The showpiece event of the Irish basketball scene takes place this weekend and there will be huge Laois involvement.
From today, clubs from across the country will go head to head in the various National Cup finals.
The National Basketball Arena in Tallaght will play host to a range of finals as the best of the sport clash.
Portlaoise Panthers are represented by their U-20 Women’s team who are set to take in the final.
Waterford Wildcats will be their opponents on Sunday morning at 11am with silverware up for grabs.
The Panthers reached this stage after defeating Singleton Supervalu Brunell of Cork in the semi final two weeks ago.
The side, coached by Jack Dooley and Peter O’Sullivan, are set for a rematch of their U-18 National Cup final from two years ago.
They won 76-53 on that day and much of the panel are still available now.
A total of 14 players are set to be in action on Sunday and we have profiled each of them below.
Check it out below:
Name: Sarah Fleming
Age: 19
From: Portlaoise
Position: Guard
One thing you like about Portlaoise Panthers: The great support that the club brings to matches and throughout the year.
Achievements: U-16 schools cup all Ireland x2, U-16 schools league all Ireland, U-19 schools cup all Ireland, U-19 schools league all Ireland, U-18 national cup, Division 1 national cup
Name: Shauna Dooley
Age: 19
From: Portlaoise
Position: Power forward
One thing you like about Portlaoise Panthers: It’s a very welcoming, family oriented club.
Achievements: U-19 ‘A’ All Ireland schools cup winners 2020, U-18 National cup winners 2020, Division 1 National cup winners 2020
Name: Sarah Tuohy
Age: 18
From: Vicarstown
Position: Centre
One thing you like about Portlaoise Panthers: The sense of support and community between all members of the club!
Achievements: U-18 National cup 2020 and All-Ireland Schools 2020
Name: Ella Byrne
Age: 18
From: Portlaoise
Position: Forward
One thing you like about Portlaoise Panthers: There’s a great family atmosphere on this team. I have been playing basketball with loads of these girls since U-12s!
Achievements: U-18 National Cup and going to the schools world championships in Crete
Name: Gillian wheeler
Age: 20
From: Kildare
Position: Guard
One thing you Like about Portlaoise Panthers: My team mates
Achievements: U-18 national cup
Name: Ella McNulty
Age: 16
From: Portlaoise
Position: Guard
One thing you Like about Portlaoise Panthers: The feeling of being part of a family
Achievements: Current U-17 Irish panel member, All Ireland school Runner up 2nd year, Scoil Chríost Rí player of the year 2019
Name: Ciara Byrne
Age: 19
From: Portlaoise
Position: Point Guard / Guard
One thing you like about Portlaoise Panthers: The club unity and togetherness
Achievements: U-18 National Cup 2020, D1 National Cup 2020, U-16 International Team 2018, U-18 International Team 2019, U-20 International Team 2021
Name: Rachel Byrne
Age: 16
From: Portlaoise
Position: Guard
One thing you like about Portlaoise Panthers: The family feeling within the club
Achievements: Current U-17 Irish panel member, all Ireland schools runner up 2019/2020
Name: Jade Burke
Age: 19
From: Portlaoise
Position: Guard
One thing you like about Portlaoise Panthers: To play with some of the best players in the country
Achievements: Winning U-18 National Cup in 2020, U-19 A Cup/ League All-Ireland 2020, Playing in the ISF World Championships in Greece on 2019
Name: Jasmine Burke
Age: 19
From: Portlaoise
Position: Center/ Power Forward
One thing you like about Portlaoise Panthers: The tough competition through out to club so many young talented players that help you build your game!
Achievements: U-20 Irish team 2021, U-18 National cup winners 2020, Division 1 National cup winners 2020, U-19A All Ireland schools cup winners 2020
Name: Hannah Collins
Age: 19
From: Scotland
Position: Forward
One thing you like about Portlaoise Panthers: The family atmosphere in the club, you’re always welcome there.
Achievements: Winning u-18 National cup.
Name: Lisa Blaney
Age: 19
From: Galway
Position: Point guard/guard
One thing you like about Portlaoise Panthers: The team spirit
Achievements: U-18 national cup 2020, Div. 1 national cup 2020, U-16 International team 2018, U-20 International team 2021
Name: Ruth O’Brien
Age: 16
From: Clonaslee
Position: Shooting gaurd
One thing you like about Portlaoise Panthers: The family atmosphere amongst players, coaches and supporters
Achievements: U-16 and U-19 A regional school winners, current U-17 Irish squad member
Name: Faith Umeh
Age: 17
Where you from: Kilkenny
Position: Point guard
One thing you like about portlaoise panthers: The amazing support from everyone
Achievements: Playing basketball over in Greece with the U-19 A school team
SEE ALSO – WATCH: Relive all the penalty shoot out drama from the Laois and Kildare O’Byrne Cup semi final
