Dundalk College secures hard fought basketball double

Local school Coláiste Chú Chulainn (CCC) had a historic day earlier this month as their U16s and U19 Boys Basketball teams were victorious in the Northeast Regional Finals. 

The U16s were first to take to the court when they took on Coláiste Dún an Rí, Kingscourt. Some early foul trouble and brilliant shooting from the Free Throw line by the Kingscourt contingent meant that CCC were behind at the end of the first quarter.

The Dundalk lads regrouped and a came out flying in the 2nd quarter, led by the dynamic duo of Captain Franciszek Chmielecki and the powerful David Osagie, who scored 42 of the Dundalk side's 57 points in the game.

Point Guard Solal Parra strayed from his usual role as a scorer and instead provided numerous assists with beautiful passing throughout the game.

CCC remained in control for the remainder of the match, with valuable contributions on the boards from starters Fahd Nii-Adjei Monney and James Obisan. Kevin Mincans locked down the Kingscourt dangermen with some tenacious defence and his impact from the bench cannot be understated. 

The U19s final against St Clare's College, Ballyjamesduff, was another exciting contest with CCC getting off to a hot start, led by some spectacular shooting from Mascuud 'Moose' Amir Haji, who had 22 points in the first half.

Captain Tadgh Dowdall got into some early foul trouble and had to be replaced early on, but returned to provide veteran leadership in the second half as they weathered the storm of an intense St Clare's comeback.

Point Guard Daniel McCabe played relentless defence from the opening tip off and has led the charge for CCC this year, providing a cool head in 'clutch' moments.

Franciszek Chmielecki, fresh off lifting the U16s trophy earlier in the day, added to his earlier scoring tally with another 10 points in this match.

He and "Moose's" threat from the 3-point line meant the Cavan defenders were always working hard to try and contain the two sharpshooters.

The boys from Dundalk showed great determination to hold out and win after the St Clare's College team began to chip away at their lead. The CCC starters re-entered the fray and made sure they would be heading to the All-Ireland playoffs as regional champions.

“The lads are a credit to themselves and our school” exclaimed their delighted coach Kelvin Slowley. “It's my first year coaching 16s/19s this year and since we began in early September, the lads have been all in.

“A number of these players are products of the careful development and leadership of their local basketball club, Dundalk Ravens. Without their continued support and encouragement of our players, this success would not be possible, and we are grateful for all they do in our community."

Both the U16s and U19s sides now await their match ups in the All-Ireland Playoffs 'Round of 16' which is scheduled to be played in January 2023.

Teams and Scorers on the day

U16: David Osagie (22), Frianciszek Chmielecki (20) (Captain), Solal Parra (4), Kevin Mincans (3), James Obisan (2), Fahd Nii-Adjei Monney (2), Joan Duran (2), Bright N'Kongolo Kadima (2), Mahdi Gahayr, Matthew Messin, Fiyifoluwa Olaleye and Emile Baleula.

U19: Mascuud Amir Haji (28), Franciszek Chmielecki (10), Tadhg Dowdall (9) (Captain), David Osagie (6), Daniel McCabe (5), David Osaghae (4), Solal Parra (2), David Pedro, Flavio Cristini, Prosper Umeh, Anthony Ibe and Shawn Serebe.