Mohill Mavericks Ladies denied League glory by Sligo All-Stars as Mohill prepares to host top 4 finals

Mohill Mavericks Ladies’ dreams of Lonleitros League glory fell just short as Sligo All Stars claimed a seven point win after a thrilling final in a jam packed Topline Sports Complex in Mohill on Sunday.

With an electric atmosphere and standing room only, Mohill were inspired by their boisterous home support  but Sligo scored their second win over the Leitrim side to take the title by seven points. 

Nerves may have played a part in a subdued Mohill performance, their average of seven to eight outside shots reduced to just one which was probably the decisive factor in the contest with Mohill missing a number of lay-ups they normally take with ease.

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Sligo took control early on in Sunday’s contest, establishing an early lead they never relinquished. With Sligo pushing the pace and hitting some nice baskets, three scores from Caoimhe McGuinness settled Mohill as Sligo led 16-6 at the end of the  quarter.

Mavericks upped the pace in the second quarter thanks to some fine baskets by Caoimhe McGuinness and Ashling Leahy. However, Sligo’s tough defence meant they were hard to break down and despite some great offensive play from Leahy and Chloe Dolan, Mavericks weren’t landing the baskets the needed.

Sligo led 31-18 at the break but the home side turned in an impressive third quarter, pushing forward at speed with some fine baskets by Odharnaith & Caoimhe McGuinness, Dolan & Jasmine Reynolds. But Sligo were calm under pressure but never panicked, using their strength in depth to great effect. Mavericks tried to impose themselves on Sligo but missed lay-ups they would normally take in their sleep undid much of their good work in the third quarter.

Mohill out-scored Sligo 22-17 to cut the gap back to eight points going into the final quarter and the home side really attacked the fourth quarter with vigour. Displaying self-belief and imposing themselves on Sligo, Mavericks were playing with a good rhythm and moved the ball at speed.

Top 4 Finals schedule

Sligo held firm as they defended superbly and hit Mavericks on the break. Some fine baskets by Kate McGuinness, Jasmine Reynolds, Odharnaith McGuinness & Chloe Dolan saw Mavericks edge the final quarter 17-16 as they were just unable to get over the line.

It was an amazing campaign for Mavericks who only lost two games all year to a Sligo All Stars who featured some ex-national league players.

Mavericks now set their sights on the Top 4 Finals which are being held  in Mohill Topline Sports Complex next weekend. The Top Four finale sees Mohill welcome teams from Sligo, Donegal, Athlone, Ballina, Longford, Castlebar & Castlerea next Friday, Saturday and Sunday with both Mohill mens and ladies teams playing. 

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Check Mohill Basketball Facebook page for details. 

Team: Caoimhe McGuinness, Chloe Dolan, Ashling Leahy, Jasmine Reynolds, Odharnaith McGuinness, Kate McGuinness, Lorraine Butler, Ciara Keegan, Ellen McGuinness, Aifric Madden, Erica Fortune, Coach Saoirse Mulligan

Mohill men also played two games during the week and were unlucky against Ballina, losing out 63-66 but in their second game, a superb performance saw them overcome Athlone 70-58. Mavericks now compete in the Shield final next weekend.