Heartbreak for Castlerea CS after thriller

Castlerea Community School’s U-19 boys basketball team’s cup run ended in heartbreaking fashion in the National Basketball Arena, Tallaght last Thursday. Ballymakenny College from Drogheda secured a 41-40 win in this national semi-final after a thrilling battle.

It was a case of ecstasy to agony for Castlerea having won their regional league final by a single point less than ten days prior to this game. They will regret missed free throws throughout the game, but it was the shot blocking of Ballymakenny that was the big difference maker.

CCS found it difficult to score inside the three-point line throughout the game. The height and impressive timing of the Louth men forced Castlerea to rely on outside scoring to compete.

Joseph Daire’s early wing three-pointer got the Roscommon men going. Kevin Hester hit a pair from long range in each of the opening quarters as well. One of these dropped after some silky ball handling and a gorgeous step back.

It was when Dara Curran entered the game that Castlerea really came to life. He found his range with a first-quarter three before catching fire in the second, adding two more from outside the arc, to go with a fastbreak layup.

Castlerea led 22-19 at half-time. Thibaut Njuguna and Karolis Pileckas did the damage inside for Ballymakenny, the size advantage proving crucial.

CCS lost their rhythm after the break. Only two points in the third quarter, a mid-range jump shot from Curran, meant Ballymakenny enjoyed a seven-point lead going into the fourth, 31-24. Njuguna scored 7 of 12 for them in the period, the big man showing off his inside game and his range as he knocked down a three to seize the initiative for his side.

Then Curran lit up the National Arena in the fourth. Besides a free throw and an acrobatic inside finish from Jamie Dowd, Curran had all of Castlerea’s points in the quarter. Three from outside the arc and a steal for a layup saw his total rise to 26 points.

Despite their frustrations, Castlerea’s inside men found a way to contribute. Dowd combined with Joseph Botton to provide some brilliantly executed screens for Curran to get free. Hester demonstrated his ever-impressive basketball IQ, the placement and timing of his passes to feed the hot-hand were precise on every possession.

Curran’s clutch shots and some big defensive moments brought Castlerea’s brilliant travelling support to their feet. Botton and Seán Vaughan pulled down some monster rebounds. Captain Dylan Keane miraculously saved a possession for his team after diving onto his stomach to keep the ball in play.

CCS put on a full court press with two minutes to go and forced the desired turnovers but will rue the final pass letting them down on a couple of the subsequent scoring chances.

Castlerea had all the momentum but late baseline shots from Pileckas and Njuguna kept Ballymakenny ticking over just enough so they could hold on by a thread, surviving 40-41.

Jack Dolan and Ross Flynn provided solid minutes off the bench for Castlerea through out the game. Coach Thomas Callaghan could not have asked much more of his charges in their efforts. They have the All-Ireland B League Playoffs to look forward to after Christmas.

Castlerea CS have a long list of memorable outings in the National Arena. Performances from Lisa O’Rourke, Sandra Keane, Joseph Henry and Declan Staunton come to mind. This latest result is hard to take but will be remembered for an all-time performance from Dara Curran.

Castlerea Team: Kevin Hester, John Curran, Joseph Daire, James Hawkshaw, Jack Dolan, Dara Curran, Ross Flynn, Jamie Dowd, Joseph Botton, Seán Vaughan, Dylan Keane (c), Conal Murphy, Michael Keaveney.