By Mr Tom SpurlingÌý

On the morning of Thursday 4 March, 69É«ÇéƬ made the trip to Warwick Stadium to compete in the ACC Senior Basketball Championships. We took ten Year 10-12 boys keen to bring home the trophy but,Ìýalas,Ìýthe team fell narrowly short in a high-level tournament. After easily accounting for Edmund Rice College in the opening roundÌý-Ìýbrilliant captain Raf C scoring the first 12 points - we took on eventual champions,ÌýAranmoreÌýCatholic College. This was an impressive performance by Carmel who led narrowly from start to finish to hold on for a classic win. Noah S and Alon T were a powerful presence all game.Ìý

The mood was buoyant as we moved to Court 8 to play Alkimos College. But starting slower than the ROSA bus the day before, we were likewise left in ruins thanks to sublime 3-point shooting from an opponent determined to prevail. The Year 10s Max L and Noah H led a late run to level the scores, but the roll of the rim went against us and we found ourselves rueing the sloppy first half.Ìý

We reminded ourselves that basketball is a game of highs and lows as Clontarf College awaited in a must-win Round 4 clash. This time we adopted a stronger defensive mindset and ran the court with gusto to win going away and keep ourselves within reach of the trophy. Ryan S and Warren K were active on the inside as we kept a skilful Clontarf side to their lowest score of the morning.Ìý

Our final opponents were Mercy College, a well-drilled, experienced unit boasting some tall timber and the tag of pre-tournament favourite. Due to other results, a win here would ensure we hold up the silverware. There was everything to play for. Despite trailing by 14 points late in the first half, our boys took ownership of the Carmel singlet and pressed for glory until the final minute. Liam D played with real heart, Joshua H lifted the group off the bench, and Mrs Wiklund, our team manager, cheered on as the clock ran out on a heartbreaking five-point loss. Our tournament may have ended, but the boys were proud for leaving it all on the floor.Ìý

Congratulations to all players for representing theÌýSchool with passion, led admirably by Rafael C and Noah S. It was aÌýwell-deservedÌýafternoon dip at the Swimming carnival! Thanks also to Caleb S for joining last minute to make some important contributions. Huge thanks of course to Ms Wiklund for the calming influence, and finally to Mr Quelch for organising this elite school sporting experience for the students who thoroughly enjoyed the day. Basketball culture is building at Carmel and long may it continue.Ìý