Longford Phoenix had two teams in action in the league top four finals over the weekend.
Unfortunately both teams missed out on their respective top-four titles.
Longford-Leitrim-Roscommon League Under 16 Girls Top Four Final
The top 4 final featured league winners Longford Phoenix and runners-up Ballinamore Blazers.
In a very tight game, Longford got off to the better start, eventually leading at half-time, 12 points to 7.
The third-quarter was a strong one for Ballinamore. Ballinamore whittled away at the Phoenix lead; reaching parity at three-quarter time, with both teams tied at 20 points each.
It looked like Phoenix were going to win the double, leading by 3 points with just 41 seconds remaining. However, Ballinamore levelled the contest with 26 seconds remaining with a brilliant three-pointer.
Unfortunately, late fouls presented Ballinamore with free throw shots. The Leitrim side converted three free-throw in the final seconds to narrowly win 28 points to 25.
Longford-Leitrim-Roscommon league under-14 boys top four final
Longford Phoenix: 38 Carrick Cougars: 48
This top-4 final against Carrick proved to be a tough encounter for Longford. Carrick played very steady and controlled all the game which Longford struggled to deal with.
Longford played excellent defence in the first-half to keep Carrick at bay. Offensively, the lads moved the ball well and played excellent basketball, getting to the line several times.
In the second-half Carrick pulled away with Longford struggling to get back into the game. In the fourth-quarter Longford pressed Carrick, but couldn't get enough scores to close that lead.
A great game to watch and hard luck to the lads who ended season being runners-up in both the league top 4.
Scorers and Team: Christian McGerr 16, Oisin McHugh: 9, Sean O'Boyle: 7, Tadgh Reilly: 4, Seaosamh Mulvihill: 2, Daniel Ivanov: 2, Sean Kelly, Eoin O'Connor, Brean Casey, Conor O'Brien.
