In the past 5 consecutive years, Loreto can proudly say they have reached the Basketball finals with at least one of their school teams. This is the second time in three years that both the girls Basketball teams have made it through to the semi-finals, with the girls making the finals.
The Girls team were a new combination of players, which consisted of younger talented girls, some who played in the finals last year. This team surpassed every ones expectations by reaching the finals, as their skills and understanding progressed as the tournament went on. In the final they came up against an experienced and well drilled St Joseph’s team. Our girls excelled throughout the game forcing St Joseph’s to make mistakes that Loreto capitalised on. With action throughout the game and an excellent display of ball skills, passing and team work. The Girls team won the Final 34-14 to become the 2017 Inter-school Champions.
The Boys team showed throughout the tournament that they were a team that would battle onwards. They sailed through to the semi-finals, only losing one match to Bishop Fitzgerald with a close encounter against a strong St. Anne’s side. After a match of end to end action the boys beat St Anne’s by 6 points, 38-32. Again, it was a narrow margin that saw the boys just miss out on a place in the final losing by 6 points 31-37.
With the Girls team Champions and the boys team runners-up, these results are a huge achievement for our small school, which has to work twice as hard in order to compete with bigger schools. We are all extremely proud of both of our teams.
A special mention must go to Lucia Olivera, who was selected as the most voted for player in the entire tournament, along with the girls ‘All Star Top 5’ winner. Jack Bingham was awarded the boys ‘All Star Top 5’ winner, well done to both pupils on this outstanding achievement.
Congratulations to all involved and many thanks to everyone who came to support Loreto throughout this exciting and eventful tournament.
