MALAHIDE Community School put in a stunning second half performance to defeat St Patrick’s College of Cavan in the Under 16A Boys’ All Ireland Schools Cup final at the National Basketball Arena.
Standout displays from Most Valuable Player (MVP) Christian McDonnell, Sean Fitzpatrick and Matthew Poole of Malahide saw them combine for a big 37 points for the North Dubliners to see them home to a hard-earned victory.
Malahide led by just two points at half-time (20-18) but surged ahead in the third quarter and lead 36-21 going into the final quarter.
St Patrick’s weren’t going down without a fight though, and a superb final quarter from Arnoldas Juska kept the game tense and nervy throughout, as he opened the period with four quick points.
Good scoring from Fitzpatrick, McDonnell and Eoin Timmons at the other end managed to keep Malahide out in front, and despite a solid fourth quarter from St Patrick’s, time ran out and Malahide were crowned champions on a final scoreline of 43-30.
