Scoil Chríost Rí Portlaoise make history with hat-trick of regional basketball wins

Thursday, March 12, will go down as a historic day in the annals of Scoil Chríost Rí (SCR) basketball, as the school won a hat-trick of regional titles. Victories in the 2nd Year B, 1st Year A, and 2nd Year A competitions pushed the school’s regional tally to an incredible 71 titles.

The 2nd Year A and B double was the first such achievement since the 1998/99 season, when the Laois school accomplished a double at U16 level. That year, the A team narrowly lost in the All-Ireland semi-final, while the B team recorded one of the most memorable All-Ireland wins with a one-point victory over Castlerea.

The day began with the 2nd Year B final against Baltinglass. The atmosphere in the Nagle Rice Hall in Portlaoise was electric as both teams battled neck and neck through three quarters. SCR led by 2 at half-time and 4 going into the final quarter. Immense work rate and defence paid off, and a Cara Dunne 3-pointer opened the scoring floodgates, helping SCR secure a 36-22 victory amid joyous celebrations.

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Next, the 1st Year A final against Longford took place in St Mary’s Hall. SCR dominated the first two quarters, winning 11-2 and 12-4 to build a commanding half-time lead. Although they struggled to break down Longford’s zone defence in the second half, resolute defending kept their opponents at bay, and SCR finished 35-23 winners. This marks the first title for this group, showing great promise for future successes.

The day concluded with the 2nd Year A final against arch-rivals Pres Kilkenny. Earlier in the season, SCR had narrowly lost to Kilkenny in both the U16 A and Senior A finals. However, the hat-trick was secured on the day. A strong first quarter saw SCR lead 10-5, followed by an unstoppable second quarter, where their pressing and fast-break game created a 16-4 surge. SCR convincingly finished the game 54-30.

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Panels

2nd Year A: Beth Donoghue (Co-Captain), Kate Dowling (Co-Captain), Leah O’Sullivan, Doireann Delaney, Daisy Ramsbottom, Hannah Touhy, Saoirse Reddin, Alex Beale, Zoe Carton, Ellen McGree, Edel Ramsbottom, Lily Gavin, Emma Hyland.

2nd Year B: Katie Bracken (Co-Captain), Orlaith Coffey (Co-Captain), Cara Dunne, Lily Brophy, Abbie Holmes, Haleigh Breen, Amalie Milligan, Sarah Cunningham, Carrie Gorman, Chloe Doyle, Lily Reid, Emma Houlihan, Lucy Heffernan, Niamh Ramsbottom, Sophie Musekina, Hannah Whelan, Maia Fenlon, Jill Dennehy.

1st Year A: Edel Ramsbottom (Co-Captain), Emma Hyland (Co-Captain), Lily Gavin, Aimee Conlon, Olivia Canavan, Emma Burke, Aine Coffey, Mia Roche, Mya Dunne, Sali Nawale, Beth O’Regan, Kate Delaney, Lucy Ryan, Amber Brennan, Anastasia Semenistiya, Evie Kinnidy.

Looking ahead, after Easter, SCR will chase five All-Ireland titles, as they are already qualified for the U14 A and U15 A Cup semi-finals, in addition to the three regional-winning teams. More history may yet be made before the season concludes.