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Youth Basketball -
Schools
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Wednesday, 13 January 2010 20:34 |
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NSC, Friday 15/01/10 - In front of an enthusiastic crowd St Ninian's High School beat Ramsey Grammar in a game that was exciting to throughout. St Ninian's lifted the Schools Senior Basketball Trophy for the third year running, despite strong competition from Coach Gavin Stevenson's Ramsey squad. This week sees the Junior and Intermediate Schools Finals, more details to follow later on Manxbasketball.com. For a full report on the Senior's Final click the read more link...
Game Review - Semi-Finals
The final of the Senior Schools Basketball league defied predictions, with many expecting a comfortable Ninian's win. However the Ramsey squad, who had fought hard against Ballakermeen for their place, were determined to prove the pundits wrong. Both teams had plenty to play for, Ninian's hoping to keep the trophy and Ramsey eager to take home some silverware in their first final appearance in recent memory. The sense of excitement was palpitable as the teams went through their warm-ups, cheered by a large crowd armed with banners and drums. As the game got underway it seemed more like an American High School Game than the Final of the Isle of Man Schools League, the enthusiasm of the crowd proving infectious for all present. The first quarter saw Ramsey come out strong taking a swift lead and dominating play, with some impressive team work and control of the boards leading to a convincing lead.
At the start of the second quarter Ninian's still hadn't found their grove, losing possession of the ball due to some sloppy passing and travel violations. With Ramsey continuing to control the game Coach Clague called his Ninian's in for what proved to be a key time-out of the first half. After a swift team talk the Ninian's team returned with a new spirit, playing hard defence to close Ramsey down and create offensive opportunities. With the first half drawing to a close Ramsey's momentum faltered and some team foul trouble aided Ninian's who finished the half leading 28-26.
The second half saw a stronger performance from St Ninian's, cheered by a large section of supporters in the crowd. Coming together more as a team they started to pick apart the Ramsey defence with some clever offensive play reaping great rewards in the form of baskets. As the half progressed it seemed that the game was decided, Ninian's going from strength to strength and building a double digit lead. Many spectators were ready to call the game when Ramsey found a second wind. Forcing mistakes from St Ninian's they converted a number of impressive fast breaks into baskets, regining in the Ninian's lead. An increasingly anxious Ninian's crowd watched as Ramsey kept their nerve, drawing the game to within four points. With only seconds left on the clock it looked as though Ramsey could draw level, leaving the game open in the dying seconds.
With less than a minute to go Ninian's Revi Del Rosario hit a decisive 3-point shot to take Ninian's lead to 7. A swift Ramsey offensive response came to nothing and time became their biggest opponent, with the seconds wasting away they were forced to foul in the hope of gaining possession. With Ramsey in team foul trouble St Ninian's were sent to the line, gaining additional points at the worst possible moment for the Ramsey team. Despite a valiant effort, St Ninian's regained possession and ran out the clock to take the game, and the title, 57-46. As the final horn went the crowd invaded the court in celebration, whilst a disappointed Ramsey were forced to look on.
Coach Guy Smith of Castle Rushen was on hand to award the trophy to the St Ninian's team, congratulating Ramsey on an excellent game and an impressive season improvement. With the Seniors league now over all attention is turning to the Junior and Intermediate Finals to be held in Peel later this week. Check back for more info as the week goes on.
Photos below, for more photos check out the IOMBBA Senior Schools Final Album.
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Last Updated on Sunday, 24 January 2010 22:17 |
