Presentation's dream ends
The vanquished Presentation (Wexford) squad.
THE NATIONAL Basketball Arena played host to the meeting of Presentation (Wexford) and St. Attracta's (Sligo) in the Under-16 All-Ireland semi-final on Thursday last.
The Presentation girls were unsuccessful in their quest to reach the coveted final as they were defeated on a scoreline of 42 to 28 by a determined and hard-working opposition.
Presentation started the game brightly, much to the delight of the 120 travelling supporters, when Eadaoin Miskella opened the scoring with a strong run to the basket. Katie Walsh replied for St. Attracta's before Miskella added another to see Presentation lead 4-2 from the early exchanges.
Caoimhe Gallagher was coming to the fore for St. Attracta's as she drove to the board and drew fouls from the Wexford defence. Indeed, Gallagher's accuracy from the free throw line punishing Presentation as she added five points in quick succession.
Laura Meer added further points for the Sligo side before Lauren Lawlor replied with three points for Pres., but St. Attracta's ended the quarter leading 13-7.
The second quarter was a tighter affair. Gallagher sunk two points for St. Attracta's early on before the Pres' defensive play came to the fore, and they were denying their opposition easy access to the basket.
Lauren Lawlor and Eadaoin Miskella added two baskets for Wexford who were beginning to keep Gallagher under wraps.
St. Attracta's Katie Walsh then chipped in with two well-taken scores to assert their control on the game before Emma Walsh had the final say from the free throw line, leaving the scoreboard reading 19-12 in favour of St. Attracta's.
Presentation fought hard throughout the third quarter, but any inroads Presentation made into St. Attracta's lead were shortlived as the Sligo side turned to Katie Walsh for scores, and she duly obliged.
Into the fourth quarter Presentation manned a full court press which eventually reaped some scores, with Lauren Lawlor gaining possession, sinking two points and converting the bonus free throw for a foul received en route.
Again, the Sligo side stood firm and restored their 14-point margin as the buzzer sounded at the end of proceedings.
It was an amazing achievement to reach this stage of the competition for the girls who had only just tasted regional success for the first time in December.
As the majority of players move into the Senior category next year, we look forward with anticipation as they build on their experiences of this year's competition.
Presentation Wexford: Lauren Lawlor (capt., 13), Emma Walsh (8), Eadaoin Miskella (7), Cara McDonald, Jessie Reville, Eleanor Nolan, Aisling Nolan, Susan O'Doherty, Beth Kavanagh, Ciara Grey, Caoimhe O'Sullivan.
