Howard lauds Laois basketball as four from the county make Ireland U/16 men’s squad

IRELAND Under 16 men’s basketball team head coach, Emer Howard believes Laois is a growing hotbed of underage talent in the sport after four players from the county were named in her squad for next month’s FIBA European Championships in North Macedonia.

Brothers, Eoghan and Darragh O’Loughlin from Kestrels, together with Portlaoise Panthers pair, Giovanni Osadolor and Prince Iheme account for no less than a third of the national squad that will be lining out in this summer’s Euros.

What’s more, Portlaoise also saw another of their own, Evan Branagan stay in contention for selection right the way down to the final cut despite playing up a year, and Howard insists that all of this is down to the superb work of clubs and coaches in the county.

“Laois basketball is thriving, and having four boys in the final 12 of the Ireland Under 16 national team is testament to that,” Howard told the Laois Nationalist.

“The work done by Kestrels and Portlaoise Panthers over the years is coming to fruition, and Prince, Gio, Darragh and Eoghan are some of its most rounded players yet when it comes to athletic ability, skill and IQ.

“All four boys have improved immeasurably since our first trial last September. They’ve worked really hard, and have made great strides. Their work really speaks for itself.

“Gio has become a force in the paint, an extremely hard-working, fast and fierce centre who is one of our fastest players up and down the floor.

“Prince is a naturally high-IQ player who can play multiple positions, and has evolved into a threat on many different levels both offensively and defensively.

“Eoghan and Darragh are elite athletes who have grown into twin-offensive-weapons in the open floor and around the arc, as well as long and menacing defenders.

“I must also mention Evan Branagan from Portlaoise Panthers who earned his first two international caps with the squad.

“Evan is a year young for this year’s campaign, but has the ability, the IQ and the defensive ability to be at the forefront of next year’s campaign if he keeps up the hard work. He is a very talented young player.

“If all five of these young men are a sign of what’s to come from Laois, the future is very bright,” she insisted.

For Portlaoise, the selection of Iheme and Osadolor caps off a superb year of international representation for the boys programme in the club, in which they have had at least one member included in the final 12 of every boys squad from Under 14 through to Under 20.

“It’s great to have Prince and Gio on the Irish team,” Portlaoise coach, Jack Scully told the Laois Nationalist.

“The two of them have been members of the club since they were young and have always been high-level players, always been the best players in their respective ages. They’ve worked really hard to get to here.

“It's the first time we've had two players on one Irish team, on the boys’ side of the club anyway, so it's great and it marks off an incredible season in terms of Irish players for the club.

“After the international season is over, we've now managed to get an Irish player on Under 14, Under 16, Under 18 and Under 20 boys teams, along with players on Under 15 and 16 girls, which is incredible,” he remarked.

For Kestrels brothers, Eoghan and Darragh O’Loughlin, their inclusion in the national panel is just reward for their huge work and commitment at club level.

Indeed, the two have been instrumental in helping see the Portarlington side reach the All-Ireland Club Championships for the past three seasons, with the team capturing the C Division title this year following a superb campaign that saw them surmount Mulroy Hoops, Castlebar Comets and Carlow BC on the final day of competition.

Kestrels head coach, Louise Foster was delighted to see both players make the cut for next month’s trip to North Macedonia, saying “Kestrels is celebrating double success after Eoghan and Darragh O’Loughlin were both named in the final 12 for Ireland’s squad.

“The announcement mark's a huge milestone for the club and for the two players, who have been with Kestrels since their early years.

“As their coach, I've watched Eoghan and Darragh put in the work season after season. They've been extremely dedicated, committed to training, and always pushing each other to improve. To see that hard work rewarded with Ireland selection is something the whole club is extremely proud of.

“Both boys will now represent Ireland on the European stage in Macedonia, competing against some of the best young talent in the continent and Kestrels basketball club wishes Eoghan and Darragh, and the rest of the Ireland squad the very best of luck.”