Dundalk Ravens brothers claim more silverware

It has been a week to remember for Dundalk Ravens brothers, Gustas and Lukas Pocevicius, as they led O’Carolan College, Nobber to victory in the All-Ireland Under 19C Boys Schools Cup.

Gustas produced a dazzling 28-point display to help secure a hard-fought 52-45 win over Scoil Chaitríona at the National Basketball Arena on Thursday.

The victory came just days after he earned the MVP golden ball in the U20 Men’s Club National Cup final where he helped the Ravens overcome Limerick Celtics and by Thursday he had added a second MVP golden ball.

(Gustas Pocevicius collects his second MVP golden ball in the space of seven days. Picture by Basketball Ireland)

The match was a battle from the start and Gustas set the tone early by scoring from inside and out, while Joey Curtis added a three-pointer to give O’Carolan an early lead.

Scoil Chaitríona’s captain, Seán O’Móráin continued to keep his side in the hunt and finished with 21 points. Only two points separated the sides at the halftime break with O’Carolan taking a slender 23-21 lead.

O’Carolan began to take control in the third quarter as Gustas knocked down key free throws, and Gearoid O’Malley added points from beyond the arc to stretch the lead.

(The O’Carolan College, Nobber team celebrate victory. Picture by Basketball Ireland)

A buzzer-beating three-pointer from Gustas gave O’Carolan an 11-point cushion heading into the final quarter. 

Ó Ceileachair and Mac Eochagáin hit crucial shots late in the game to cut the deficit to five to Scoil Chaitríona with just over a minute remaining. 

However, Gustas and his teammates held their nerve and the captain sealed the win from the free-throw line.

(MVP Gustas Pocevicius celebrates winning the All-Ireland Under 19C Boys Schools Cup)