St Malachy's College were crowned Ulster Schools Champions at the Antrim Forum with two resounding victories over Aquinas Grammar at U16 and U19 level to once again remain the top Basketball School in the north. In the U16 final Aquinas and the College were all square but the introduction of sharp shooter Conor Quinn turned the game for the College. Peter Kelly dominated the boards and James Smyth played a captains role throughout. Guards Owen Duffy, Tom Dougherty and Joe O'Boyle controlled the tempo of the game but it was the outside shooting of Year 10 Conor Quinn that put the points on the board and the College ran out comfortable winners with 18 points to spare.
In the U19 final Ciaran O'Boyle kept the College in touch with a strong and much fancied Aquinas team during the first quarter. Once again David White was able to close down Ben Horner, the key player from Aquinas. Joe Gorman and Kieran Mallon assisted the 6' 9" Keelan Cairns who drilled home shot after shot to break the hearts of the Aquinas boys. Strength in depth was a key factor in this success with Kevin Burns, Caomhine Eastwood, Stevie O'Connor and Eugene McCormick contributing well to a deserved and comprehensive win.
However the College Sports Hall was packed to the rafters to cheer home the U19 squad as they once again beat Aquinas to reach the semi-final of the All Ireland Schools Cup. The College hit an amazing eleven 3pointers during what was one of the best games played at the Sports Hall. The college won the first quarter but lost the next two quarters to go into the final period trailing but once again the defensive brilliance of David White and the Offensive awareness of Ciaran O'Boyle and Keelan Cairns combined to give the College a flattering but deserved victory. The College will play St Benildus Dublin in the Semi-final at Inchacore Dublin before Christmas. Hopefully the senior team will make it to the fifth consecutive senior final at the Arena next year.
U16 All Ireland League 5th Feb 2010
Saint Malachy's College U16 Basketball team bounced back after that agonising 1 point away defeat to St Fintan's Dublin in the All Ireland Schools Cup to secure a slot in the All Ireland League semi finals. Keenagh, Co. Longford was the venue for the qualifying tournament and Saint Malachy's College put in a terrific performance against much fancied St Joseph's Galway (The "Bish") to record an excellent 14 point victory. Tom Dougherty and Owen Duffy punished the Galway defence with accurate fast break passes and Peter Kelly dominated the boards in an exciting and fast paced game. St Brendan's Killarney never recovered from the first quarter blitz by the Belfast boys with Joe O'Boyle and James Smyth on target to shoot the College into a 15 point lead at half time. The College held on to their commanding advantage with the Quinn twins, Aidan and Conor and Michael Gorman hitting crucial scores to ensure a comfortable victory. In the last game Abbey Donegal were unable to stop the Belfast team in spite of the Carr twins, Peadar and John, who shared 40 points and were outstanding throughout the tournament. Once again Peter Kelly dominated the boards and finished with 14 points. St Malachy's College scorers against Abbey were Owen Duffy (17 points), Tom Dougherty (12 points) and James Smyth (15 points)
The College will play St Aidan’s Cork in the All Ireland Semi-final on 5th March. The winners of the National League will represent Ireland at the World Schools Games in Suzhou, China in April 2011.
Saint Malachy's College Team: Kevin Cooke; Callum Walsh; Liam Petticrew;
Ciaran Hassan; Conor & Aidan Quinn; Michael Gorman; Aaron Goldring;
Sean Joe Rooney; Tom Dougherty; Peter Kelly; Joe O'Boyle; Owen Duffy;
James Smyth (Capt)