Emma helps keep Ireland dreams alive

Emma Tolan has been brilliant in wins against Norway and now Great Britain.

East Cavan Eagles star Emma Tolan was once again in brilliant form when Ireland took on Great Britain in the Under-18s FIBA European Youth Championships 'B' Division in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Virginia native Emma, Grace Prenter and Rebecca Sexton combined for 42 points, as Ireland go top of Group ‘B’ with a hard-fought 58-55 win earlier today.

After getting off to a flying start in the first quarter 12-3 and leading by nine going intot the second, Great Britain rallied as many thought they might and Ireland were behind at half time 18-25.

But Ireland U18 women’s head coach Tommy O’Mahony bravely instructed his team to put everything on the line in the third quarter, which they did, notching an incredible 25 points to take back the lead at 43-36.

The fourth quarter was a cagey affair, with plenty of scoring opportunities but both sides doing their best to shut down the other.

All star 5 Home Nations player Emma, who helped Virginia College to All Ireland cup and league schools titles, was once again at the centre of things, as she was when leading both teams in in-play stats as Ireland beat Norway Ireland 58-41 Norway last Friday.

Not only did she score an individual 19 points, but Emma managed 12 rebounds, six steals, and four assists.

Against Great Britain she put in an all action display with 13 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, seven steals, and two blocks as Ireland's U18 girls made it two from two heading into the final game of their qualifying group.

Ireland play Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday at 6:30pm.