St Joseph’s College, Galway realised a rare sporting dream when claiming their third consecutive national basketball title.
The Bish comprehensively defeated Presentation Bray in the u-16 A All Ireland decider by 58-36 in Tallaght on Thursday.
The Bish stormed into an early lead with post player Padraig Doran scoring from the first possession. Although Stephen O’Brien replied, Cathal Evans and Padraig Doran put the Galway school 10 points up. Luke Gorman cut the deficit for Bray with a free throw, followed by some quick baskets from the Presentation’s Irish internationals Anton Bartley and Ash O’Callaghan to bring them to within five points, but Dylan Costelloe and captain Patrick Lyons hit two threes to ensure Galway held a comfortable lead at the end of the first quarter.
Cathal Evans, Patrick Lyons, and Dylan Costelloe were off the mark for the Galway school, while Seamus Garrity, Peter Cooke, Evan McGuire and blood substitute Sean O' Sullivan all impressed when introduced to maintain the momentum. Stephen O’Brien continued to show the Bish scoring prowess, while Bray's captain Marc Lennon hit a three-pointer to give a glimmer of hope to his team. However the Bish lead was extended with two big threes from Lyons and Evans.
When Presentation got into foul trouble early in the fourth, the Bish closed out the game. International guards Patrick Lyons, who won the MVP award, Cathal Evans, Dylan Costelloe and Stephen O Brien were exceptional throughout the game, while second year students Peter Cooke and Padraig Doran were impressive on the court together. Point guard Seamus Garrity was composed when introduced and with Sean O’Sullivan scoring two baskets in quick succession when he took up post duties alongside Padraig Doran, it was clearly going to be the Bish’s day.
The Bish with a lead of 22 points heading into the closing minutes were able to introduce all their players, including Pam Ogundele, Conall Morgan and Sean Candon.
Bish coach Tom O Malley said: "Winning three in a row is a great achievement. These guys are awesome and we are so proud of them in the Bish . It is also important to recognise the role of their basketball clubs and parents who play a huge part in their individual development as players.”
