Busy early-season spell for Blackstone

On Thursday last they played Dungannon Lithuanians and on Friday night they travelled to Ulster Elks. The boys then were off on Saturday for a two day tournament in Donegal Town so it was a busy four days for the start to the new season. Blackstone II 70, Dungannon Lithuanians 50: After a tight first quarter, with Dungannon taking the lead 15-12 the Ballymena team went to a full court press and turned the game around pushing ahead at the break 30-24. The game was well controlled from the point by Michael McDonald who set the tempo for the victory and shot himself 3 threes before the half. The second half saw the Blackstone extent their lead to 20 points. With a series of fast breaking moves from Aaron Brown and Sean McMahon the game score was extended to 46-36. McMahon showed great athletic potential for the Blackstone lifting rebounds and shooting the short jump shot from the top of the key. The game closed with a 70–50 victory for the home team. Coach McKee was impressed by the second team's control of the game and the way they got the lead. The second team have Paul Gillan and Harry McGarry turning out for them this season and the combination of youth and experience will pay dividends for the team. Ulster Elks 63, Blackstone 57: On Friday the first team travelled to UUJ to play the Ulster Elks and set the pace from the tip off going into an 18 point lead before the half time. There was an aggressive opening phase with both teams playing tough defence. Crothers for the Elks was hanging onto Martin McDonald throughout the period trying to close down his shooting threat but the team offence of the Blackstone was impressive. Shooting from all areas was good with 6 points for Michael Murray from close in on the key side. The big centre is showing great potential with his play around the key. His brother Adam found his range in close for 4 points from short shot coming off the dribble but the highlight was Michael McDonald shooting three 3 pointers from wide positions. The Blackstone defence was extremely solid holding out and pressurising the home team and taking a 13 to zero lead. The half closed with the Blackstone running their bench and opening a 17–37 lead. Sean McMahon, Peter McNicholl and Paul Gillan were impressive taking strong boards and the fast break of Adam Murray and Harry McGarry created a lot of early shooting opportunities. In the third quarter the momentum moved to the Elks and the Blackstone slumped to a 6 point quarter. They lost their offensive shape and struggled to put passes together against the Elks zone half and full court defence. Elks tied the game at 45–45 at the end of the third and Blackstone were struggling to regain their composure after such a very solid first half. Blackstone pressed in the fourth quarter and went basket for basket then the size of Gallagher in the key made a difference for the Elks scoring 4 points going to the basket and point guard O’Hare shot another to give a 53–47 lead. Martin McDonald produced two three pointers from long range to rescue Blackstone. The game was tied as Peter McNicholl then put the Blackstone ahead with 2 minutes left by driving through the key to set in. An Adam Murray move to the basket saw him score and get fouled but the potential 3 point play was overruled by a disputed refereeing decision. A potential 5 point lead was gone as Andy O’Hare drew another foul going tough to the hoop and tied the game at 53 each from the free throw line. McGarry was taken out in the key on a drive for no call and a subsequent technical on coach McKee sent Elks to the free throw line to get a 2 point lead. The closing seconds Elks grabbed 4 more points from fouls in open play and this sealed their victory. On the tournament news, the Blackstone travelled to Donegal town for a weekend of games and played some exciting basketball. After a comfortable opening game win against Claregalway 36–44 they played a North West select in a tight contest which went down to the last seconds. The game was won by Martin McDonald with a seemingly impossible 3 point score from the corner to win and give the Blackstone a semi final spot. In the semi final they played the home team in another nail biting contest. After leading in the first half they went behind in the third despite an outstanding display from Michael Murray in the forward position with 15 points. With the home crowd creating an atmosphere, Blackstone lifted their game and took the rebound boards for the first time in the game. They trailed until the last seconds when Peter McNicholl produced a three to tie the game on the buzzer. In overtime the Blackstone defence was solid and seen them trough to the final with a 46–41 victory and 4 more points from McNicholl. The final was a disappointing affair for the Blackstone lads as they were outplayed by North Star from Derry who were well rested and gave a display of fast breaking and three points shooting, particularly from their US point guard Williams. The Ballymena lads look jaded from their semi final exertions and never got through the North Star press. The end result saw the Star win by 62–25 and the low score for the Blackstone reflected their problems in the final game.