Portlaoise school crowned Leinster Champs
It was an exciting day for the students of Dunamase on Friday 27th as they made their way back to the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght. It was here they got their first taste of victory winning a Midlands final earlier in the school year. The stakes were higher this time around, that Leinster cup was within touching distance.
On a sunny morning, the team and supporters bus took off from Portlaoise with parents, guardians and family members travelling closely behind in convoy. The U16 girls were first to take to the court. Their opposition was Clonturk Community College Swords. The game started a little shaky with Clonturk taking an early lead in the first quarter. Dunamase defence was stellar, unfortunately our shots just weren’t hitting the mark.
A super 3 pointer from Ashlinn Lawlor saw Dunamase claw back some scores and some spirit and at half time, it was still all to play for. Work rate from Hayley McCormack and Erin O’Dwyer had Dunamase within 5 baskets of the leaders. Taking full advantage of team fouls, Vakare Simkute swished her free throws and with a beautiful 3 pointer from Chloe McCormack, it made it a 9-point game.
It was then the time of the U16 boys who sat patiently waiting for their time to shine. The squad were feeling fit and eager to take home the silverware. The only obstacle in their way was Largy College, Monaghan. The first quarter started like a blizzard with Fionn Stack creating an 18 points to 2 lead. This let Dunamase settle comfortably into the game and Largy chasing their tail. Dunamase moved the ball well with Jayden Umeh creating and taking scoring chances.
The second quarter saw Dunamase build up an extensive lead of 34-4 allowing our bench to make impact substitutions. Cayle Bourke pointed a beautiful 3 pointer along the way. Ethan Kelly found the scoreboard after making incredible fast break runs and was immense in defence. Safety and calm were found in Matthew Cunningham and Jayden Bowe as they stood strong in defence getting the simplest of touches to deter their opponents. Dunamase were playing as a unit, communicating efficiently, and using all the skills each of their teammates possessed. Ben Peacham and Oisin Gilligan brought lightening speed and quick passing throughout the 2nd and 3rd quarter with Cormac Harney narrowly missing out on a 3 pointer.
Fionn Stack as captain displayed exemplary behaviour and skill throughout. He has a natural presence on the court, he leads by example and the other players look to him for guidance and composure. He finished the 4th quarter in style leading his squad to victory. Unfortunately Largy could not bridge the gap that Dunamase put down early on in the game and despite their fuelled attempts, they could not topple the Midlands champions. Final score line Dunamase 50 Largy College 22.
Both squads represented themselves and their schools immensely well. Acknowledgment must go to their teachers and coaches who have nurtured and supported them throughout the season. Also, a special mention to the teachers, students and relatives who travelled up to the support the boys. A great year for Dunamase basketball! Dunamase Abu!