Hazelwood Reach first All-Ireland Final
Hazelwood College advanced to the final of the U19 C All Ireland Schools Basketball Cup on Wednesday the 7th of January with a well deserved victory over a gallant Presentation Terenure side.
Hazelwood started slowly and were punished by some good outside shooting from Terenure. After a quick timeout, a reorganised Hazelwood defence closed Terenure down more effectively. Baskets from Vickie Harnett, Miriam Noonan, Emma Purcell and Celia Cremin kept Hazelwood in touch at the end of the first quarter.
Hazelwood’s defence grew meaner in the second quarter, restricting Terenure to four points. Ciara Meaney, Aoife Leahy and Maire Flanagan were impressive in defence forcing a lot of turnover ball while Emma Purcell tirelessly crashed the boards. Unfortunately for the Dromcollogher outfit, the deft touches normally so typical of their offensive play were missing. The half finished with the sides tied on fourteen points.
The third quarter brought more of the same. Terenure couldn’t break down the Hazelwood defence while Hazelwood struggled to put the ball in the net at the other end. Suzanne Sheehy substituted for Miriam Noonan who took a well earned rest. An excellent basket from Aoife Leahy, who played her best game all session, saw Hazelwood finish the quarter trailing Terenure by four points.
Hazelwood applied an aggressive full court press at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Terenure struggled to come to terms with the new defensive tactic and lost possession easily. Three fast baskets by an on-fire Ciara Meaney put Hazelwood into the driving seat. Hazelwood continued to pepper the Terenure net as the fans grew louder. Baskets from Maire Flanagan, Aoife Leahy and Emma Purcell put Hazelwood fourteen points to the good. Jennifer Roche, introduced to strengthen the defence, was brought on with Maria Korpesiova and Niamh Greaney. Maria finished the Dromcollogher scoring when she rebounded a fast breakaway layup from Niamh Greaney.
The supporters vociferously counted down to the buzzer before invading the court. With moist eyes and brimming smiles the players lined up for the presentation of bronze medals to the students from Terenure. This was followed by the presentation of the MVP award to Emma Purcell. Next stop Tallaght.