Salesians Pallaskenry take 52-47 win in All-Ireland Under 16B Boys Schools Cup

Salesian Secondary College, Pallaskenry managed to hold off a dogged Coláiste Chú Chulainn down the stretch to earn a 52-47 victory and, with it, the 2024/25 All-Ireland Under 16B Boys Schools Cup in the National Basketball Arena on Wednesday.

After putting together a late third-quarter surge, the Limerick side managed to stave off their tenacious opponents in the fourth to secure a memorable win.

This game proved a real tug-of-war from the outset, Salesian edging the opening quarter 14-11 as Fred Klimas and Luke Moore each served up four points, while Seb Kedzior and Geoffrey O’Donnell both drained attempts from beyond the arc.

Still, Coláiste Chú Chulainn remained very much on their heels thanks in no small measure to Miguel López Rio who accounted for eight of their first-quarter tally.

The Dundalk side tightened up defensively in the second quarter, restricting their opponents to seven points, as they worked their way back on to level terms at 21 points apiece by the half-time break.

Indeed, it was a strong finish to the second quarter by Chú Chulainn, Christos Kostopoulos and Rio executing on the inside before the latter drained a huge three with 17 seconds to go to tie it up.

It remained tit-for-tat throughout much of the third, but Salesian did manage to eke out a little breathing room thanks to an eight-point run that included buckets from Klimas and game MVP, Miguel Azzopardi, together with two from the free-throw line by Kedzior.

Trailing by nine points heading into final quarter, Coláiste Chú Chulainn reduced their arrears with a three from Gracea Sono only to see Azzopardi respond in kind for Salesian.

But the Dundalk side continued to prove a real threat, Rio and captain, Joseph Osagie landing buckets to leave just two points between the teams.

Yet, just when it looked like they might buckle, Salesian chalked up crucial scores over the closing two minutes from Azzopardi and Luke Moore to put them just out of reach down the stretch.

“Both teams were neck-and-neck all the way” admitted Salesian Secondary College coach Michael Brosnan. “There were just a few lucky breaks that went our way and the boys were good enough to be able to capitalise on them, and that was just the difference.

“This cup is absolutely huge for the school. This was four years in the making and I couldn’t be more proud of the lads today.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve had a trophy like this, so we’re going to enjoy this one” he smiled.

Quarter Scores: Q1: 11-14, Q2: 21-21, Q3: 31-40, Q4: 47-52

Coláiste Chú Chulainn:

Joshua Osaghae, Miguel Lopez Rio, Joseph Osagie (capt), Japhet Awotundun, Mohammed Sene, Kofi Jackson, Oluwatishe Abuede, Nelson Akubuko, Emmanuel Okpere, Jason Lupu, Gracea Sono, Christos Kostopoulos, Naho Mudzimu,

Top Scorers: Christos Kostopoulos (18), Miguel Lopez Rio (16), Joseph Osagie (6).

Head Coach: Kelvin Slowey

Salesian Secondary College:

Seb Kedzior, Fred Klimas (capt), Max Miller, Cian Dillon, Luke Moore, Geoffry O’Donnell, Miguel Azzopardi, Eoin Kavanagh, Evan Arthur, Callum Pepperell.

Top Scorers: Fred Klimas (20), Miguel Azzopardi (14), Seb Kedzior (7).

Head Coach: Michael Brosnan

MVP: Miguel Azzopardi (Salesians Secondary College)