Dundalk school progress to basketball All-Ireland Cup ‘B’ U-16 final

Coláiste Chu Chulainn advanced to the All-Ireland Cup ‘B’ U-16 final, following this hard-fought win against local rivals Ballymakenny College in the National Basketball Arena Tallaght.

In a tentative first quarter, Ballymakenny led 9-7 after with both defences on top. But a strong second quarter from the Dundalk school saw them turn things around to lead by 23-14 at the break, with Joshua Osaghae connecting with a jump shot, while team captain Joseph Osagie also played a key role, scoring 8 points including an impressive 4/4 from the Free Throw line.

To their credit, Ballymakenny battled back in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 5 points with some good team basketball of their own, as well as capitalising on some turnovers from Chulainn.

Following the introduction of the imposing Nelson Akubuko, Coláiste Chu Chulainn improved defensively, and grabbed important rebounds at both ends of the floor.

They dominated the early exchanges of the 4th quarter, with Christos Kostopoulos scoring two 3 pointers in quick succession, which were both set up by two neat passes from Mohammed Sene, as Chulainn soon led by 43 to 30 with 5 minutes remaining.

Despite trailing, Ballymakenny fought back thanks to two 3 pointers from star man Ryan Kelly, following two tough layups.

However, Chulainn sealed the deal, thanks to arguably the play of the match, which saw Miguel Lopez Rio intercept a pass on the half-way line, behind his back. Despite having two defenders for company, he finished off the play with a neat layup.

This sealed a win and a momentous day for Coláiste Chu Chulainn who are promoted to ‘A’ Basketball next year.

Despite this defeat, Ballymakenny will join the Dundalk school at the A grade for next year, following their win over Castlerea Community School 41-40 in the U19 ‘B’ Cup Semifinal in the afternoon, in what was a wonderful day for North East basketball and Louth schools.

Full Time: 48-44 Joseph Osagie (19), Christos Kostoupolos (14), Miguel Lopez Rio (8), Gracea Sono (3) Mohammed Sene (2), Joshua Osaghae (2), Nelsen Akubuko, Kofi Owusu, Tishe Abuede, Japhet Awotundun, Naho Mudzima, Emmanuel Okpere