Date: 10th November 2024
Venue: Mounthawk Gym, Tralee
Final Score: Tralee Magic 61 - 39 Glanmire
In the final game of the U18 Women’s National Cup Qualifiers, Tralee Magic delivered a strong performance to secure a 61-39 victory over Glanmire, earning both teams a spot in the National Cup quarter-finals. With this result, Tralee Magic clinched home advantage for the next stage, while Glanmire’s resilient efforts earned them respect and admiration despite the loss.
The game began with Tralee Magic taking an early lead, finishing the first quarter 13-5. While Glanmire put in a spirited fight and closed the gap in the second quarter, Tralee’s balanced scoring and disciplined defense helped them maintain control throughout. As predicted, Tralee’s depth and home-court advantage played a crucial role, but Glanmire’s tenacity kept the game competitive for much of the contest.
Key Performers for Tralee Magic:
Muireann Teahan (#6) was unstoppable, leading all scorers with an impressive 26 points. Her consistency at the free-throw line, hitting 6 of 9, and her ten 2-point shots helped Tralee build and maintain their lead.
Priya O'Donovan (#10) added 10 points, showcasing her versatility with two 3-point shots that fired up the crowd. Her accuracy from beyond the arc gave Tralee a crucial boost, demonstrating her importance in the team’s offensive setup.
Kelly Fitzgerald (#9) added 5 points, including a crucial 2-pointer and 1 of 2 free throws. Her composure and steady contributions were a valuable asset throughout the tournament.
Emily Flynn (#14) scored 6 points, with an impressive 4 out of 7 free throws, demonstrating her reliability under pressure. Her consistent play over the course of the tournament proved essential to Tralee’s overall success.
Defensive Impact:
Jennifer Olanrewaju (#7) came off the bench to make a significant defensive contribution, earning applause for her hustle and ability to disrupt Glanmire’s key players. Her defensive pressure and energy were vital in maintaining Tralee’s control of the game.
For Glanmire, their journey to the final was marked by resilience and hard work. Despite the challenging scoreline, they fought bravely, led by Chloe O'Driscoll (#4) with 12 points and Katie Quinlan (#5) adding 9 points. Glanmire’s persistence on both ends of the court showed their competitive spirit, and although the final score didn’t favor them, they displayed qualities of a team that earned their spot in the quarter-finals.
Reflections on the Prediction:
The pre-game prediction anticipated a close match with Tralee Magic’s home-court advantage possibly giving them the edge. This proved accurate, as Tralee’s offensive efficiency and defensive intensity made the difference. However, Glanmire’s valiant efforts kept Tralee on their toes, and they deserve recognition for a performance that underscored their talent and potential.
Looking Ahead:
With this victory, both Tralee Magic and Glanmire advance to the National Cup quarter-finals. Tralee Magic’s win today secures them the home advantage in the next stage, a reward for their consistent performances throughout the qualifiers. As the competition intensifies, Tralee will look to leverage this advantage, while Glanmire’s resilience and experience from this game will prepare them well for the challenges ahead.
A huge thank you to both teams, their coaches, and the incredible supporters who filled Mounthawk Gym, creating an electric atmosphere. Special appreciation to Glanmire for a hard-fought final and to Jennifer Olanrewaju, whose defensive impact off the bench was pivotal. As Tralee Magic prepares to host the quarter-final, fans can look forward to more thrilling basketball action ahead!
Chairman’s Note:
John Dowling, Chairman of Tralee Magic, shared his thoughts on the team’s success:
"I couldn’t be prouder of our U18 girls for their incredible performance this weekend. Winning the National Cup qualifiers and securing a home quarter-final is a huge accomplishment, thanks to the dedication of the players, Tomas, Ranjna, and everyone involved with this incredible team. A special thank you to all the officials and volunteers who helped make this tournament run so smoothly. This was truly a team effort. Let’s keep the momentum going—looking forward to seeing everyone at the quarter-final. Go Magic!"
Venue: Mounthawk Gym, Tralee
Final Score: Tralee Magic 61 - 39 Glanmire
In the final game of the U18 Women’s National Cup Qualifiers, Tralee Magic delivered a strong performance to secure a 61-39 victory over Glanmire, earning both teams a spot in the National Cup quarter-finals. With this result, Tralee Magic clinched home advantage for the next stage, while Glanmire’s resilient efforts earned them respect and admiration despite the loss.
The game began with Tralee Magic taking an early lead, finishing the first quarter 13-5. While Glanmire put in a spirited fight and closed the gap in the second quarter, Tralee’s balanced scoring and disciplined defense helped them maintain control throughout. As predicted, Tralee’s depth and home-court advantage played a crucial role, but Glanmire’s tenacity kept the game competitive for much of the contest.
Key Performers for Tralee Magic:
Muireann Teahan (#6) was unstoppable, leading all scorers with an impressive 26 points. Her consistency at the free-throw line, hitting 6 of 9, and her ten 2-point shots helped Tralee build and maintain their lead.
Priya O'Donovan (#10) added 10 points, showcasing her versatility with two 3-point shots that fired up the crowd. Her accuracy from beyond the arc gave Tralee a crucial boost, demonstrating her importance in the team’s offensive setup.
Kelly Fitzgerald (#9) added 5 points, including a crucial 2-pointer and 1 of 2 free throws. Her composure and steady contributions were a valuable asset throughout the tournament.
Emily Flynn (#14) scored 6 points, with an impressive 4 out of 7 free throws, demonstrating her reliability under pressure. Her consistent play over the course of the tournament proved essential to Tralee’s overall success.
Defensive Impact:
Jennifer Olanrewaju (#7) came off the bench to make a significant defensive contribution, earning applause for her hustle and ability to disrupt Glanmire’s key players. Her defensive pressure and energy were vital in maintaining Tralee’s control of the game.
For Glanmire, their journey to the final was marked by resilience and hard work. Despite the challenging scoreline, they fought bravely, led by Chloe O'Driscoll (#4) with 12 points and Katie Quinlan (#5) adding 9 points. Glanmire’s persistence on both ends of the court showed their competitive spirit, and although the final score didn’t favor them, they displayed qualities of a team that earned their spot in the quarter-finals.
Reflections on the Prediction:
The pre-game prediction anticipated a close match with Tralee Magic’s home-court advantage possibly giving them the edge. This proved accurate, as Tralee’s offensive efficiency and defensive intensity made the difference. However, Glanmire’s valiant efforts kept Tralee on their toes, and they deserve recognition for a performance that underscored their talent and potential.
Looking Ahead:
With this victory, both Tralee Magic and Glanmire advance to the National Cup quarter-finals. Tralee Magic’s win today secures them the home advantage in the next stage, a reward for their consistent performances throughout the qualifiers. As the competition intensifies, Tralee will look to leverage this advantage, while Glanmire’s resilience and experience from this game will prepare them well for the challenges ahead.
A huge thank you to both teams, their coaches, and the incredible supporters who filled Mounthawk Gym, creating an electric atmosphere. Special appreciation to Glanmire for a hard-fought final and to Jennifer Olanrewaju, whose defensive impact off the bench was pivotal. As Tralee Magic prepares to host the quarter-final, fans can look forward to more thrilling basketball action ahead!
Chairman’s Note:
John Dowling, Chairman of Tralee Magic, shared his thoughts on the team’s success:
"I couldn’t be prouder of our U18 girls for their incredible performance this weekend. Winning the National Cup qualifiers and securing a home quarter-final is a huge accomplishment, thanks to the dedication of the players, Tomas, Ranjna, and everyone involved with this incredible team. A special thank you to all the officials and volunteers who helped make this tournament run so smoothly. This was truly a team effort. Let’s keep the momentum going—looking forward to seeing everyone at the quarter-final. Go Magic!"
