Aquinas miss out on All-Ireland semi finals
Aquinas U16 basketball team returned from the All-Ireland play-offs in Galway with their heads held high despite failing to qualify for the semi finals.
Four teams came together on Saturday in Calasanctius College, Oranmore on Saturday despite the harsh winter weather. The host school proved much too strong for their visitors from Belfast, Killarney and Castleblayney and marched onward to the semi finals.
Results & Scorers
Calasanctius College 60 Aquinas 36
(E Walsh 20) (Ben Scullion 11; Joe Shields 10; Peter Horner 6)
The host school proved why they have competed in 21 All-Ireland finals in 30 years as they eventually overcame a gutsy performance from Aquinas. Despite leading 14-12 after eight minutes Aquinas, who were outsized considerably in all positions, were unable to contain 6’4 post Walsh from Oranmore. At half time the host team led 30-19 and although great shooting from Joe Shields gave Aquinas a glimmer of hope, Walsh scored 14 points in the last 9 minutes to give the home team their first and most difficult win of the day.
St Brendans Killarney 42 Aquinas 41
(S Keane 14) (Ryan McGarry 15; Peter Horner 9; Ben Scullion 7; Chris McIntyre 5)
Aquinas dominated this game for 24 minutes and then let an eight point lead slip away. Going into the last quarter Aquinas lead 34-26 thanks mainly to Ryan McGarry and Peter Horner. However, credit to St Brrendans Killarney who kept plugging away at the lead and with 1 minute to go went 40-38 ahead. Ryan McGarry then hit two free throws to tie the game. Chris McIntyre then hit one free throw to allow the game to swing back to Aquinas at 41-40. With five seconds on the clock Killarney ran an inbounds play to drop in a jump shot and deprive Aquinas of their first win of the day.
Aquinas 40 Our Ladys Castleblayney 32
(Ben Scullion 14; Peter Horner 12) (P Finnegan 8)
Aquinas put on a great display in their final game to claim a well deserved win over arch rivals Our Ladys Castleblayney. Peter Horner hit three 3s and some great offensive play by Ben Scullion ensured that victory was never in doubt.
This current team won the Year 9 and Year 10 Ulster titles in 2007 & 2008. Many of them are eligible for U16 again next year. Some great individual performances over the weekend by Joe Shields, Ben Scullion, Ryan McGarry and Peter Horner ensured that Aquinas will continue to compete a ‘A’ basketball for the next few years.
Aquinas U16 Team:
Ryan McGarry (capt); Ben Scullion; Peter Horner; Ciaran McFarland; Ronan McKegney; Ruairi Sheridan; Chris McIntyre; Joe Shields; Rory Gorman; Stephen Doherty; Oisin McKeever; Peter McKenna; Mathew Lappin; Conor Marley.