THREE local teams have won through to All-Ireland Finals at the National Basketball Arena in Dublin later this month.
First through from Cork, to the Women’s Division One Cup Final (v Dublin Lions), were Limerick Celtics.
Inspired by Mikayla Brandon, who chalked up 22 points and as many rebounds on the day, Limerick fought back from 10 down early in the third quarter to run out convincing winners.
Lucy Devoy certainly stepped up to the plate for Limerick, serving up nine points in the third which was supplemented nicely by baskets from Sabhbh Edwards Murphy and a three-pointer by Brandon to leave the Treaty side in command.
“After half-time, our execution was much better and our defence really shut down Oblates and made it much tougher for them to dominate in the way they had done in the first two quarters,” commented coach Tony Hehir.
“Our defence was huge and the players that we had stepped up with some huge scores, so I’m delighted with the overall team performance in the second half”
Next, Limerick Sport Eagles endured a nervy fourth quarter against Moy Tolka Rovers before holding on for a 95-92 win and a place in the Presidents Cup Fina (v UCD Marian).
An incredible 56-point haul from Sam Finlay and Kealan Coats paved the way for Eagles.
In the semi-final of the Under-20 Men’s Cup, Limerick Celtics defeated St Brendan’s 78-53.
Martin Frawley proved flawless for Tony Hehir’s men, notching a game high 29 points.
Celtics are the reigning champions and their roster contains eight players from last season. Galway Titans are the other finalists.
Celtics (Women’s Division One): Lucy Devoy, Aoife Morrissey, Sabhbh Edwards Murphy, Sorcha Cronin, Mikayla Brandon, Anna Parra Sanchez, Samantha Coleman.
Eagles: Kealen Coats, Reece Barry, Darragh Horkan, Yves Joaquim, Daniel Shahab, Sean Morrissey, Obinna Josephs, Nikola Ivkovic, Liam Price, Sean Cantillon, David O’Connell, Owen Chose, Ajay Ryan Walsh, Diarmuid O’Shea, Ignacio Fologueiras, Jason Killeen, Ronan Cregan, Sam Finlay.
Celtics (Men’s U-20): Martin Frawley, Daniel O’Toole, Colm McCarthy, Cian Gleeson, Sean McNamara, Philip Kearney, James Corcoran, Oliver Barry, Dennis Matthews, Kevin Morrow, Matthew Barry, Con Kirby, Stephen Redmond, Tom Kavanagh
