U19 boys basketball team progress to the All Ireland semi-finals.

St Mary’s College hosted Pool B of the All Ireland Playoffs on Sunday 20^th There were 4 pools across the country with the winner of each pool progressing to the All-Ireland Semi-finals. It was a long day of challenging games. St Mary’s College vs St Patricks Grammar School was the first of 6 games on the day. It was a close, nervy start for the hosts with the lead switching between the two teams in the first two quarters. St Mary’s College were trailing in the final quarter but the started playing with more intensity and turned it around in the final minutes to make it their first win of the day with a 56-49 score line. Dublin’s Luttrelstown CC were the second test for St Mary’s College,. The hosts had started to play the type of basketball that helped them win the North East Region back in December but the lead switched teams a number of times throughout the match before St Mary’s College pulled away in the last quarter and won 68-61. St Gerald’s, Castlebar were the last opponents of the day and put up a mighty display to frustrate the hosts. However, much like the previous two games, St Mary’s College, showed great character and team spirit to fight back to claim their third victory of the day with a 58-47 win. Elijah Faapito was top scorer on the day with 69 points followed by team captain Thomas Rice with 55. Dami Abagun provided a defensive masterclass at the heart of the defence while Luke Markey, Solomon Olamijuwon and Victor Ihemeje showed great link up play and some fantastic scores throughout the day. After winning their three matches the team and their coach Mr. McShane now progress to the All-Ireland Semi Final which will take place on February 6th in the National Basketball arena in Tallaght. Well done to all the team and Good luck in the semi-final.