PCC Falcarragh Win Folens 1st year Basketball Finals
PCC Falcarragh claimed the Folens 1st Yr. Boys basketball tournament at the Aura on Friday last as they proved too skilful and sharp for a gutsy and athletic Errigal college team.
Emmanuel Appaih got Errigal off to a good start when he netted after 20 seconds. Paul Doherty, who was a constant thorn in the Errigal side, replied soon after showing good composure after a nice drive to the basket. Errigal soon restored the lead when Devine Okorogi scored from the edge of the key. PCC soon regained the lead through Doherty, whilst the impressive Nigel Duncan scored twice for Errigal. Okorogi again netted from close in this time as PCC’s powerful forward Kyron Glennon showed great delight in replying with two baskets off offensive rebounds as the Falcarragh schools grip on the game began to take hold. Adam Boyle stretched their lead as the now on fire Doherty scored began to catch fire with a further three baskets to make the score 17-6 after the first quarter.
The second quarter began with two fresh fives as is customary for basketball at this level and it proved a much more cagey affair. PCC at this stage had a foothold on the game and based their gameplan on a solid defence. Appaih neatly scored two baskets and a free throw during this period as PCC got into foul trouble with a few ill timed reach ins. Despite Enoch Nyarmo also netting from the free throw line the seasiders maintained their impressive, though now shortened lead through a brace from the elusive Ultan Boyle and baskets from Andrew Doohan and Paraic Sweeney. Half time score 25-9.
With the Letterkenny lads now facing an uphill struggle it was in this third quarter that Falcarragh started to press home. Glennon again scored twice as Doherty really tore the hearts from the Errigal college. Time and again they pulled out wide leaving space for point guard Paul Doherty to use his ball handling skills to great effect as he constantly drove at the opposition defence. During this time he added with a tidy ten points. Errigal college refused to lie down however John Ward scoring just inside the three point line, Okorogi with a brace and the impressive Duncan netting another six points. It was a case of the clichéd too little too late as PCC emerged fully deserving winners sparking off jubilant celebrations at full time and they truly celebrated in style.
It was commendable to see the high standards that these boys displayed in their first year in school and the spirit in which the game was played and this was helped by the way in which referee Billy Banda conducted the game.
Teams; PCC:Fionn Mac Fhionnaighle, Neil Kelly, Shane Corless, PJ Doogan, Diarmuid Coyle, Andrew Doohan (2), Paul Doherty (21), Adam Boyle (3) Ultan Boyle (4), Paraic Sweeney (2), Micheál Mc Hugh, Kyron Glennon (11), Jason Wilkinson. Coach: Stephen Doohan.
Errigal College: Enoch Nyarko (1), Dominick Dwyer, Devine Okorogi (8), Anthony Foy, Conor Faul, Jerry Obi, Emmanuel Appaih (7), John Ward (2), Nathan Jordan (14), Nigel Duncan (9).
PCC Falcarragh Capture Girls Folens Basketball Title
The Aura leisure centre was the venue for the Folens First Year Basketball finals day last Friday. P.C.C Falcarragh met local rivals Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair.
Clearly P.C.C were the stronger side from the early stages, however the final score 26-10 does not reflect the battle that PSGD created with their strong defence.
After the first quarter the score board read 18-0 in favour of P.C.C. The PSGD girls battled it out showing tremendous defence in all of the last three quarters allowing P.C.C to score only 8 points after the first quarters.
Both schools and their teachers must be commended on their performances. The atmosphere was electric.
Many thanks to the Aura leisure centre for letting us use their facilities and Billy who refereed.
A special thanks to Folens Book Company for supplying the cup.
