Basketball NI Junior League Playoffs 2025 Results

An amazing three days of basketball took place across our two venues, La Salle College and Lisburn Racquets, from March 21st to March 23rd for the Basketball NI Junior Finals, sponsored by Titanic Quarter.

A huge thank you to our Competition Committee Chairperson, Malachy Kearney, and the Competition Committee for their dedication throughout the season in organising and ensuring the smooth running of the Junior Finals. Thank you to our referees and table officials for their hard work, as well as the parents and families who supported the teams and created a fantastic atmosphere. We also extend our gratitude to our Board for their contributions throughout the season and for supporting the presentation ceremonies. A massive thank you to our players and coaches for putting on some incredible performances — congratulations to all winners and runners-up!

We sincerely appreciate our venue partners, who went above and beyond to ensure the events ran smoothly. Lastly, a special thank you to our sponsors, Titanic Quarter. We were delighted to welcome Shona Anderton and James Weir from Titanic Quarter to our awards presentations, giving us the opportunity to showcase the excitement of basketball.

Game Round-Up:

U12 Girls – Queens 30 – 23 North Star Warriors
In a nail-biting encounter, the Queens U12 Girls emerged victorious over North Star with a score of 30–23. The game was a rollercoaster featuring five lead changes and two ties, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams. Queens displayed resilience, overcoming a 10-point deficit to secure their win, while North Star fought hard throughout the game.

The game tipped off with an intense first period, where North Star took an early lead at 5–0, thanks to Bronagh McGahey and Ava Green. However, Queens quickly fought back, with Aoife McTaggart and Eva Dobbs each contributing crucial points. As the second period unfolded, the tension escalated. North Star regained the lead, but Laura McKillop’s timely basket gave the local team a momentary edge. By halftime, the score stood at 6–11 in favor of North Star.

The third period saw Leah McKinney shine for North Star, but Queens remained resilient, trailing 11–19. Everything changed in the fourth period as Queens surged ahead with a 19–4 run. Amy Napier and Grace Daly were unstoppable, sealing a victory at 30–23. It was a hard-fought win, and both teams had the crowd on the edge of their seats.

U12 A Boys – Drogheda Wolves 50 – 39 Queens
This intense game featured eight lead changes and was tied a staggering eight times! Queens displayed remarkable resilience, extending their biggest lead to 11 points, while Drogheda Wolves fought hard, reaching a lead of six points.

Queens took an early lead, thanks to Elijah Dieyes’ stellar performance, scoring eight points in the first period. However, the Wolves fought back, with Oscar Chmiel contributing six points to keep the score close at 10–11. As the game progressed, local club Queens turned the tide, outscoring Wolves 7–2 to take a 17–13 lead at halftime.

The momentum shifted in the third period, where Queens surged ahead, ending at 23–27. The fourth period saw both teams locked in a defensive struggle with the game tied at 30. In a gripping fifth period, the teams were even at 36–36, but Drogheda Wolves roared back in the final period with a remarkable 14–3 run to seal victory at 50–39. Both teams should be proud, as they had the whole crowd jumping out of their seats in both extra periods.

U12 B Boys – Hazelwood Hawks 37 – 28 Phoenix BC

This game had the crowd on tender hooks with 9 lead changes and a nail biting tie on three occasions. Hawks demonstrated their strength with a commanding 13 point lead while Phoenix fought back, peaking at a 3 point difference. In the first period the lead changed hands multiple times with Ralph Guban and Kobe McClelland contributing crucial points for Hawks. By the end of the first, Hawks where narrowly ahead 6 -5.

The second period saw relentless back and forth action with Jayden Sacy shining for Hawks but the scored remained tight, finishing 16 – 15. The third period continued this trend, as Kobe McClellands free throws propelled Hawks to a 25 – 22 lead.

In the final period, Hawks found their rhythm, outscoring Phoenix 12 – 6. Kobes’ stellar performance culminated in a total of 13 points, leading them to triumphant 37 – 28 victory.

U14 A Boys – Belfast Star 47 – 42 Phoenix BC
The game was filled with ups and downs, featuring a 15-point lead from Phoenix and a spirited comeback from Belfast Star, who showcased resilience with a key three-point shot. With only one tie and a single lead change, this game was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams.

The game began with a bang as Belfast Star dominated the first period, outscoring Phoenix 17–5. Nathaniel Cranny led the charge with five points, while Ronan Hughes kept Phoenix in the mix with seven points. As the second period unfolded, Phoenix fought back, narrowing the gap to 22–12 by halftime, thanks to Jhake Gallo’s contributions.

The third period saw a back-and-forth battle, with Star maintaining a slight edge, ending at 33–25. Oliver Donnelly shone, scoring eight points. However, it was the fourth period that truly changed the game. With an amazing 22-point surge, Phoenix rallied, but Belfast Star’s Oliver Donnelly, with a total of 20 points, led his team to a narrow 47–42 victory.

U14 B Boys – Tyrone Towers 45 – 33 BC Wolves

This game saw six lead changes and four ties. From the opening tip-off, the intensity was high as both teams fought for dominance. The first period featured a thrilling exchange of leads, with Titas Genevicius lighting up the scoreboard with 10 points. However, James Hughes quickly responded for Tyrone Towers, showcasing his skills with 8 points. The first period ended narrowly at 12–13.

As the second period unfolded, Towers found their rhythm, with Michael McArdle contributing crucial points to reclaim the lead, ending the half at 21–19. The momentum continued into the third period, where Krists Paberzs added another 6 points, allowing Tyrone Towers to extend their lead to 33–27. In the final period, Towers solidified their win, with James Hughes scoring vital points, culminating in a 45–33 victory.

U14 C Boys – North Star Warriors 60 – 26 Bangor City Warriors

The game started with high energy from North Star as they took control, ending the first period with a 21–6 lead. Fionn Doherty lit up the scoreboard with 8 points, while Blake Compton from Bangor fought valiantly for 5 points. As the second period unfolded, North Star stayed on top, finishing the half at 37–12.

North Star maintained their momentum in the third period, pushing the score to 50–20, with Michael Camacho McKenna adding 5 points to his tally despite Blake Compton’s efforts. In the final period, North Star sealed their victory, ending the game at 60–26. Fionn Doherty capped his performance with 14 points, while Blake Compton finished as Bangor’s top scorer with 15 points.

U14 A Girls – Belfast Star 45 – 33 Queens

In an exciting showdown, Belfast Star emerged victorious over Queens with a score of 45–33. The game was a nail-biter with three lead changes and two ties, but in the end, Star’s single three-pointer sealed the triumph.

The game began with Star taking the lead, only for Queens to snatch it away briefly. Olivia McGirr’s 6 points helped Star secure a narrow first-period victory, ending 10–8. The second period saw Niamh Ferguson shine, scoring 8 points and pushing the score to 27–22 at halftime. The third period was a defensive showcase, with Belfast Star limiting the visitors to just two points while adding 6 of their own, extending their lead to 33–24.

In the final period, Niamh Ferguson continued her dominance, scoring ten points and solidifying Star’s grip on the game. Despite Caoimhe Daly’s efforts for Queens, Belfast Star triumphed with a final score of 45–33.

U14 B Girls – Drogheda Wolves 52 – 20 North Star Warriors

Drogheda Wolves exhibited remarkable teamwork and determination, achieving a staggering 32-point lead at one stage, while North Star fought back to briefly gain a 3-point advantage.

The game began with Drogheda going on a 12–0 run, ending the first period at 15–6. Leire Diaz-Munos shone brightly, contributing 9 points. The second period saw the Wolves maintain their momentum, finishing the half with a commanding 30–12 lead, thanks to Laoise Carr’s 7 points.

As the third period unfolded, North Star showed resilience, outscoring Wolves 8–6, with Freya O’Neil leading the charge. However, the Wolves could not be stopped, finishing with a dominant 16–0 blitz and securing a 52–20 victory. Leah Townsend and Ellen Paterson each added 6 points.

U16 A Boys – Belfast Star 55 – 41 Phoenix BC

The U16 A Playoff Final saw Belfast Star pull ahead with a commanding 14-point lead, showcasing their prowess with five three-pointers compared to just one from Phoenix. With multiple lead changes and a tied score, this game was a testament to competitive spirit.

The game tipped off with excitement as Belfast Star established their dominance, leading 22–18 at the end of the first period. Jude O’Carroll contributed 10 points, while Rory Sherry kept the visitors competitive with 7 points. As the second period unfolded, both teams battled fiercely, but Star edged ahead to a halftime score of 31–25. Layden O’Neill added 5 crucial points for Belfast Star.

The third period saw a slight dip in scoring, but Star maintained control, ending the period at 41–33. O’Carroll continued to impress, scoring another 5 points. In the final stretch, Star surged ahead with a powerful 14–8 performance, sealing their victory at 55–41. Layden O’Neill’s 9 points in this period ensured the win for Star.

U16 B Boys – Dundalk Dynamites 63 – 51 Blackwater Steelers

The final game of the three-day Junior Finals weekend saw guest clubs battling it out on the court at Lisburn Racquets. Dynamites showcased an impressive four three-pointers, while the Steelers managed just one. With a commanding lead that peaked at 19 points, Dynamites demonstrated their dominance throughout the game, allowing the score to be tied only once.

The game tipped off with Dynamites surging ahead, ending the first period with an 18–8 lead. Finn Hand dazzled the crowd with 8 points. The second period saw Dynamites maintain their momentum, with Adam Byrne matching Hand’s energy by contributing another 8 points. By halftime, the score stood at 36–20.

The Steelers rallied in the third period, led by Conal McNelis, who scored an impressive 14 points. Despite their efforts, Dynamites held a 54–40 advantage going into the final quarter. The Steelers continued to fight, but Dynamites secured their victory with a 63–51 scoreline at the final whistle.

U16 C Boys – North Star Warriors 53 – 36 Poyntzpass Pumas

North Star surged ahead with a staggering 22-point lead, while the Pumas struggled to keep pace, managing only one lead change. Despite Pumas’ commendable effort with three three-pointers, the Warriors’ defensive and offensive prowess sealed the deal.

North Star seized control in the first period, leading 16–6. Tom Duddy led the charge with 5 points. The second period saw both teams locked in a tight battle, ending in a 12–12 tie, but North Star still held a solid 28–18 lead at halftime.

As the third period unfolded, North Star extended their advantage with an 18–9 scoreline, with Tom Duddy contributing another 5 points. The Pumas fought back in the fourth period, but despite Daniel Compston’s 6 points, they fell short.

U16 Girls – Tyrone Towers 47 – 34 Queens

This game saw Towers take a commanding 17-point lead at their peak. Despite Queens landing two three-pointers, the Dungannon-based club secured the win.

The game tipped off with Annie McKeever scoring 10 points in the first period, helping Towers establish a strong start against league winners Queens. They fought back, with Hannah Cassin contributing 5 points, but the first period ended with Towers leading 16–11.

As the second period progressed, both teams continued to battle. Katie Napier found her rhythm for Queens, netting 6 points, yet McKeever’s consistent performance kept Towers in control, extending their lead to 26–18 by halftime.

The third period saw Towers maintain their momentum, with Zara O’Neill adding crucial points while Queens struggled to find their footing. The score at the end of this period stood at 36–23. In the final stretch, both teams exchanged baskets, but Towers held firm, sealing their 47–34 victory, fueled by McKeever’s outstanding 21-point performance.

U18 A Boys – Belfast Star 68 – 44 Drogheda Wolves

With a staggering 30-point lead at their peak and an impressive five three-pointers, Belfast Star left no doubt about their prowess on the court. The visitors, Drogheda Wolves, fought hard, but the night saw Belfast Star come out on top.

The match began with multiple lead changes. Thibaut Njuguna of Drogheda Wolves ignited the traveling crowd with his 7 points, but Dan McGrattan quickly responded for Star, scoring 6 points, including two three-pointers. The local team edged ahead 17–15.

As the second period unfolded, Mark Burns took charge, dominating with 15 points and propelling Star to a 37–26 lead at halftime. The momentum shifted again in the third period, but the home team held strong, extending their advantage to 55–34 despite a brief resurgence from the Wolves. In the final period, Star maintained their composure, closing out the game with a final score of 68–44. Dan McGrattan and Mark Burns were instrumental in this victory.

U18 B Boys – Queens 51 – 48 Belfast Star

This game was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring six lead changes and two ties. Despite fierce competition, Queens held strong, overcoming an 8-point deficit at one point and showcasing their determination.

Queens’ John Moohan helped them take an early lead with an impressive 6 points. However, the Star boys, led by Zach Gouba, fought back, showcasing their sharp shooting. As the second period unfolded, Queens maintained their edge, ending the half 30–26.

The third period saw a dramatic shift, with Star rallying to take the lead momentarily. Yet Queens refused to back down, reclaiming the advantage just before the quarter ended, setting the stage for a tense final period. In the fourth quarter, the intensity peaked. With a remarkable performance from Tiaran McNamee, Queens surged ahead, sealing the victory.

U18 Girls – Belfast Star 61 – 52 Phoenix BC

This final saw Belfast Star lead by as many as 15 points. Despite Phoenix’s impressive three three-pointers, Star came out on top.

The game began with Star taking the lead, thanks to Roisin Quinn’s dynamic play, scoring 7 points in the first period. Phoenix fought back, with Isabella Ward and Ciara Wilkinson each contributing 4 points.

The second period saw a surge from Star, highlighted by a powerful 10–1 run, allowing them to maintain a narrow 31–26 lead at halftime. As the third period unfolded, Hannah McGirr shone brightly, adding 8 points, and Star extended their lead to 50–37. Despite a spirited effort from Emma Gilgunn, who sank a three-pointer, Phoenix struggled to keep pace.

In the final period, Isabella Ward made a valiant push, scoring 8 points, but it was not enough to overcome the Star girls, who clinched victory with a final score of 61–52.