DART EASE PAST HOOPS, NEXT STOP FINAL!

DART Killester have set-up a mouth-watering Men's National Cup final clash with Abrakebabra Tigers after an emphatic 99-75 victory over Hoops at the National Basketball Arena on Sunday.

DART coach, Mark Keenan, was delighted to have secured a place in the final and secured their 10th consecutive victory in both league and cup action.

"I am absolutely thrilled with the win," said Keenan. "I was really worried about this fixture. We beat Hoops twice in the league prior to the cup game so I was hoping it wasn't going to be a case of third time lucky for them.

"Hoops beat us earlier in the season so this was potentially an extremely tricky tie. However, we showed our experience on the big occasion and I am pleased with how our crew played across the court.

Looking ahead to Tigers in the final, he said: "Tigers have shown their class this season and have managed to win all their games apart from the game they lost points to Limerick. They boast two hugely talented Americans and have Donaghy (Kieran) and Quirke (Michael) in their ranks so its going to be a huge tie.

Meanwhile, Hoops' player/coach Jonathan Reed was clearly disappointed after their chance disappeared. "Dart were clearly the better team and deserve to go through," said Reed. "It's really frustrating but it just wasn't to be our day. We have got 2008 off to a slow start in the league and now in the cup but we just have to forget about it now and concentrate on the league.

Reed managed a points total of 27 points but it wasn't enough to prevent his side from a 24 point loss: "The points total means nothing when the team lost," he added. "It was a great opportunity to get into a National final but they proved just too strong."

Hoops started the game with an early 11-4 lead on the back of good scores from Ciaran White and Taylor Lay. Dart Killester's Michael Bonaparte responded with two great back to back moves to narrow the lead to three points. Jonny Grennell put Killester in front with a steal and a fast break lay up. Dart Killester finished the quarter in the stronger position, with Paddy Kelly's free throw ensuring that their 21-18 lead.

Arnaud Dahi hit a three point shot early in the second quarter and extended Killester's lead to five points. Dart Killester's running game was making things difficult for Hoops. However some excellent play from player/coach Jonathon Reed kept Hoops in the game. Paddy Kelly and John Behan went to work shooting from outside and extended Dart Killester's Lead to 10 points. With two minutes remaining in the quarter a put back dunk from Dart Killester's Bonaparte had them 13 points in front. Killester ended the first half with a 53-38 lead.

Jonathan Reed got Hoops off to good start early in the third quarter with his second three point score of the game. Dart Killester's Dahi retaliated to score his 23rd point of the game. Hoops offence struggled to find good shots and Killester continued to take advantage. Scores from Goj, Behan and Bonaparte increased Killester's lead to 78-54 at the end of the third quarter.

Things went from bad to worse for Hoops in the early minutes of the fourth quarter as Bonaparte broke away for two fast break baskets and their forward, Ciaran White was fouled out. Hoops were never close to finding their way back in to the game despite their best efforts. Dart Killester comfortably secured their place in the final with a 99-75 victory.

DART MAINTAIN UNBEATEN HOME RUN WITH WIN OVER HOOPS

DART Killester beat Hoops by a score of 90-75 in Clontarf on Saturday night to solidify their position at the top of the Northern Conference.

The home team came out very determined in the opening minutes and got a perfect start racing out to a ten point lead with scores from Michael Goj and Bonaparte after some tough team defence. Hoops took a timeout and looked far more composed in the later stages of the quarter, Ciaran White getting some excellent scores inside. Hoops took the lead at the end of the first to finish ahead 27-25.

Both teams were trading baskets in the second quarter. Jonathan Reed was hitting from the outside for Hoops with O’Boyle also getting some scores. Paddy Kelly and Michael Goj caught fire for Killester both hitting consecutive three pointers to put Killester back in front. White picked up his fourth foul and Killester finished the quarter strongly with Grennell leading the defensive lines and finding the open men at the other end. The half finishing 53-43 in favor of the home side.

Hoops came out determined in the third quarter and chipped in to Dart Killester’s lead with Lay continuing his good shooting form for the visitors. Clarke performed well again at the point for Dart Killester making incisive passes that lead to scoring opportunities. Dart maintained their lead going into the fourth quarter.

The home team established a strong lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter with the gap being stretched to 20 at one point. Hoops never threw in the towel and made a comeback midway through the final quarter that saw the lead cut to 11 points. But some big scores from Bonaparte and steals from the impressive Kelly gave Killester the win 90-75

DART BACK TO NORMAL SERVICE AFTER CHRISTMAS BREAK

DART Killester struck first blood in what will be three games in succession between the Dublin rivals, with an 18 point victory over Hoops.

DART raced out to an early lead behind the hot shooting of Michael Goj opening the game with two three pointers. Arnaud Dahi also got to work inside and DART led 10-3. Ian O'Boyle and Justin Reed kept the home side in the game with some good scores but DART maintained there lead at 6 points at the end of the first quarter.

DART lost Dahi to a groin injury early in the second quarter and DART were forced to play the rest of the game without him. Big J Jerome Westbrooks and Ed Randolph came in getting big rebounds and making hustle plays. Ciaran White was working well on the offensive glass and the second quarter was an even contest with DART keeping their 6 point lead at half time.

Michael Bonaparte was in scintillating form in the third quarter getting aggressive scores from both inside and outside making up for the loss of Dahi. Grennell and Clarke were also playing tough defence on Reed as he tried to establish himself while the always excellent and extravagant Paddy Kelly had a string of eye catching assists. Hoops having not scored for the first seven minutes of the third quarter went on a 9-0 run to cut the lead to 9.

The fourth quarter saw DART again establish themelves on the defensive end and Clarke got some key outside scores as the visitors stretched the lead out to 20 points. Hoops made a run back to 15 but in the end time ran out and DART won the game 84-67.

DART SEND STAR BACK NORTHBOUND

DART Killester won an important battle with Belfast Star in what proved to be more vital with favourable results elsewhere. DART came out of the blocks on fire in the first quarter racing into a 13-3 lead. Paddy Kelly was in one of those moods getting to the basket on an array of dribbling moves and finding the open man or scoring himself. After a timeout to sort themselves out however Star rallied to reduce the deficit to three points with Bobby Kelly shooting well from outside.

Arnaud Dahi continued his good form in the second quarter with some powerful moves to the baskets. The lead was changing hands regularly with both teams having the momentum at different points. Robbie Clarke was having an excellent game on the point for Killester with some creative passing, one of which ended up above the rim for Michael Goj to dunk home. Star had the better of the second quarter however with Mick Michaels scoring well inside and Stephen Dawson hitting some tough shots to give them a one point lead at half time.

The third quarter saw the home side assert themselves in the game and steadily build a lead. The defensive intensity was at a higher level and Michael Bonaparte went to work inside with some athletic finishes around the basket. Johnathan Grennell had some excellent assists and DART established a ten point lead.

Belfast Star were never going to give up easily and some strong moves from Kelly and a three point play from the young Chris Smye had Star within five. DART kept their composure and finished the game off with a few minutes to play in the fourth, Michael Bonaparte having one of the dunks of the season to effectively end the game.

Mark Keenan was happy with the win "I was happy with out performance in the second half and that we stuck with it despite not playing our best at times. We've got to get back to work now for a big game against DCU Saints next week."

DART TO EXTEND ALL THE WAY TO TALLAGHT JAN 08’

In a game that promised so much, it turned out that DART KILLESTER were much too strong for the men of Neptune.

From the outset, the signs did not look good for Neptune as Dart Killester came out moving the ball well on offence, finding open guys for easy scores and on the defensive end Dart made Neptune work hard for everything they got. The defensive play of Jonathan Grennell smothering Neptune’s PG Gary Walsh setting the tone of how Dart Killester were intent on playing and Patrick Kelly’s dynamic play on both ends of the floor effectively shutting down Neptune’s Michael DeCorso while scoring freely on the other end. Neptune fought hard but trailed by 12 to finish the quarter.

In the second, Dart’s bench was introduced and Neptune seized on this as they started to claw there way back into the game. Pat Fitzpatrick and Matt Gorman for the visiting team started to make some shots and Dart’s second unit struggled to settle down with many shots just not dropping. The lead was cut to 5 points at 44-39 mid way through the 2nd. Dart then seemed to settle down behind the shooting of John Behan and with Michael Bonaparte making his presence felt as Neptune again struggled to contain the explosive Dart Killester offence. Dart went in holding a 55-44 advantage.

As the 3rd quarter began, Dart Killester looked determined to end the game as a contest as soon as possible. They came out playing defence that would remind you of the 04’ Detroit Pistons and firing on offence like the current Phoenix Sun’s. Kelly, Goj and Bonaparte were having a field day getting fast break points at will and quick crisp ball movement in the half court meant open looks all the time. Neptune looked a bit overwhelmed. John Behan re-entered the game in the 3rd and it seemed as though Dart had an extra man on court as any time Neptune tried to create the pressure necessary to knock Dart out of rhythm John was found standing wide open to bury another “3” to break the backs of the Neptune team. Dart ended this quarter up 20 points and well in control.

In the fourth, as if to just drill home that this game was over Arno Dahi hit back to back “3’s” one on a 2v1 fast break to push the lead out to 30 and that was that. Dart Killester then saw the there second unit really push on as Dart cruised by the 100 point mark with over 6minutes to go in the game. The game finished 120 – 77 in favour of the home team in a well deserved win. DART KILLESTER play the Semi final which will be shown live on RTE in January. They will play Hoops on Sunday, Jan 13th in the National Basketball Arena @ 3pm. Keep watching the site for more details.

U OF ULSTER LOSE ON MAIDEN JOURNEY WITH DART

DART Killester won by a final score line of 108-87 in a fast paced affair in Dublin.

DART came out strong in the first quarter looking to assert themselves with the chance to move up the table in the Northern Conference. Some slick passing by Paddy Kelly and finishes from the free scoring Michael Goj DART raced out to a ten point lead. Jonathan Grennell showed unparalleled premonition resulting in steals which DART converted to give them an 18 point lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw Jordanstown establish themselves in the game cutting the lead to 10 with some hot shooting from Bryan Nieman and Conor O'Dornan. Coach Mark Keenan demanded a better effort and his players responded with Messer's Goj and Bonaparte connecting on vicious dunks in quick succession to see DART lead by 17 at the half.

It was always going to be tough for Jordanstown to cut down the large lead but they continued to force the issue and put the home side under pressure. Arnaud Dahi got some scores inside to maintain the lead for DART and Jerome Westbrooks and Ed Randolph came off the bench to play the tough defence they are famous for. Robbie Clarke had his best offensive game of the year hitting threes from outside and slicing down the lane finding people for easy scores. Damien Gallagher and Gary Connolly both got scores to keep Jordanstown in touch but they still trailed 86-66 going into the final quarter.

The final quarter was much of the same as Jordanstown attempted to get back into the game through Gross working hard inside but in the end DART had too much offensively and won out 108-87.

Mark Keenan was happy with his side's performance. "I was delighted with the way we came out and played hard from the beginning. Our defence in the second quarter was disappointing but we picked it up in the second half and were looking forward to the cup game next week now."

DART RUNS LATE BUT ARRIVES SAFELY

DART Killester came back from behind late on in what was a spectacular game to force overtime and eventually win it in the extra session. The Ballina Sports Complex was packed on Saturday night for what was a rematch of the league playoff final last year with Ballina hoping for revenge. DART got off to a flying start hitting an array of outside shots to race out to an early lead. Michael Goj, Michael Bonaparte and Arnaud Dahi all hit three pointers in a stretch to have Killester leading 22-11. Good work from Turner and Patterson had Ballina claw back the lead but DART came back strong again to lead by 11 at the end of the first quarter.

Ballina came out fired up in the second quarter and hit a hot streak of their own with Summers in particular hitting a string of outside shots. DART struggled to find a rythm offensively giving the Westerners many opportunities on the break which they converted. DART managed to reduce the lead slightly just before the break but still trailed by seven at the half.

The second half was always going to be a tighter affair and both defences sured up to make it a tense end. DART came back at Ballina with the defensive pressure leading to turnovers and scores for the visitors. Johnathan Grennell played some outstanding defence on Ballina's proffesional guard to take him out of the game somehwat but DART still trailed going into the fourth quarter.

The venue was rocking in the fourth quarter with what has to be some of the bes supporters in the country making their voices heard. The standard was really high as each time it seemed one team would pull away the other managed to come back. Jermaine Turner fouled out with four minutes to play but this seemed to inspire Ballina with Pete Strobl hitting two three pointers to give the hosts an 8 point lead with 4 minutes remaining. DART were not about to lay down though and some huge scores from Goj, Bonaparte and Dahi along with a big effort from Paddy Kelly who began to carve through the defence setting up numerous scores. With 14 seconds to go the game was all tied and though both teams had chances to win it was headed to overtime.

Ballina's energy looked sapped as they had put up such an effort to take the lead in the fourth quarter. DART's advantage inside began to tell as Dahi and Bonaparte attacked the basket relentlessly to give DART a ten point advantage which proved to be too much to overcome. Mark Keenan was delighted with the win. "It was great to get the win particularly being down in the fourth. The guys showed the fight and heart that makes us a good team and it puts us in a great position now in the conference."

DART are now 5-2 in the northern conference and are now outright leaders after DCU Saints loss on Sunday afternoon.

NO FREE RIDE FOR SAINTS WITH DART


It was standing room only in Clontarf as DART Killester edged out DCU Saints in a tough game by a score of 100-86. DCU Saints began the better of the two teams with David Donnelly and Keenan Browder both scoring well in the opening minutes. Michael Goj kept DART in touch with a slashing cut to the basket and a big three pointer of his own. It was a physical game with both teams showing great desire to get ahead. Towards the end of the first quarter DART edged ahead as John Behan hit two three pointers and Arnaud Dahi
scoring to leave the hosts with a slight lead going into the second.

DART came out strong in the second quarter and began to up the defensive effort. Robbie Clarke came in for Grennell and controlled the game despite the incredible pressure from the Saints defence. Dahi and Bonaparte both got going inside with Dahi in particular scoring freely in what was a great battle with Saints player Kenny Gamble. Tomas Varga came in to provide some energy at the end of the second and found Clarke with a silky assist at the end of the quarter to give Killester a half time lead 51-38.

Saints came out firing at the start of the second half with Keenan Browder looking to drag his team back into the game. DART were able to get key scores and maintain there lead however with Bonaparte in particular scoring well on an array of slick moves and jump shots that displayed the all round ability he possesses. Grennell was putting in the type of inspirational yet understated performance that has become the norm for him this season and DART maintained their lead at 14 points going into the final quarter.

Saints were never going to give up the chase in this game and James Donnelly came off the bench to hit a three that had them back to 10 points at one stage. Killester again managed to pull away however with Paddy Kelly proving to be a catalyst for all good things Killester did in the game with some scintillating assists and all round play. Michael Goj caught a pass cutting base line and dunked the ball with aggression to seal the win for Killester who now move to a record of 4-2 along with DCU Saints.

KELLY GETS DART BACK ON SCHEDULE

DART Killester got a big win in the Oblate this past Saturday against Cork rivals UCC Demons in what was an exciting game from start to finish.

UCC Demons began the better of the two teams with their American forward Levine getting good scores inside along with big man Michael Plitchka. Johanthan Grennell did his best to halt the visitors progress scoring 5 consecutive points on aggressive moves to the basket. Michale Bonaparte finished the quarter well with some slashing drives of his own to leave Killester slightly behind at the end of the first quarter.

The Cork outfit again began the better in the second quarter extending their lead to eight points. This quarters most memorable play however came from Killesters Polish swingman Michael Goj who raced down the lane and delivered a two handed slam over the seven foot Plitchka which left both the basket and the opposition rattling. Jerome Westbrooks and Robbie Clarke came off the bench with Westbrooks providing a spark on defence and Clarke getting a cheeky layup over the Demons defence. Dart still trailed by nine at the half.

The beggining of the third quarter was the best period of play for Dart as they went on a 10-0 run to begin the quarter with Arnaud Dahi hitting two three pointers in quick succesion. Demons guard Todd caught fire towards the end of the third hitting three three pointers of his own in a row to maintain their lead going into the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter proved exciting for the neutral as Killester tried to get back in the game and Demons tried to stretch their lead. Both teams had their moments and the game was close with 4 minutes remaining. Bonaparte played stifling defence on Demons Todd throughout the fourth quarter keeping him scoreless in the period and Dart Killester got the ball with 22 seconds remaining and down by 5. Darts John Behan hit his first three pointer of the game and Dart then fouled Colin O Reilly with 15 seconds left. The usually reliable O'Reilly missed both free throws and the ball came to Kelly with 5 seconds left. He pullled up and hit a three pointer to give Dart the win and the Oblate erupted.

Kelly spoke to the website saying "I was delighted to hit the shot and get the win. I just felt confident and took the shot and thankfully it went in."

Mark Keenan was also happy with the win if not completely with the performance. "I think it was a vital moment for us especially with Saints dropping a game at the weekend. It gives us a chance now to get back up to the top of the table when we meet next week. Im still not completely happy with our team defence but I feel like were getting there and hopefully we can get a win next weekend."

DART BREAKS DOWN ON THE SOUTH SIDE!

Dart Killester suffered their second defeat in succession this weekend losing to a high scoring Hoops team 85-77.

Dart Killester started brightly against their city rivals getting outto a 4 point lead early in the first quarter. Paddy Kelly and Arnaud Dahi both got good scores inside to keep the visiting team in front. The momentum changed half way throughout the quarter with Hoops starting to find their range and Killester struggling to score on the other end. Jonathan Reed was penetrating well and Bryce was finishing strongly for Hoops as they raced out to a 6 point lead to end the quarter.

In the second quarter Dart Killester again struggled to find their offensive rhythm appearing stagnant at times. Michael Bonaparte had one of the plays of the game however with an alley oop dunk that had him registering on some International radar screens. It was Hoops who were flying high though at the end of the quarter when a late run and some tough shots by Ian O Boyle had them go into the half leading 47-38.

Dart came out in the second half trying to change the pace of the game. The defence was tougher and there was a greater determination about the side. Tomas Varga played some tough defence on O'Boyle to keep him quiet and Clarke was penetrating well to find his open
teammates. It was still tough work however as Hoops got good production from there seven foot big man Nik Ntougais and Irish forward Ciaran White. Arnaud Dahi and Michael Bonaparte were battling for scores inside but Hoops managed to maintain there lead through
three quarters.

Hoops began the fourth quarter at a loss with Joey Haastrup missing out through a knee injury. Killester attempted to capitalise by being more aggressive on offense and getting to the basket on a regular basis. Johnathan Grennell began to find the gaps in the defense
setting up his teammates for scores. Paddy Kelly was scoring big on a variety of outside shots and circus shots going to the basket that displayed all the flair and charisma his game possesses. Killester pressed in the closing minutes and forced some turnovers but were
unable to cut the lead below 5 and in the end lost out 85-77.

DART'S TITLE HOPES DELAYED IN BELFAST

Dart Killester suffered a tough loss in Belfast to a spirited Star side. Belfast Star led from the beginning and despite a late comeback from Dart Killester, held on to win 77-74.

The home side began the better of the two sides with Robert McMurran and Stephen Dawson both scoring well. They were the more eager team, winning the loose balls and defending well to limit Dart Killester's offensive efforts. Arno Dahi got the visitors going late in the first quarter with some good scores inside. Jonathan Grennell picked things up at the defensive showing his leadership skills but Star maintained a lead going into the second quarter.
 
Belfast Sea came out even more determined in the second quarter and established a ten point lead as Dart Killester struggled to find there offensive rhythm. Robbie Clarke, Tomas Varga and Michael Goj entered the game late in the game and turned up the defensive pressure inspiring Dart Killester to go on a scoring run. Paddy Kelly, Michael Bonaparte and Arno Dahi all caused Star problems to drag the away side back into the game. Disappointingly for Dart Killester having been back to within three points, Star pulled away again in the closing minutes to enjoy a ten point lead at half time.

The third quarter was a story of defence and missed opportunities with both teams point production slowing considerably. Dart Killester produced a much improved defensive display limiting Belfast Star’s chances. Unfortunately it was the story of two immovable objects and not an unstoppable force in sight as the away teams hard work failed to produce inroads at the offensive end. Missed opportunities and a fair share of tough rolls and breaks all played a part in the lack of scoring.

The final quarter began with Star still leading and despite Dart Killester's best efforts, they couldn't eat into the lead. Nick Michael was rebounding well and Bobby Kelly getting good scores for Star at the other end. With three minutes to go Robbie Clarke again inspired the visitors scoring 8 points in quick succession and finding Bonaparte, Dahi and Behan who all hit three's late on to make it a two point game with 40 seconds to go. Dart Killester had possession with a chance to tie the game but the exertion to get back to that position told and Dart were unable to get a score. Star took the game in what was a great atmosphere in the University of Jordanstown.

Mark Keenan was disappointed with the loss, "It was disappointing to lose the game the way we did. They out hustled us today and its something we will address, I'm sure the guys will work hard this week to get back on track and ready for a tough game against Hoops on Saturday!

DART'S MEN OVERPOWER NEPTUNE IN CLONTARF

Dart Killester won a tough contest with Neptune fighting off a late comeback attempt to run out winners by 14 points.

Neptune began the better of the two sides getting out to a 7-4 lead with some good work on the boards from their 6ft 9’ American Matt Gorman. Dart Killester upped the work rate to counter with Michael Bonaparte scoring with some nice offensive moves and on the other end snatching rebounds like a man possessed coupled with Michael Goj hitting form from the outside Dart went ahead by a point to finished the first quarter.

The Second quarter began in much the same fashion with both teams playing some tough defence ensuring a scrappy affair. This was to be Arno Dahi’s quarter though as he showed his home fans some of all his attributes. He showed great skill on offence and overpowered Neptune inside to lead Dart Killester to a 15point lead. The corkmen rallied somewhat to cut the lead to 10 points to go into the break.

Neptune after half time came out fired up and quickly narrowed the gap to single figures. Dart Killester had an even spread of scoring to maintain their lead, with Behan, Bonaparte and the inspirational Grennell all getting good scores.

In the final quarter Dart Killester attempted to stretch their lead with Grennell and young Robbie Clarke dictating the pace of the game. Neptune hit some big outside shots DeCorso, Reddy and McGlacklin all hitting to stay in contention. Patrick Kelly stepped up when it was time to put the game away by consistently getting to the free throw line using all his experience. Time ran out for the visitors and Dart Killester ran out winners 95 – 81. 

DART KILLESTER OVERPOWER GALLANT UCD

UCD Marian 77             DART Killester 88

DART KILLESTER opened the defence of its title in Belfield on Thursday evening by racing into an early 12-2 lead with new signing from Grenada, Michael Bonaparte, scoring some spectacular baskets. UCD through Jim Clement and Gary Edge clawed their way back to only trail 17-16 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw some good play from both teams and was a close competitive affair with Kevin Foley leading UCD on offence, on the other side Jonathan Grennell was driving Dart in defense. DART’s new signing from the Ivory Coast, Amoud Dahi, dominated inside, despite some good scores from Conor Meany and american Beline, Dahi and Dart extended their lead to leave the visitors ahead 40-35 at the half time interval.

At the start of the 3rd quarter Dart Killester turned up the heat on defense as a team getting good contributions from the other new arrival Tomas Varga  along with the usual suspects. The offence gelled together as John Behan and Robbie Clarke hit two big three's to open up the game. As guys got to know each other, Dart put together a good run racing into a 19 point advantage by the end of the quarter, 68-49.

The final quarter was an anti climax with DART in control, UCD tried to get back in the game early in the fourth but had no answer for Goj or Boneparte, both scoring well in the fourth. With 3 minutes left UCD put on a full court press which created some turnovers and with Americans David Ryan, Paul Beilein (two three's) and Conor Meany hitting big 3 pointers to give the final scoreline some respectability.

After the game DART KILLESTER’s coach said “ It was a good win, the young guys from UCD play hard from start to finish and will cause a lot of teams problems. I was happy with how we played in patches but there is a lot of work to do. We need to take care of the ball better as a team, but overall with all the new faces it was a good performance.”

KEEP WATCHING FOR INFORMATION ON THE NEXT GAME vs NEPTUNE….