South West Girls power to All-Ireland basketball title

AT the Basketball Ireland Schools U15 Inter-Regional played in UL Arena last weekend the South West (comprised of Kerry, Limerick and Clare schools) proved strongest of the nine regions.

Despite being drawn in tough pool group alongside defending champions the East (Dublin), perennial favourites South (Cork) and the emerging North East, the girls opened with a hard fought victory over the South 45-38, followed by an comeback second half 49-34 over the NE. The final pool game on day one was a comfortable 45-32 margin over the a strong East squad.

In the semi-final encounter on day two the West provided a stiff test but superb teamwork and selfless play ensured a place in the final on a scoreline 39-28. The South who over came a resilient Midlands team in a other game were awaiting in the decider.

As the final progressed the superior strength and conditioning of the SW team was very evident after the nip and tuck opening half. The well coached South team battled right to the end and the final score 48-33 was somewhat harsh on their efforts. For the SW girls it was a culmination of five months hard work and dedication.

“The BIPPS Inter-Regional is the flagship of our fantastic Schools competitions in Boys and Girls. It’s very difficult to win as the quality of play is so high, the standard of coaching is excellent and all this takes place in UL Arena before large partisan crowds,” said SW Head Coach Ger Tarrant.

The South West girls team