National Basketball League returns to Donegal
Saturday 29th September was an historic day for Donegal Town Basketball club as both their men’s and ladies competed in the national league division one. The ladies recorded an excellent victory over Portlaoise Panthers, the men on the other hand came up against arguably the best team in the land, and were soundly beaten by Dublin Thunder.
Donegal Town 67 Dublin Thunder 103
This was a real case of David verses Goliath. All around the court Donegal were conceding inches in the match ups. Thunder raced into an 8-0 lead before Ryan Malley became the first Donegal player to record scores in the national league, sinking two hard earned free throws. Donegal settled down a little then with Dillon Muldoon making a couple of good inside plays to keep things tight. As Donegal collapsed their defense in an attempt to combat their much taller opponents Thunder put on an exhibition of outside shooting, recording three three pointers in a row to stretch their 1st quarter lead out to 29-10.
The second quarter was a much more competitive affair, led by Paul McHugh the home team upped their defensive intensity, forcing numerous turnovers and using their superior speed to push the ball up the court. Twice Ryan Muldoon got to the foul line and converted 4 in a row, while the aforementioned McHugh chipped in with 8 points during the quarter. The Thunder played to their strengths, isolating mismatches inside, repeatedly taking the ball at their smaller opponents, stretching out their half-time lead to 52-31.
Dillon Muldoon and William Timoney kept the scoreboard ticking over in the third quarter, but defensively Donegal struggled to contain the outstanding Mike Goj, who scored 35 points in all. The fourth was academic; Donegal kept trying, Ryan Muldoon knocked down a couple of three pointers, Jason Duignan gave a glimpse of his potential, converting off a hard earned rebound, ultimately though they were beaten by a better team. Dublin Thunder are going to win the league, before moving up to semi-professional Superleague Basketaball next year. Being realistic everyone is playing for second place. Donegal travel to Maree, Galway on Saturday in what should be a much tighter affair and a better indication of how their season will pan out.
Donegal: Paul McHugh (13), Aidan Campbell (2), Dillon Muldoon (13), Ryan Muldoon (14), William Timoney (15), Ryan Malley (2), Conor Boyle (2), John Kennedy (2), Bill Collins, Jason Duignan (4). Coach: Bill Collins
Brittons Insurance Donegal Town 58 Portlaoise Panthers 41
Donegal sit proudly on top of the league following an excellent opening match against Portlaoise Panthers, a midlands selection in their first year in the league. Donegal’s superior squad proved the difference, with 10 different scorers. Donegal took control right from the off, with the vastly experienced Lisa McGill and Laura Deeney controlling the offense. Donegal’s additions through the structured link system were also making a difference with Katrina Coyle scoring twice at the close of the quarter leaving Donegal comfortably ahead 16-9.
The second was more of the same, Donegal dominated defensively and punished offensively. Libby Duffy’s rebounding was a feature of this quarter, giving Donegal a platform off which to build. National league new comer Clodagh Brennan stretched Donegal’s lead with a couple of impressive drives as Donegal stretched their lead at half-time to double scores: 32-16.
Portlaoise made a spirited fight back in the penultimate quarter, winning it 10-9. Julianne Murphy with 5 points was the home teams main offensive threat. In the final quarter Lisa McGill took over, knocking down to three pointers to really put the game out of sight. Brid Murphy also chipped in with a couple of inside scores as Donegal ran out comfortable victors. Coach Kevin Sinclair will be particularly happy with this victory, especially as it was achieved without the ever present Charlene McHugh, the first game she has missed in 6 seasons.
Donegal: Kate Keaney (2), Rosa Devaney, Tara Kahn (6), Lisa McGill (15), Brid Murphy (4), Julianne Murphy (5), Clodagh Brennan (5), Denise Bourne, Aisling Brennan (6), Laura Deeney (5), Libby Duffy (3), Katrina Coyle (6). Coach Kevin Sinclair.
Season tickets for all home national league matches are currently available from all senior members of the club, just €25 can get you in to every home match this season!