ST. MARY’S EDENDERRY U19 GIRLS CROWNED MIDLANDS REGIONAL CHAMPIONS 2016/2017.
The U19 Girls’ Basketball team of St. Mary’s Secondary School Edenderry have finished off their season in style after winning the U19 Midlands Regional Basketball Final. On Thursday 6th December in St. Mary’s Hall Portlaoise, the home of National League side Portlaoise Panthers, St. Mary’s faced off against a talented side from Mounmellick CS. Both sides travelled with big support who made their voices heard creating a special atmosphere. The Edenderry girls started well with early scores from Lynn Herbert, Angela Brady and Saoirse Ankers who were set up by Leah Herbert to lead at the end of the first quarter 6-4. The second quarter saw chance after chance go amiss for St. Mary’s as the shots would not fall. Some strong defence from Mountmellick saw the momentum change in their favour and they took the lead. With Courtney Farrell and Thea Von Engelbretchen rebounding well on both ends of the court Edenderry settled down. Avril Donegan cut through the Mounmellick defence and tied it up just before half time, 9-9. The third quarter saw Mountmellick stretch their lead and in the space of 3 minutes had pulled away 19-9. St. Mary’s rallied late with some good passing from Emily Lawton and with Aoibheann McAndrew adding her name to the score sheet the score finished 19-13 at the end of the third quarter. St. Mary’s came out fired up for the final quarter. From the first possession they sliced through the Mountmellick defence with some excellent passing from the Herbert twins. Angela Brady scored 6 points in quick succession to bring the score to 19 all going into the last 6 minutes. A quick change in setup saw some incredible defence from Aoibheann McAndrew who along with joint captains Lynn and Leah Herbert stole the ball each time Mountmellick came into the St. Mary’s Half. The Edenderry girls took the lead as Saoirse Ankers began a fast break which finished with another score from Angela Brady. Mountmellick found themselves in foul trouble, putting Angela and Aoibheann on the free throw line. An excellent 3 pointer from Mountmellick closed the gap to 1 point with 2 minutes to go. After a quick timeout St. Mary’s upped the defensive intensity shutting down everything Mountmellick had to offer. An excellent pass from point guard Leah Herbert put Angela Brady through to score the decisive basket as St. Mary’s produced what could only be described as a phenomenal comeback to win 27-22. It was a fairy-tale end to a fantastic season for St. Mary’s which saw its 6th Year girls Lynn and Leah Herbert lift the trophy along with Shannon Kearney and Ciara Lawton giving great performances in the league stage. Saoirse Ankers, Emily Lawton, Courtney Farrell, Emer Lawless, Eva Barai Dafe, Chloe Pearson, Phil Flattery, Tara McDonnell and Claire O’Connor all played their part in the team reaching the final. What makes this performance more noteworthy is the fact that Angela Brady, Aoibheann McAndrew, Thea Von Engelbretchen, Agatha Drabik, Aisling Wall, Emma Norman, Stephaine Albert and Tara Dunne all started schools basketball for the first time in September. The coach of the team Mr. David McEvoy would like thank Ms Fiona Dunbar and the staff and students of St. Mary’s Edenderry for all their support throughout the year. Also to the Edenderry Lions Club for their sponsorship and support. He also paid tribute to the fantastic squad of 22 girls who worked so hard to bring a basketball title back to Edenderry.
ST. MARY'S vs OAKLANDS CC EDENDERRY
On Friday the 14th of October the U19 Girls' Basketball team of St. Mary's Secondary School Edenderry played their first home game of the season in a local derby game against Oaklands CC Edenderry. This is the first time the two schools have faced off at U19 level in recent years. St. Mary's started the game well and as both teams settled they exchanged some excellent scores. The second quarter saw some great defence and even better offence from the home side as they led Oaklands 18 - 10 at the half. St. Mary's begin the second half with a high tempo shutting down the visitors' offence holding Oaklands scoreless as St. Mary's Raced into a 26 - 10 lead. In the final 8 minutes St. Mary's showed off their quality defence increasing their lead to leave the score 34 - 14 in their favour at the final whistle. St. Mary's will play Mountmellick CS on Friday 28th of October in game 4 of the league. St. Mary's Panel for the game against Oaklands: Emily Lawton, Phil Flattery, Thea Von Engelbrechten , Courtney Farrell, Eva Barai Dafe, Shannon Kearney, Aoibheann McAndrew, Avril Donegan, Lynn Herbert (Capt) , Leah Herbert, Claire O'Connor, Emer Lawless, Angela Brady, Katie Rickard, Tara Dunne, Tara McDonnell, Agatha Drabik, Aisling Wall, Emma Norman. Coach: Mr. D.McEvoy, Assistant Coach: Ms. F.Dunbar.
ST. MARY'S vs MERCY KILBEGGAN
On Thursday 6th of October the U19 Girls' Basketball team of St. Mary's Secondary School Edenderry played a very good team from Mercy Kilbeggan in their second game of the Midlands League. Mercy started the game well with a couple of quick scores but the St. Mary's Girls settled and replied with some excellent scores of their own to go in front. The second quarter saw some great defence from both sides leaving St. Mary's in a good position at halftime leading Mercy 12-7. The third quarter proved the turning point as St. Mary's began to knock down their shots to take a strong lead into the final quarter and to run out winners on a scoreline of 31-20. St. Mary's will play Oaklands CC on Friday 14th of October in game 3. St. Mary's Panel for the game against Kilbeggan: Emily Lawton, Phil Flattery, Saoirse Ankers, Courtney Farrell, Eva Barai Dafe, Shannon Kearney, Tara McDonnell, Chloe Pearson, Lynn Herbert, Leah Herbert (Capt), Angela Brady, Claire O'Connor, Emer Lawless, Ciara Lawton, Thea Von Engelbrechten, Katie Rickard, Tara Dunne, Aoibheann McAndrew, Coach: Mr. D.McEvoy, Assistant Coach: Ms. F.Dunbar.
ST. MARY'S vs ST. CONLETH'S NEWBRIDGE
On Monday 26th of September the U19 Girls' Basketball team from St. Mary's Secondary School Edenderry travelled to Newbridge to play St. Conleth's Community College in the first game of the Midlands league. It was a very close, competitive game with both teams evenly matched. At half time St. Conleth's led by 3 points. The 3rd quarter saw some excellent offence from St. Mary's who regained the lead going into the last quarter. In what was a nail-biting finish St. Mary's came away with the victory on a scoreline of 32-31. St. Mary's will play Mercy Kilbeggin on Thursday 6th of October in game 2. St. Mary's Panel for the game against St. Conleth's: Emily Lawton, Phil Flattery, Saoirse Ankers, Courtney Farrell, Eva Barai Dafe, Shannon Kearney, Tara McDonnell, Chloe Pearson, Lynn Herbert (Capt), Angela Brady, Claire O'Connor, Ciara Lawton, Leanne Hickey, Stephanie Albert.