BALLINCOLLIG CS captured two titles on the opening day of the All-Ireland schoolboys league basketball finals at the National Arena yesterday.
The Cork side overwhelmed St Patrick's, Navan in the second half of the Under-16 C final, with Cian Kelliher and Robert McGowan scoring 40 points between them in a 62-42 victory.
Their Under-19 C victory over St Aidan's of Tallaght was a much tighter affair. Featuring Cian and Jonathan Kelliher, Robert McGowan and Alan Kelleher from their earlier win, Ballincollig had to watch anxiously as John McCarthy, outstanding for St Aidan's, had a chance to level the match when he was awarded two free throws with under two seconds on the clock, but scored with only one. Ballincollig's Alan Kelleher scored with a free throw right at the end to leave the score 45-43.
Despite a second half rally, Ballincollig's neighbours, Colaiste Choilm, failed to overcome Chanel College of Coolock in the Under-16 B final. Brian Whiston scored 24 points in his side's 46-39 win.
