhat to break down the Longford zone in the second half but resolute defence kept Longford at bay and they won on a final score of 35-23. This is the first title for this group and they showed great potential for more successes in the future.
The 2nd Year A team then lined up for their final against arch-rivals Pres Kilkenny. SCR had lost the U16 A final by 1pt and the Senior A by 2pts earlier in the season to the Kilkenny girls. However, the hat trick was to go to SCR on the day. A solid first quarter had them leading 10-5 but a powerful pressing and fast break game saw the Laois girls surge ahead to win the 2nd quarter 16-4 creating an unassailable lead and SCR finished the game convincing winners on a score of 54-30.
After Easter, SCR will chase five All-Ireland titles as they are already qualified for the U14 A and U15 A Cup semi-final stages along with the three regional winning teams. Perhaps, there is more history to be made before the season is out.
2ND YEAR B PANEL: Katie Bracken [Co-Captain], Orlaith Coffey [Co-Captain], Cara Dunne, Lily Brophy, Abbie Holmes, Haleigh Breen, Amalie Milligan, Sarah Cunningham, Carrie Gorman, Chloe Doyle, Lily Reid, Emma Houlihan, Lucy Heffernan, Niamh Ramsbottom, Sophie Musekina, Hannah Whelan, Maia Fenlon, Jill Dennehy.
1ST YEAR A PANEL: Edel Ramsbottom [Co-Captain], Emma Hyland [Co-Captain], Lily Gavin, Aimee Conlon, Olivia Canavan, Emma Burke, Aine Coffey, Mia Roche, Mya Dunne, Sali Nawale, Beth O’Regan, Kate Delaney, Lucy Ryan, Amber Brennan Anastasia Semenistiya, Evie Kinnidy.
2ND YEAR A PANEL: Beth Donoghue [Co-Captain], Kate Dowling [Co-Captain], Leah O’Sullivan, Doireann Delaney, Daisy Ramsbottom, Hannah Touhy, Saoirse Reddin, Alex Beale, Zoe Carton, Ellen McGree, Edel Ramsbottom, Lily Gavin, Emma Hyland.
