THE second day of the Bank of Ireland sponsored schools cup basketball finals at the National Arena, Tallaght, offered further evidence of the continuing growth of the sport throughout Ireland.
Moyne CS, convincing victors in their first A final, were a case in point. Despite facing an experienced Manor House Raheny team, which boasted four players from the Sprite under 19A Cup winners, Killester, the midlands side shaded the first half by four points before opening up in the second, with Clare McLoughlin and Emma Reilly contributing a total of 40 points in a 59-45 win.
Last year's losing finalists, Patrician College Newbridge, emerged from an uncompromising battle with Our Lady's, Castleblaney, to claim the boys A trophy. After falling one point behind in the opening seconds, they recovered to keep the lead for the remainder of the game.
With Dermot McGeough and Thomas Hughes in fine form for Castleblaney, the result was in doubt until deep in the second half, when Newbridge, aided by top scorer Morgan O Sullivan on 35 points, carved out a 74-63 victory.
Ard Scoil Mhuire from Bruff in Limerick survived a late comeback from their Westmeath counterparts, St Joseph's Rochfortbridge, to win the girls Section C title. Trailing by 14 points at one stage, St Joseph's came to within four points of Scoil Mhuire but finally succumbed by 53-45.
