The boys took on Coláiste an Chraoibhín Fermoy on Monday which ended in an emphatic victory. Every player on the panel played their part with M.V.P. James O'Neill producing an inspired performance from the off and top scorer Eividas Andreikius slotting 18 points, some taken with beautiful precision.
But this was a facile victory that the 56 to 22 points margin reflected and there are sterner tests ahead. We will know the strength of character of our players when they are tested to the limit and the towering skillful players of Rosscarbery will test our resilience to the limit.
Recent battles with Mount Saint Michael have rarely failed to thrill and our recent All Ireland Cup game was a testament to both teams resolve, determination and courage when the stakes are raised. There is no doubt we are closing the gap and for the first time this year, we are playing them on a neutral court.
Two of our players have shone in our recent meetings. The exciting Stevie Redmond has produced sparkling performances and sliced through the Ross zone with guile and ease. Stevie top scored for us in the last game contributing 16 points, all taken from play. There is something in the Redmond D.N.A. that ignites in the face of challenge. The majestic, multi - talented Robbie Minihane was our M.V.P. in that game playing a starring role from start to finish. I would like to acknowledge the huge amount of trojan work done by Coach Steve Redmond in the Skibbereen Eagles Basketball Club in bringing the club players to the highest level. Without the brilliant work being done in the club, we would be a pale shadow of ourselves.
But we are only tipping the iceberg in terms of what can be achieved and players need to step up at training to bring us to the next level.
In the words of Mark Twain, 'The secret to getting ahead is getting started'.
The losses against Ross are true gifts now for all that they are painfully won. Without failure, what is our success anyway? The school is behind us on Thursday and we will take ownership of this game and leave everything on the court. Good luck in the final boys.
