My basketball journey began in first year when we were playing a basketball game. Though we lost, the referee called me after the game to ask me to join his club. The clubs name is Dublin lions and he was the head coach. He gave his number to my school coach Mr Grimes and from then I’ve been playing for Dublin Lions.
My first training session was different in the sense that the players I met on the team were more experienced than I because they have been training since they were young but I remained committed and motivated which led to the team coming 3rd place in our first season and at the end of the year I won MVP. My hard work paid off.
The following year it was second year basketball. Probably our best year for my school team. We stayed undefeated and won the Garda Basketball Tournament and additionally I won the MVP award. I was very proud of myself. That year we also qualified for The All Ireland’s down in Galway but unfortunately we lost one of our games so we didn’t make it through.
In third year I didn’t really play much school basketball because of the junior cert but I still played for my club. I was dumbfounded when I heard that I had been one of those selected to go to America to play basketball and tour for the summer. I was so excited. The trip was a phenomenal experience. I got to play in the Washington Wizards NBA Stadium and play games against American teams. I received a lot of compliments from the American referees. With these experiences I gained a lot of knowledge and skills on that excursion.
My experience this year playing basketball for the school was different than any other year in terms of having more time on my hands than usual to not only improve my game but to better the skill level of my teammates and the younger year groups. For example, I would help train the first and second year boys basketball team as well as following them to matches. I feel like the encouragement I gave them along with their hyped energy helped them win more games.
I also did work experience in the National Basketball Arena watching the finals and controlling the fans there. The games were intense and really interesting to watch. For my school age group U16s we had a decent season. We won the Leinster cup shield in the final. I even got a dunk in that game I was excited about it.
Overall I enjoyed playing basketball in TY and helping out around the school not only in sport but other things like supporting younger metalwork students with their work and being a part of a team that organised a bake sale event with the student council.
Kelly Okoeguale TY3.