The defending champions proved to be every bit worthy of their title as a strong finish deservedly secured the title for a second year running in a fantastic final which was much closer than the final 54-37 scoreline suggests.
Indeed St. Columb's came out fast and took a 5-0 lead before Loreto rallied and finished the quarter 11-7 in front. It was nip and tuck in the second quarter as the half finished 23-18; Loreto with Mutso and Dan getting buckets to tie it but a 3 point play by Loretos Jack saw them retake the lead.
Two three pointers and another quick bucket by Mutso sparked another comeback from St. Columb's. The teams were tied up at 31 apiece when the tide turned in favour of the Coleraine school, Loreto enjoying an eight point unanswered run to finish the third quarter.
St. Columb's were shell shocked and, despite their hard work, couldn't mount another comeback as Loreto finished the stronger and ran away with some fast break scores.
Loreto now have a real opportunity now to go on and win an All Ireland title while St. Columb's will have another run at the regional title next year with every one of their final squad returning with the notable exception of Fionn gave a fantastic performance in what was his final St. Columb's match.
Top scorers were: Loreto – Jack (16), John (15); St. Columb's – Mutso (18), Guillermo (7).
1. Basketball Cup from referee Mick Lowth after his side’s victory over St Columb’s College in the final at the Foyle Arena on Friday. Photo: George Sweeney
Basketball Cup from referee Mick Lowth after his side’s victory over St Columb’s College in the final at the Foyle Arena on Friday. Photo: George Sweeney Photo: George Sweeney
2. Loreto College Coleraine fans cheer on their team against St Columb’s College in the final of the U19 North Regional Basketball Final held in the Foyle Arena on Friday. Loreto College win the game 54 37. Photo: George Sweeney
Loreto College Coleraine fans cheer on their team against St Columb’s College in the final of the U19 North Regional Basketball Final held in the Foyle Arena on Friday. Loreto College win the game 54 37. Photo: George Sweeney Photo: George Sweeney
3. St Columb’s College in action against Loreto College Coleraine in the final of the U19 North Regional Basketball Final held in the Foyle Arena on Friday. Loreto College win the game 54 37. Photo: George Sweeney
St Columb’s College in action against Loreto College Coleraine in the final of the U19 North Regional Basketball Final held in the Foyle Arena on Friday. Loreto College win the game 54-37. Photo: George Sweeney Photo: George Sweeney
4. St Columb’s College in action against Loreto College Coleraine in the final of the U19 North Regional Basketball Final held in the Foyle Arena on Friday. Loreto College win the game 54 37. Photo: George Sweeney
St Columb’s College in action against Loreto College Coleraine in the final of the U19 North Regional Basketball Final held in the Foyle Arena on Friday. Loreto College win the game 54 37. Photo: George Sweeney Photo: George Sweeney