Newry Basketball Club

Newry Junior Basketball Club held their first tournament of the season against St. Oliver?s school from Drogheda. The young Club hosted three teams from the St. Oliver?s in what turned out to be a competitive and exciting day for all involved.

With over 100 kids ranging from 7 to 19 the day got off to an eagerly anticipated start with Newry?s U14 boys coached by Sean Brady going up against Sherman Hall?s boys. Coach Brady showed great skill an ensured that all 16 of his young squad got court time. The St.Oliver?s squad came out strong and opened the scoring for the tournament but the Newry team answered with an equally skilled basket. The score at half time had Newry only two points behind and when the ball came into play on the third quarter both teams were hungry for the win. The third and fourth quarters were played basket for basket at both ends of the floor and while it seemed St.Oliver?s had more frequent possession of the ball the strong Newry defence kept them in the game. The game ended in frenzy but despite the best efforts of the Newry side St.Oliver?s won the game 14 to12.

The second game of the day saw Newry?s Junior Girls face an even bigger challenge than the boys with a squad of 20 ranging from 7 to 15 years the Coach did what she could to ensure all the girls got a taste for the game. But unlike the boys Newry?s girls were not successful in keeping the score line tight. The St.Oliver?s side were stronger to the basket and took full advantage of the lack of experience of many of the young Newry Girls. St Oliver?s truly played the game in the spirit it was intended and allowed all the Newry girls a chance to play in what was for most their first ever game. The game finished 30 to 6 but despite the low scores the Newry spectators cheered on a side that hopefully have many more games in front of them.

The final game of the day was a grudge match from the tip off but it was St. Oliver?s that opened the scoring with a fast break, from here the two sides fought for the early lead. However the game was to be a real fight throughout each quarter and at half time only three baskets separated the teams. Coaches Paul Crawley and Sherman Hall had a real battle on their hands deciding which players to use to ensure this game stayed within their grasp. The second half saw some excellent offensive drives from the St. Oliver?s point guard which where equally returned from the Newry point Sean Brady. Under the basket Newry had to step up their game as the Drogheda side where not letting anything away without a fight. Hard work from John Ward, Ryan Mallon and Scott Rafferty kept Newry in the game and when the final five seconds were counted down Newry had one last chance for a three point shot to take the game into overtime. The pressure shot fell to Scott Rafferty who put up an impressive three pointer only to be denied by a shot that ran the rim of the basket and fell away to leave St. Oliver?s the well deserved winners of a close game with a score of 36-33.

Newry Basketball Club would like to thank Sherman and his squads for travelling to play in these friendly games. Also to thank all the coaches and players for their time and effort that makes Basketball in Newry competitive and fun. Thanks to Oaks Recruitment, Patrick Street Newry for their continued sponsorship and support that allows these teams to play in the Northern Ireland Junior leagues.