Moycullen produced a spirited second-half performance in their last game of Basketball Ireland’s premier league.
Although they lost to UCC Demons of Cork, it illustrated to the big home crowd the progress this young team has made over the season under coach Salva Camps.
Unfortunately for Moycullen too much damage had been done in the opening half.
Mike Callaghan once again had a superb game and showed why he is the best American player in the league with an impressive 28 points and 19 rebounds performance. He finished the league with leading averages of 26 points and 15 rebounds - an outstanding production for a player in his first season as a professional.
Dylan Cunningham once again impressed and he too has been a constant thorn in opposition sides, showing himself to be one of the top Irish players in the league.
On his first season back to the team, Eoghan Maxwell was again excellent on defence and when needed did a great job at all guard positions on offence. Tomas Gilson’s emergence as the team’s point guard after being out of the game for a number of years was another bright spot, as was the return of Gerald Lyons.
Paul O’Brien began to find some of this form towards the end of the season and with young players Ian Burke, Stephen O’Brien, Evan Costelloe and Rory Gilson enjoying more court time, the nucleus of a good team is emerging.
Under 18 international players Darragh Mulkerrins and Sean Candon also enjoyed valuable court time and showed they are more than capable of performing at this level.
Ronan O’Sullivan was a welcome addition to the team and he produced his best game of the season on Saturday evening.
The team put in some great performances during the season, but what counted against it was a lack of consistency and concentration during games, especially at the crucial moments.
However with all the young players having had another year under their belts, the future looks good for the team and the club as they continue playing at the top level of Irish basketball.
SSE Renewables Moycullen: Mike Callaghan 28, Dylan Cunningham 13, Ronan O’Sullivan 12, Paul O’Brien 10, Eoghan Maxwell 2, Sean Candon 2, Nollaig Cunningham 1, Tomas Gilson, Ian Burke, Rory Gilson, Darragh Mulkerrins, Gerald Lyons, Evan Costelloe, Stephen O’Brien.
