38TH CHRISTMAS BLITZ

Premier Mens

Match Report by Liz Galwey - Pictures courtesy of Billy O'Connor

LtoR Mark Bersner Coack Abrakebabra Tigers, Maurice Casey presents Best Overall Player of the Blitz to C.J.Hadley Abrakebabra

The early part of the Premier men’s game was disappointing, offensive play was poor with both sides missing shots from play, but as the game progressed the closeness in scores put the record crowds on the edge of their seats.  

Dan Griffin and John Teahan were both winning a lot of ball for Abrakebabra Tigers while C.J. Hadley was superb.  For Mustang Sally’s Justin Wingard, Nick Covington and Matt Hilleary were strongest but Wingards inaccuracy from the free throw line was appalling.

Tigers led by two points at half time with 13 of their 15 points coming from Hadley, John Teahan being the only other player to score for the side while for Paul’s it was Covinton and Wingard who made all the scores. Tigers pulled away early in the second have but Mustang made a quick comeback and came back to within a point.  

Hadley hit threes to keep Tralee in front while Matt Hilleary kept the baskets coming for St Paul’s to keep them within a point.  With 3.7 seconds remaining Paul’s were fouled and on the inbound Tigers player Phris was called for an intentional.  Wingard went to the free throw line for Mustang’s but shockingly missed both.  

Paul’s had possession, 2.4 seconds remained and with Tigers up by a single point they needed a basket. The pass came into Hilleary who it his target giving Mustang Sally’s their second major of the tournament.

Final Score: Mustang Sally’s St. Paul’s 27   Abrakebabra Tralee Tigers 26

MVP and top scorer: Chris Hadley 24 points.

St. Mary’s Basketball Club made presentations to both Donal O’Connor and Dennis Porter for their commitment to the blitz over the years.

Miss Basketball was awarded to Tara Galwey.

Most improved young female player:            Lorraine Scanlon. St. Joseph’s

Most improved young male player:              Seamus Brosnan. St. Bridget’s

Best local male:                                             Thomas Hickey St. Mary’s

Best local female:                                          Noelle Scanlon St. Mary’s

Best overall female:                                      Mairead Finnegan Mustang Sally’s St. Paul’s

Best overall male:                                         Chris Hadley Abrakebabra Tigers

C.J. Hadley gets the M.V.P. award from Angela Ring of Munster Joinery - Major Sponsors