Midland U18 Girls Win Division 2 Top 4
On Friday evening, Longford Phoenix girls travelled to Portlaoise for a very late semi-final game against fourth placed Larrie Birds 2.
Despite the late tip-off, the girls got off to a good start finishing the first quarter three points ahead, 12:9.
That lead extending to 10 points at half-time finishing on a winning score line of 51:33. Almost half those scores coming from Denise Mondo, continuing her high scoring run.
Erica Jordan, Clíodhna Ní Mhaonaigh, Kerija Purberzina (17), Sarah Glennon (2), Denise Mondo (24), Lily Orobusoye, Carina Chukwu Ede (6), Exzzina Philips 2.
Sunday saw the U18 Girls back in Portlaoise for the top-four final against North Kildare Eagles.
In all previous encounters this season Phoenix came out on top. Winning the league and cup edging NKE into second place in both.
On this occasion NKE brought their A game and made it very difficult for the Phoenix girls, closing down Denise Mondo as she drove to the basket, curtailing her score for the game to 14 as opposed to the 32 points she had scored in her last League game against NKE.
Scores just didn’t drop as easily as usual and while Phoenix led for the entire game. The lead fluctuated between three and 12 points, leading by four points at the final buzzer 31:27.
At a crucial time when Phoenix led by just three points. NKE had a run of unanswered scores, a three pointer from Kerija Purbrezina gave a much needed boost.
Strong Phoenix defence
The Phoenix defence was strong. Under the basket Carina Chukwu Ede and Exzzina Philips worked tirelessly but outstanding on the day was Erica Jordan. Jordan’s consistency in getting the ball out against taller stronger opposition was impressive.
Scorers: Erica Jordan (2), Clíodhna Ní Mhaonaigh, Kerija Purberzina (9), Sarah Glennon (2), Denise Mondo (12) Lily Orobusoye, Carina Chukwu Ede (4) Exzzina Philips (2), Suzanne Trautt
Well done to the U18 girls. All of whom helped make this such a successful season. LLR League winners, Midland division two Cup, League and Top four winners.
Sligo All-Stars Special Olympics Tournament April 13th
Some of our athletes travelled to Sligo Saturday for the second Tournament of the season.
As both Longford Phoenix and Ballina were short female players they combined efforts winning their first game against Sligo All-stars.
They then lost to a very strong Shoot N Stars, Mullingar side. The ladies played really well and had a great time.
The Phoenix men played three, almost consecutive games. Which was very challenging, particularly, as they only had five players against very strong opposition with full squads.
The Phoenix men gave a very good account of themselves showing a marked improvement on last season.
The other teams included Sligo All-Stars, Ballina and Shoot N Stars Mullingar. For some players it was their first experience of competitive basketball. A most enjoyable and exhausting day for Phoenix men.
A big thank you to Sligo-All Stars for organising a most enjoyable and informative day. As well as the basketball competition, athletes had the opportunity to consult with experts on health and nutrition and there was a presentation on breast cancer awareness.
For most the day finished with a trip to the beach and/or McDonalds to refresh and refuel. We are already looking forward to the next Tournament
Players: Ladies: Amanda Butler, Akachi Ndulewe. Men: Nathan Branigan, Stephen Browne, Philip Gray, Seán Prunty and Fionn White
