The Tralee Magic U12 boys put in a fantastic performance against St Mary’s of Castleisland tonight in Mounthawk. Although the visitors took the win with a final score of 29-20, this match was a testament to the incredible progress the Magic team has made since their last encounter.

The previous meeting saw Castleisland dominate with a 61-25 victory, but this time, Tralee Magic showed their growing skill, teamwork, and determination, keeping the game competitive right to the final buzzer.

From the start, Tralee Magic came out with energy and focus, matching St Mary’s intensity. Both teams worked hard to break down each other’s defense, leading to a low-scoring but fast-paced opening quarter. Magic showed great patience in attack, looking for smart passes and good shot opportunities, while also staying disciplined on defense to limit Castleisland’s scoring chances. It was a tight and evenly matched battle, setting the stage for an exciting contest.

The second and third quarters saw St Mary’s edge ahead, capitalizing on a few fast-break opportunities. However, Tralee Magic never backed down, with players stepping up defensively and showing impressive rebounding and hustle. Their teamwork and passing game were much improved, leading to some excellent baskets.

The final quarter was where Magic truly showed their resilience, outscoring St Mary’s and fighting for every possession. Their defensive effort was outstanding, forcing turnovers and pushing the pace on the break. Despite falling just short on the scoreboard, the improvement from their previous match was clear for all to see.

Coach David Leahy was full of praise for his team, highlighting their effort, teamwork, and growing confidence on the court. With performances like this, Tralee Magic is proving they are a team to watch for the rest of the season.

Well done, boys – keep up the great work!