THRILLERS AND HIGH SCORING GAMES

A THRILLER of a game took place in Castleisland on Wednesday of last week between St. Mary’s and KCYMS U-12 Boys Division One.

The home team had a strong opening quarter; they were accurate and consistent with both Killian Dennehy and Eoghan Shire in fine shooting form.

While the visitors were well able to handle the ball, and huge efforts was made by Jake Sparks, they were repeatedly met by a strong defence in the St. Mary’s team in Ben O’Donoghue, Larry Nolan and Evan Brennan.

This gave them little chance to get shots off and resulted in a first quarter score of eight points to nil in favour of the home team.

KCYMS had a stronger second period. Niall Tadhg O’Brien registered their first score quarter just two minutes in.

St. Mary’s had shot opportunities but failed to find their target in the early part and good rebounding by Killorglin’s Darragh Foley ensured that they got no second chances despite some great challenges from Pat Brosnan.

Eoin O’Connell had a huge seven points in this period for the visitors but as the quarter progressed St. Mary’s Gerard Costello and Chris Devane registered scores for their side to keep them ahead and leave the half time score at 12 points to 9.

The third quarter was closely fought with Castleisland’s Eoghan Shire and Evan Brennan hitting the target and good defence from Isaac Brosnan while Killorglin’s Jake Sparks and Conor Buckley kept their side in touch.

The home team came out on top once again by a single point. St. Mary’s led 21 points to 17 going into the final seven minutes. Eoin O’Connell hit the first basket of the final quarter for KCYMS. St. Mary’s introduced Max O’Connell and Shane Kelliher in this quarter but lost Kelliher to injury.

Kian Downey and Mint O’Connor registered scores for the home side who went up 25 point to 19 in the early part after some great attacks. O’Connell and Darragh Foley got some great scores and rebounds to bring KCYMS back into the game.

A great rebound and a forward pass by Kian Downey set up a fast break in which he finished with a lay-up. Some quick scores by KCYMS brought them back again, with just six seconds remaining Darragh Foley levelled the game.

St. Mary’s made the most of this final possession and quickly got the ball down to court to Chris Devane who popped it in the net for a win on the buzzer.

St. Mary’s Basketball Club Coach, Paudie Fleming and his U-12A team which defeated KCYMS at Castleisland Community CentreIncluded are front from left: Gerard Costello, Shane Kelliher, Eoghan Shire, Ben O’Donoghue, Cian Downey, Isaac Brosnan and Patrick...