.
,
Academy
Our u6-9s had a fantastic Christmas party. There were Santa hats, reindeer antlers and plenty of Christmas jumpers on display while Christmas tunes played over the sound of bouncing basketballs.
The children enjoyed playing games and shooting competitions with a chocolate Santa up for grabs for the winner.
.
Thank you to Mr. McGuires Olde SweetShop who provided Christmas treats for all our young players. A special mention to our dedicated TY coaches who turn up to every session full of enthusiasm and are great role models for our Academy youngsters. Academy will return in January with date tbc.
U10s have their Christmas party 6th December 5-6pm in Tralee Sport Complex. Once again, children are encouraged to wear festive clothing.
.
Juveniles
.
U12 Boys T1
Tralee Imperials 23-21 St. Joseph’s
U12 Boys T1 got their season underway with a home game vs St. Joseph’s, Duagh.
The boys have waited a long time for their first competitive game and they played very well in what was a tight contest.
Tom Dawson scored in the final moments to secure a 23-21 win for Imperials.
Q1 Tralee Imperials 9-6 St. Joseph’s
Q2 Tralee Imperials 0-13 St. Joseph’s
Q3 Tralee Imperials 15-15 St. Joseph’s
Q4 Tralee Imperials 23-21 St. Joseph’s
Top scorers:
Tom Dawson 12pts
Jack Hanlon 6pts
Shea Bowler 4pts
Robáird Foley 1pt
.
U12 Boys T2
Tralee Imperials 4-26 St. Colman’s
The under 12’s team 2 put in a super effort this evening as they took on St Colman’s in their first competitive game of the season.
For some players, this was their very first competitive game ever.
Everyone had plenty of minutes, gaining valuable experience in this first encounter that will be valuable in future games.
Unfortunately, the opposing team proved to be strong opponents and after a slow start, gained a considerable lead as the game went on.
Well done to all the team. They kept their heads up the whole game, encouraging each other and applying what they’ve been learning in training.
.
U14 Boys T1
Tralee Imperials 32-53 Glenbeigh Falcons
Q1: Tralee Imperials 12 Glenbeigh 15
Very closely contested opening quarter with Nathan Hill O’Shea getting some lovely layups from the press and pinpoint passing from Ruairí Kennedy.
Q 2: Tralee Imperials 19 Glenbeigh 27
Very strong scoring quarter for Ruairí Kennedy getting all Tralees scores.
Q 3: Tralee Imperials 22 Glenbeigh 49
Tralee found it tough in the 3rd quarter against a much physically stronger Glenbeigh side and were unlucky not to get a few more scores here but they were trying hard and didn’t give up.
Q 4: Tralee Imperials 32 Glenbeigh 53
Some good rebounding and pressure defence led to a few nice scores from turnovers for Tralee who fought hard until the final whistle.
Special mention to the score of the night for Jack Conway who spun around and crossed hands to score a great basket.
Scorers: Ruairí Kennedy 15, Nathan Hill O’Shea 6, Jack Noonan 4, Rodhan Culloo 3 and Jack Conway, Eoghan Crowley 2.
.
U14 Girls T1
Tralee Imperials 46-23 St. Colman’s
U14 Girls Team 1 make it 2 wins out of 2 with a solid performance against a well drilled St Colman’s Team. Imperials went in ahead 13 – 5 after the first quarter thanks to good scores from Ciara Costello and Anna Slattery. Ashlyn Falvey and Priya O’Donvan with the assists.
The second quarter was a close affair with Colman’s scoring some nice baskets. Anna Chute and Anna O’Sullivan scored well for imperials with Saoirse McCarthy coming up with important stops in defence. Score at half time 25 – 15
Imperials stepped up their defensive effort in the third quarter particularly Priya O’Donovan and Liepa Kaletkaite who was ever present on defence coming up with some important stops. Imperials further extended their lead outscoring Colman’s 12 – 0 in the quarter thanks to good scoring from Anna O’Sullivan and Ciara Costello. Score after 3rd score 37 – 15.
The final quarter was played at frantic pace by both sides who traded baskets throughout. Imperials managed to keep the score board ticking through Emily Flynn and Sophie Mitchell to secure the hard fought win. Final score 46 – 23.
The girls all played good team basketball with lots to improve on going forward.
Top scorers:
Ciara Costello 12
Anna O Sullivan 10
Sophie Mitchell 7
Anna Chute 6
Anna Slattery 5
Emily Flynn, Priya O’Donovan, Liepa Kaletkaite 2
.
U16 Boys T1
St. Brendan’s 52-45 Tralee Imperials
In our first outing in almost two years our u16 A Team put up a brave performance away to local rivals St Brendan’s. We started well with Ryne’s 3 point shooting and Sean Óg getting to the basket we opened up a 9 point lead 8-17 by the end of the first quarter.
We struggled to find our rhythm in the second period and allowed Brendan’s to take control. With Tomas and Fionnan hitting some fine scores we held on to a narrow lead at half time 24-26.
William and Sam came into the game and contributed to an improved defensive effort in the third but we were unlucky with a lot of efforts just not falling into the basket for us. The game was then finely poised heading into the final period as we trailed 37-36.
At this point our lack of match practice led to some uncharacteristic mistakes which our opponents capitalised on. The boys fought gamely to the end but we just couldn’t close the gap. The game finished 52-45 to the hosts.
We will learn from the defeat and prepare for a tough second game against St Marys on 6th December at home. Well done to the players who gave 100% and can be very proud of themselves.
.
U18 Girls T2
Kenmare Kestrels 29-35 Tralee Imperials
Our U18 Girls Team 2 began their season on Saturday after a 21 month layoff from competitive basketball. They made the long trip to Kenmare, to take on local team Kenmare Kestrels. Imperials were missing a number of players due to other commitments.
Imperials started slowly in quarter 1 with the long layoff particularly noticeable. Kestrels raced into an early lead with some very good scores. Aine Walsh kept Imperials in touch with 2 great scores from the free throw line.
Katie Nix at Point Guard was starting to have an influence on the game. With seconds remaining in the quarter, Katie got to the basket for a great score, reducing the deficit to 10-4 at the end of Quarter 1.
The introduction of Keelin Coffey at the start of quarter 2 provided the platform for an Imperials revival.
Strong Defensive work from Keelin and Hollie Leane, with great transitional play from Aine Walsh started to pay dividends for Imperials. Aisling O’ Connell got to the basket for 2 brilliant scores. Katie Nix, Aine Walsh and Aisling all finished the quarter strongly with great scores, leaving the half time score of 18-14 in favour of Kestrels.
Quarter 3 began with both defences on top. Great work from Hollie Leane and Katie Nix, found Keelin Coffey who finished brilliantly. Keelin turned from scorer to provider with a great pass to Aisling O’Connell, Aisling getting through the defensive guard to finish brilliantly.
Keelin was again provider for Alva Daughton who finished superbly. A strong comeback from Imperials, driven by a massive defensive effort by all Imperials players. Hollie Leane and Katie Nix were immense during this period with strong running and multiple steals.
The final score of the quarter was a brilliant long range effort from Aine Walsh, leaving a score line of 24-24 at the end of quarter 3. All eyes on Imperials and the massive intensity levels of the first three quarters.
Aisling O’Connell opened the Imperials account at the start of quarter 4 with a brilliant effort. Kestrels began to run their bench and executed a full court press. Keelin Coffey was again to the fore with a brilliant pass for Alva Daughton, a bucket shot from Alva finished superbly. Imperials take the lead with 7:46 on the clock.
With Kestrels in foul trouble, Keelin Coffey scored 2 from the free throw line. Keelin followed up with a great basket to extend the Imperials lead. Imperials were back again to the free throw line at the closing stages of the quarter. Aine Walsh and Katie Nix finishing to ensure a fantastic Imperials win on a score line of 35-29.
The management team of Danny and Brenda were delighted with the win. The fitness levels, intensity and teamwork were fantastic to see and bode well for the months ahead. Imperials follow up with their next game on Tuesday evening.
A huge thanks to Kenmare Kestrels for a sporting and enjoyable game. Thanks also to the referees and table officials.
Imperials Scorers
Aisling O’Connell 10
Keelin Coffey 8
Aine Walsh 7
Katie Nix 6
Alva Daughton 4
Ireland U16 Men’s Panel
Congratulations to Tomas Kennedy who has been selected on the Ireland U16 Men’s panel. Head coach, Pat Price, has made a selection of 31 players following a very productive weekend training camp at Kerry Sports Academy. Best of luck to Tomas as he moves forward with the selected group will move forward to December training camps.
Garvey’s Tralee Warriors
The Warriors had a 77-62 win over Moycullen BC in the quarterfinal of the insuremyhouse.ie Pat Duffy National Cup. This sets up a semi-final battle against Dublin sided Eanna BC in the new year. Warriors are back in super league action this coming weekend away to Belfast Star on 11th December.
Training Fees
Monthly training fees can be paid online via the Club Shop which can be accessed on the club’s app ‘ClubZap’ or the club’s website www.traleeimperials.ie. December and January are treated as one month and is available to pay online now. Any outstanding fees for October and November can also be paid online via the Club Shop.
Any queries contact imperialsbc@gmail.com
