Mark Burns and Aoibheann Donnelly, both of Belfast Star, recently competed in the Under 16 Four Nations tournament in Dublin representing Ireland against England, Wales and Scotland. The Irish teams secured victories against Scotland and Wales and both had last day losses to England resulting in both coming 2nd in the tournament.
Aoibheann was restricted to the big game against England after sustaining an injury in practice before the tournament. Despite the loss, Aoibheann top scored for Ireland with 15 points and had also 3 rebounds, 2 assists , 3 steals and 1 block in only 22 minutes of play.
Mark played against both Scotland and England. He finished with 13 points in only 14 minutes of play in the win against Scotland and had 2 points in 14 minutes of play in the loss to England.
Andy Gill, Basketball Northern Ireland Pathway Performance Coordinator who was in attendance at the tournament stated,
Both of Aoibheann and Mark made significant contributions to their teams’ performances at the tournament. I was particularly impressed with their defensive efforts and the intensity they played at when they were on the floor. Once again, they have shown the young players in Northern Ireland what can be achieved with effort, personal skill development and ambition. Now its fingers crossed that they make the final 12 for their respective European championships in the summer
Andy Gill, BNI Performance Pathways Coordinator