IRISH U-18 ENJOY US TOUR
6th Jul 2010
Clodagh Scannell, who is currently on international duty with Ireland
The Irish Under-18 Girls side are enjoying a busy schedule in the USA with a number of positive performances to report.
On Friday, the squad was divided into two teams with Team One suffering a 69-53 loss to Conneticut Shamrocks, while Team Two suffered a 48-31 loss to Conneticut Spirit. Casey Grace impressed for Team One with 10 points, while Rebecca O’Keefe chipped in with 9 points.
Catriona Foley was not to be outdone with 10 points for Team Two with Ciara Newell and Emma Tarbett also impressing with eight and four points respectively.
On Saturday, Team One ensured Ireland secured their first win of the series with a comprehensive 59-32 win over Connecticut Rough Riders. Rheanne O'Shea, Grace and O’Keefe were once again strong in the scoring stakes. Team Two almost made it two successive wins but suffered heartache courtesy of a 56-51 despite great showings from the likes of Clodagh Scannell, Tessa Solan and Stephanie O’Shea.
The next destination was an AAU tournament in Penn State with Columbia Ravens claiming a 49-35 win over Team One, while Maryland Flames saw off the challenge of Ireland’s Team Two. On Tuesday, it was the Franklin Hoopstars who inflicted a 51-32 loss on Ireland.
“Everyone is working hard,” said Irish assistant coach Jenny Coady. “We have put together two teams for Penn State so that's 4 games a day for 4 days which is a very hectic schedule. The facilities here are very impressive with 300 teams 27 gyms and thousands of player and parents here to compete with and watch the best talent in the country.
"We are lacking a little bit of hunger for the ball at the moment and being out hussled," added Coady. "Team Two who played against the Maryland Flames were down 22 with 7 minutes to go when the penny dropped and they came back to within 8 of the team. So hopefully everyone will bring the tough side of them to the courts over the next few days and we can reap the rewards that we know were are capable of.
"Out hotel is on campus this year so the gyms are never far away which gives the girls time to relax and recoup for their second game of each day."
