St Brendan’s take U-16 Cup against battling Cougars

U-16 BOYS CUP FINAL St Brendan’s 63 Killarney Cougars 39

Don’t let a scoreline fool you. This was a game of high quality basketball involving players who have big futures in the game. St Brendan’s and coach Fergal O’Sullivan were always going to win this as they have two Irish Internationals Rap Buivydas and James Fernane in their ranks, are leading the Cork League, won the Castleisland Blitz and are a hugely talented side.

But spare a thought for Cougars who stayed with their more vaunted opponents until half time trading blows thanks to the outstanding Ruairi Murphy, Sean O’Brien and Colm Talbot along with Tommy Bowler and 16-14 and 17-13 was to two great efforts.

But Rap Buivydas cut loose in the third with 5 buckets on the trot and with James Fernane draining threes, St Brendan’s pulled clear to lead 52-37 at the end of third and with Cougars having to gamble in the final quarter, mistakes were made and St Brendan’s cruised to a 24 point win but it was a quality game of basketball.

Buivydas hit 30 points for St Brendan’s while Ruairi Murphy (13) and Colm Talbot (12) were best for losers