Sparks sink mighty Muckno
DROGHEDA Sparks Under-16s made it three wins from four outings when they overcame Muckno Lakers 31-22 in a North East League clash in Castleblayney at the weekend.
Ome Esajabor claimed the visitors’ first basket and was joined on the scoresheet by Ava Prendergast, Kate Kelly and Ciara Ni Criosta, but Lakers kept pace and just a single score separated the teams at the first break.
The game evolved into a battle of defences, with scores difficult to come by, but nevertheless Ava Briscoe got in on the scoring act in the second quarter along with Ruby Matthews and Sparks pushed out to a 17-13 half-time lead.
The difference between the teams was back down to a single basket going into the fourth quarter - 22-20 - but excellent team defence saw Sparks close out the game comfortably in the end. In the final quarter the Drogheda team limited Lakers to just one score, while Esajabor, Kelly, Ni Criosta and Prendergast all registered at the other end of the court.
Next up for Sparks is a game against last season’s champions Libby Dynamites in Sacred Heart School, Drogheda, this Saturday at 1.30pm.
Overall, the Drogheda Sparks club continues to go from strength to strength and Under-14 players Ellen Pentony and Lauren Ricourt have been selected for the North East Academy in their age group.
The news follows Kate Kelly’s inclusion in the Ireland Under-16 squad, and Sparks - who are celebrating their 40th year in existence - have congratulated all three players on their achievements.
The club currently boasts ladies teams at Senior, Under-16 (two teams), Under-14 and Under-12 - all competing in the North East League.
Sparks’ Junior Training Academy for eight to 10-year-old girls, which runs on Wednesdays from 6 to 7pm in Sacred Heart School gym, is also proving to be a great success.