@ ST MALACHY’S ‘GAAADEN’
Star advanced to the final of the U16 BNI Playoffs by defeating Steelers in the semi-finals with a comprehensive performance at the Gaaaden, winning on a 73-56 scoreline.
As expected, they got a stern test from a Steelers team which finished the league campaign strongly, and it was important that they came out with the right mindset from the beginning, as any complacency would have made this a potential banana-skin game. But driven on by Eoin Nagle, who has really blossomed over the last few months of the season, Star’s opening 5 went about their business clinically, as John Smye brought his ‘A’ game, rattling in 15 points in the opening quarter (before finishing with a game-high 26). Michael McWilliams & Conor Cooke more than held their own against the dangerous front-line of Steelers, Conor rising to the challenge of playing up again following the disappointing late withdrawal of Kamil Kolos on the morning of the game. However his compatriot Przemeak Kwiecien put in a solid performance to complement the opening 5’s effort, and the quarter ended with Star in control 21-7.
The first offence of the 2nd quarter was run for Peter Henvey, who duly delivered and proceeded to stamp his authority on the game with a powerful performance on both ends of the floor. John Moran again showed his versatility by slotting into the 4 spot alongside Niall McGinnity, and Star were able to get good looks offensively both inside and outside. With Ethan Gibson controlling the tempo, both Darragh Maginn and Dermott Maguire were able to make significant contributions particularly defensively, Dermott capping off a nice role, connecting on his trademark catch-and-shoot mid-range ‘J’ off a beautiful assist from Peter Henvey. Star closed the half on top 40-20.
Yet again though, Steelers weren’t going anywhere, and the second half was contested right to the death. With Andrew O’Connor and R McAllister driving them, Steelers fought hard to get back into the game, and with the benefit of some long-range bombs and a lapse in concentration from Star, the teams matched eachother score for score. John Smye and Peter Henvey carried the offensive load as Star were guilty of some poor finishing around the rim, and with multiple substitutions the rhythm of the game became quite disrupted. Nevertheless, there were some good passages of play and it was pleasing to see certain players ‘making the next play’ after making a mistake or suffering a questionable call, or whatever. It was fitting that the last score of the game fell to Conor Cooke who calmly stroked a nice mid-range ‘J’, capping a fine all-round contribution. The final score read 73-56, and this Steelers team could have been worthy finalists if the standings had worked out differently.
Star now face old friends Queens in the final next Sunday at the Antrim Forum, before setting off for Dublin to represent Ulster in the All-Ireland ‘A’ Championships, which has been the main goal all year. It will take another focused performance as they seek to stay undefeated in what has been probably the most competitive age-bracket of all the Junior competitions this year. But there has been clear development throughout the squad as the year has progressed, and the first sign of a few players putting their hands up as leaders, so here is hoping one more clinical performance will bring the rewards the team have worked hard for and deserve.v
Star advanced to the final of the U16 BNI Playoffs by defeating Steelers in the semi-finals with a comprehensive performance at the Gaaaden, winning on a 73-56 scoreline.
As expected, they got a stern test from a Steelers team which finished the league campaign strongly, and it was important that they came out with the right mindset from the beginning, as any complacency would have made this a potential banana-skin game. But driven on by Eoin Nagle, who has really blossomed over the last few months of the season, Star’s opening 5 went about their business clinically, as John Smye brought his ‘A’ game, rattling in 15 points in the opening quarter (before finishing with a game-high 26). Michael McWilliams & Conor Cooke more than held their own against the dangerous front-line of Steelers, Conor rising to the challenge of playing up again following the disappointing late withdrawal of Kamil Kolos on the morning of the game. However his compatriot Przemeak Kwiecien put in a solid performance to complement the opening 5’s effort, and the quarter ended with Star in control 21-7.
The first offence of the 2nd quarter was run for Peter Henvey, who duly delivered and proceeded to stamp his authority on the game with a powerful performance on both ends of the floor. John Moran again showed his versatility by slotting into the 4 spot alongside Niall McGinnity, and Star were able to get good looks offensively both inside and outside. With Ethan Gibson controlling the tempo, both Darragh Maginn and Dermott Maguire were able to make significant contributions particularly defensively, Dermott capping off a nice role, connecting on his trademark catch-and-shoot mid-range ‘J’ off a beautiful assist from Peter Henvey. Star closed the half on top 40-20.
Yet again though, Steelers weren’t going anywhere, and the second half was contested right to the death. With Andrew O’Connor and R McAllister driving them, Steelers fought hard to get back into the game, and with the benefit of some long-range bombs and a lapse in concentration from Star, the teams matched eachother score for score. John Smye and Peter Henvey carried the offensive load as Star were guilty of some poor finishing around the rim, and with multiple substitutions the rhythm of the game became quite disrupted. Nevertheless, there were some good passages of play and it was pleasing to see certain players ‘making the next play’ after making a mistake or suffering a questionable call, or whatever. It was fitting that the last score of the game fell to Conor Cooke who calmly stroked a nice mid-range ‘J’, capping a fine all-round contribution. The final score read 73-56, and this Steelers team could have been worthy finalists if the standings had worked out differently.
Star now face old friends Queens in the final next Sunday at the Antrim Forum, before setting off for Dublin to represent Ulster in the All-Ireland ‘A’ Championships, which has been the main goal all year. It will take another focused performance as they seek to stay undefeated in what has been probably the most competitive age-bracket of all the Junior competitions this year. But there has been clear development throughout the squad as the year has progressed, and the first sign of a few players putting their hands up as leaders, so here is hoping one more clinical performance will bring the rewards the team have worked hard for and deserve.v
