Bish basketball tops

Date Published: 12-Oct-2007

ST. JOSEPH’S College, Galway defeated Aquinas Grammar School, Belfast in comprehensive fashion (58 to 43) last Monday in NUIG to advance in the U-19 A Schools Cup.

The Bish led from the start with excellent scoring from their Irish Internationals, Steven Tummon, Con Crowley (MVP) and Colm O’Hagan. James Brophy controlled the post and Tomas Gilson controlled the point. Dylan Cunningham and Gerald Lyons continued to threaten from the outside, shooting some great scores.

The Bish could afford to rotate players due to a half time lead of 22 points and Steven Heaney, Conor O’Hagan and Michael Noonan, James O’Brien and David Jackson all showed their talent and character.

The Bish now face St. Patrick’s Dungannon in an All-Ireland quarter-final pairing in Dungannon next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Bish U-16 basketballers defeated Colaiste Mhuire, Crosshaven in NUIG last Friday by a score of 56 to 40. The Bish got off to a flying start with captain Colm O’Hagan (MVP) leading by example with an impressive tally of 18 points.

Brian Kelly controlled the point guard position and managed to score a total of 15 points including several three point shots. Ciaran Harte ensured that the post players Michael Staunton and Paul Gannon were delivered quality ball and the Bish led by 24 points at half time.

The second half allowed Shane Geoghegan to come more into the game with two excellent baskets, while Sam Conroy, Danny Breen and Ian Burke controlled the game when introduced. Oisin Clancy scored the final basket and the Bish fully deserved this victory.

This sets them up for a quarter-final pairing against St. Brendan’s Killarney, next week. The Bish teams take a well deserved break when they fly to the USA during the October mid-term where they were invited to play in tournaments in Boston, New York and Portsmouth as well as support the Boston Celtics in the opening NBA game of the season.