Castlerea boys bow out with heads held high

The Castlerea CS First Year boys finished a very impressive campaign in St. Joseph’s College, Rochfordbridge, recently.

CCS won their first game against St. Ronan’s, Lurgan, but came up short against their hosts in the second game, meaning St. Joseph’s advanced to the next round of the All-Ireland Series.

Castlerea won their first game 33-27 in a neck and neck affair with St. Ronans. Late baskets from captain Evan Kelly, who scored eight points in the game, sealed the win for the West Roscommon side.

Fionn Harte also bagged eight points in a great exhibition of smooth dribbling, skills and finishing.

In their second game — the 40-29 loss to St. Joseph’s — Castlerea struggled with the size of the Westmeath school’s centre who scored 18 of his side’s points.

But Rory Hawkshaw and Alex Doyle teamed up brilliantly, with 14 and 13 respectively, to lead the CCS effort.

There were big moments from Ciarán Higgins, David Walsh and James Keaveney throughout both games, while Diarmuid Fleming provided impressive steadiness at the point guard position. Aaron Cryan and Wiktor Dabrowski also offered key contributions, particularly on the defensive end.

It was a very satisfying maiden schools’ campaign for this group, taking home the North-West regional title and putting on two fine performances in the All-Ireland Play-off Stage.

There’s no doubt that they will have many more big days out on the court representing CCS.

CASTLEREA COMMUNITY SCHOOL: Rory Hawkshaw, Alex Doyle, Evan Kelly, Diarmuid Fleming, Fionn Harte, Henry Alake, Isaac Lafferty, Ciaran Higgins, David Walsh, James Keaveney, James Hanily, Aaron Hayes, Andre Murpfre, Wiktor Dabrowski and Aaron Cryan.