U18 BOYS
DONAGH 48PTS, ANDERSONSTOWN TIGERS 51PTS
Donagh narrowly missed their big change for a shot at the U18 Boys B division title last Sunday in St. McCartens when they lost to Andersonstown Tigers in the semi-final.   The boys lifted their game and played to their best ability only to lose by 3pts.   A well fought and controlled game and a credit to the entire panel.
Starting five for Donagh were Connor McElroy, David McAlister, Stephen O’Brien, Neill Rooney and Connor Smith.   The Coaches and team were aware of the Tigers tactics from previous games, so Neill was giving the task of a one on one with theirs shooter for the whole quarter, effectively keeping him out of the game.   The Tigers opened up the scoring with a Three pointer followed by another basket, but excellent work by Stephen under the board and a cracking Three point shot from Neill, took Donagh into the lead.  The Donagh defence proved very difficult for the Tigers as David and Connor McElroy at the front, supported by Stephen and Connor Smith, closed down all the outside shooting.   Baskets from Connor Smith, David and Connor McElroy Finished the quarter with Donagh leading 16pts to the Tigers 8pts.   A great start for Donagh as they felt they had the measure of the Tigers and the game was in their favour.
David, Connor McElroy, Dylan McKenna, Michael McCarville and Fiachra Sherry faced up to the Tigers for the second quarter.   A poor quarter for Donagh as the Tigers were getting too much room under the basket and their shooters were finding more space around the zone.   The score sheet shows the Tigers were awarded ten free shots in the quarter, putting away nine of them.   A strong reply from the Tigers after the first quarter increased their score line as Donagh struggled in offense to put away their chances.   Scores added from Stephen and Connor Smith only added five points for Donagh while the Tigers added nineteen to their score.   Half time score was Donagh 21pts, Tigers 27pts.
With only 6pts in the game, Donagh came out strong and focused.   The game was theirs for the taking if they stuck to the basics and raised their game.   The Tiger’s ball handler was having a great game and causing a lot of trouble for the Donagh defences as he either scored or assisted.   A well contested quarter between the two teams as the Tigers took 15pts to Donagh’s 14pts.
The Fourth and final quarter was going to be the decider.   The Tigers were still breaking through the Donagh zone for scores but Donagh replied at the other end of the court.   Neill hit two more fine three pointers, and along with baskets from Fiachra, David and Connor McElroy added 13pts to Donagh’s score while the Tigers increased theirs by only 9pts.    A very nervous and nail biting last minute of the game for both benches, but the Tigers came out on top with only 3pts ahead.   Final score Donagh 48pts, Tigers 51pts.
Team and Scorers:
Stephen O’Brien 11pts, Neill Rooney 11pts, David McAlister 11pts, Connor McElroy 8pts, Fiachra Sherry 5pts, Connor Smith 2pts, Dylan McKenna, Christopher McGuirk, Enda Callery, Joe Brady and Anthony O’Brien