Back-to-back All Ireland U19 ‘A’ titles for outstanding Virginia College ladies

All-Ireland U19 'A' Schools basketball final

Virginia College 52

Mercy Mounthawk, Tralee 42

To win one All Ireland title is a fantastic achievement but to go and win back-to-back All Ireland titles at the highest grade is the sign of a remarkable side, and that is exactly what is present in Virginia College as the U19 girls team retained the All-Ireland A league title in style with a 10-point victory over Mercy Mounthawk last Tuesday in the National Basketball Arena.

Virginia’s captain and Irish U18 international Emma Tolan hit a game high of 25 points and deservedly was crowned the match MVP after a prolific game at both ends of the court.

But in truth it was a whole team display that earned the Cavan ladies the top honours in the country as all 10 members of the squad played their part in the victory over the Tralee side. The team were impressive from the outset with their superb defensive structure and composure from the free-throw line a huge deciding factor throughout the clash. The opening quarter was evenly contested as both sides took their time to settle into the tie played in front of an electric atmosphere. The large travelling support from Cavan made their voices heard throughout the contest and played a huge part in getting the Virginia girls across the line on Tuesday.

Mercy Mounthawk’s top scorer Holly O’Brien and Emma Collins started in fine form combining for seven points whilst Emma Tolan led the charges for Virginia knocking back seven points in an end-to-end opening quarter in the arena.

An early free throw from the Kerry school opened the games scoring before Tolan showed her composure from the line with two from two. Early steals from Roisin Flanagan and Katie Noble, a massive block from Emma Tolan and big defensive rebounds from Katelyn McElhinney and Keelin Fay showed the Virginia side were up for the task ahead of them from early on. An O’Brien three and one free throw left her side up by three but only momentarily as Tolan drew the sides level with a three-pointer of her own after excellent work in offense from Sinead Kelly and Celia Vigil Garcia.

Both sides’ discipline was a factor in a cagey opening quarter with Virginia executing three more from the line after Tolan drew another foul under the basket for two and Sinead Kelly added one to their tally. With 20 seconds on the clock Emma Collins levelled the sides once again with a big three leaving the score eight a piece at the end of the opening quarter.

The second quarter was just as tight as neither side were willing to give an inch in an entertaining half. A massive defensive steal from the ever-hardworking Katie Noble set up Tolan for a drive resulting in a foul with Tolan executing one from the line on this instance.

Noble then got her name on the scoresheet with a lovely jump shot to put three between the teams. Midway through the quarter Mercy got their opening basket but it was quickly cancelled out by Kelly after a fantastic pass from Ciara Brady. Laura Sugrue and Katelyn McElhinney exchanged scores midway through the quarter as the tempo began to rise.

Tolan hit her tenth of the game to retain a two-point lead but a scoring spree of five left the Kerry based school ahead by three going into the closing minute of the quarter. Further excellent shooting from the brilliant Kelly and Tolan was followed up by the moment of the game as youngster Ciara Brady scored a beautiful outside the arc buzzer beater leaving Virginia ahead 24-20 at the break.

A third quarter masterclass at both ends of the court from the Virginia girls, which seen them start with a 13-point unanswered run, handed them a 42-27 lead going into the final quarter. Mercy Mounthawk managed just seven points in a quarter which seen Virginia continue their relentless defensive efforts and ruthless attacks.

Brady scored a lovely lay-up straight from the off before the MVP showed her versatility with magnificent footwork under the basket adding five more points to her tally alongside a huge steal which transitioned defence to attack once again. A beautiful assist from Tolan for Spaniard Celia put Virginia further ahead by 15. Another drive and basket from the youngest member of the team, Garcia, topped off a fantastic start to the third quarter for the title holders.

To their credit Mounthawk fought back with two three-pointers from Collins and O’Brien but further scores from Tolan, Kelly and Garcia and big defensive displays under the basket from Ellen Murray and Riona Fay left it an uphill battle for Mercy Mounthawk going into the final quarter trailing by fifteen. Two early baskets from O’Brien and a big three from O’Connor left the deficit at seven but any sign of a comeback was put to bed as another beautiful basket from the hardworking Sinead Kelly was followed by another crucial three from the team captain.

O’Brien and Flynn kept the scoreboard ticking but the final score of the game went to Tolan, who led by example throughout the contest. Tolan sunk another basket while drawing a foul which she converted at her ease from the line to ensure the cup came back to Cavan for the second year running.

Speaking after the game a proud Virginia College captain Emma Tolan commented: “It was a privilege to captain such a hardworking bunch of girls.

“Last year was an unbelievable experience, and we never thought we would be able to repeat the same success again this year. We trained very hard over the last few months and the hard work definitely paid off.”

Tolan added: “I’m really proud of how the girls performed and how everyone contributed to the win. Our coaches Ms Niamh Ní Chearra and Ms Aideen Coyle have been immense. They have given up so much of their time to make sure we were well prepared and ready for the final.”

Tolan alongside three other members of the squad have enjoyed a hugely successful six years in Virginia.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my years in Virginia College and have made memories for life. Winning an All-Ireland title is a great way to finish up. We are all extremely close so it makes it all much more enjoyable,” the sixth year student concluded.

Scorers: E. Tolan (25), S. Kelly (10), C. Garcia (6), C. Brady (5), K. McElhinney (4), K. Noble (2)

Virginia College: Emma Tolan (Captain), Keelin Fay, Katelynn McElhinney, Roisin Flanagan, Sinead Kelly, Katie Noble, Ellen Murray, Riona Fay, Ciara Brady, Celia Vigil Garcia; Niamh Ní Chearra (Coach), Aideen Coyle (Assistant Coach)