Oatlands Basketball, u16 and u19 South Dublin League Winners

U19 Basketball Squad

u16 Basketball Squad

The year so far has been very profitable for all basketball teams. The u19 and u16 squads finished third in the Dublin “A” league and with both teams been beaten after a good run of form in the All Ireland Cup the boys had only the South Dublin League to contest.
 
With both teams being undefeated in the round robin league stage and wins at semi final level over Cabinteely CS and Newpark respectively they set up a double header against St Conleth’s Ballsbridge. The finals were played on Friday 4^th February in the Oblate Hall, Inchicore. With the u16s playing strongly and powerful performances by co-captains Uzoma Emuchay and Paolo Cruz the
u16s won the game on a scoreline of 58-42 . Recording the schools first win of a basketball trophy in a number of years.
 
The pressure was building for the u19s succeed and record a second title for the school and with brilliant performances by co-captain Derek Bracken and sixth year Ian Davidson the u19s did not disappoint. With Irvin Gamede being named Most Valuable Player of the final, Oatlands closed out on a scoreline of 54-37 . The team would like to thank all supporters who created an amazing atmosphere by cheering us on in the final.
 
With over 60 students registered to play basketball at first and second year level the interest of basketball is quickly growing within the school. The first years are entered into the Dublin “A” league and also have two teams entered into the South Dublin League which gives all the guys equal opportunity to compete for the school in a registered league. The “A” league team have shown a huge level of commitment and dedication so far this year and this has been reflected in their results, winning three of four games played so far in the “A” league, the goal is to reach a Dublin league final and qualify for the All Ireland playoffs played in early May. In the South Dublin league Oatlands1 are currently undefeated and Oatlands2 have won one of the two games they played, although they were unlucky not to beat Saint Andrews in their first game. Hope is that both teams will qualify for the semi final level of the SDBL and for one or both to qualify for the final later this year.
 
At second year level the team are only entered into the South Dublin league, with the team winning their first two games the . The improvement at second year level is very noticeable each week and hopes are high for them to qualify for the final and bring yet another trophy back to the school.
 
The first and second year teams have attended basketball camps over the midterm break in October and response was great with all players enjoying themselves immensely while learning some skills needed to succeed. There will be a camp held again over February midterm and all players wishing to play for A team squads are encouraged to attend.