Kelly hero as Killester retain crown
This game had everything as the champions looked in serious trouble coming down the stretch. But they showed true grit when the game hung in the balance. Neptune got the perfect start when a beautiful Ger Noonan assist found Michael McGinn only for Michael Westbrooks to reply with a jumper.
McGinn was on hand to add another couple of baskets as the Cork side raced into a 6-2 lead.
The Dublin side gradually regained their composure and with the Wesbrooks brothers Isaac and Michael shooting nice baskets they surged into a 14-10 lead.
The introduction of Jermaine Kamara gave Neptune more power on the boards but they slackened in defence as their opponents began finding their shooting range. Pete Madsen, in particular, was outstanding and Killester deservedly led 24-16 entering the second quarter.
Robbie Clarke shot a three on the restart and he followed with a similar basket on Killlester’s next possession and suddenly the champions had roared into a 14-point lead.
Michael Bonaparte, now showing more urgency, shot consecutive baskets to cut the deficit to 32-22. Suddenly Neptune were on a roll and when McGinn hit a three-pointer and followed up with free throws the deficit was reduced to 34-30.
Noonan followed up with a beautiful drive as the arena erupted with Killester looking like a side in trouble.
The pendulum swung again as Neptune lost their shape in the closing minutes and Killester looked happy at the break when commanding an 11-point lead 47-36.
Gary Walsh gave Neptune the perfect start with a three and when McGinn followed up with a similar basket the deficit was reduced to five.
Walsh was incredible and he followed up with a brace of three-pointers as the lead was reduced to the minimum.
Noonan gave Neptune the lead as their large band of supporters sensed a shock was on the cards.
Kamara finished the quarter in style when he banked a lay-up that ensured the Cork side led 61-58.
Kelly got an easy lay up on the restart that cut the deficit to the minimum. Both sides traded baskets in the opening four minutes but with Killester calling a time out with 6.09 remaining Neptune still commanded a three-point lead.
The closing minutes saw both teams trading baskets but Neptune will rue missing easy scoring opportunities when they had a chance to put this final in the bag.
The Killester hero proved to be Paddy Kelly who finished with MVP as his contribution of 23 points broke the hearts of Neptune.
The sound of the final buzzer brought wild celebrations from the Killester players and supporters as coach Mark Keenan praised his team’s spirit.
“We looked in serious trouble in the closing minutes as Neptune had really put it up to us but credit to all my players they refused to panic and we just about pulled it out of the hat,” Keenan said.
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