Is this Cardiff basketball team the most successful school sports team in Wales?
Mary Immaculate High School’s Year 11 boys’ basketball team have been crowned Under 18 Welsh Basketball Champions for the second year in a row.
The victory tops an outstanding few years for the boys, who have remained unbeaten since they were in Year 9.
Adam Camilleri, PE teacher and head of basketball at the school said: “It’s one thing being able to perform at a high level against people your own age, but what these young men have achieved against teams much older than them is incredible.
“The dedication and passion they have for the sport is inspiring. They get to school early every day to train from 7:30-8:30 am without any help.
“They’re constantly running plays, practicing patterns, and changing scenarios to meet the demands of a Welsh Finals tournament.
“Their victory is a testament to all their hard work and I could not be any prouder of them.”
Mary Immaculate won a total of eight games during the Cardiff Regionals and Southern Finals.
The boys then progressed to the National Final, which was held at Bangor University and saw them competing against players up to three years older than them.
In the semi-final they beat Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi from Holyhead 31-12 before beating Bishop Gore School from Swansea 21-16 in the final.
Mr Camilleri said the boys showed “incredible resilience and professionalism” and praised them for their “formidable defence” during the final.
Jay Shorthall, the team’s small forward said: “I’m so happy to be a part of this team.
“We found the semi-final difficult as Holyhead tried to counteract our zone with clever plays.
“After a ‘timeout’ with Mr Camilleri and Mr Hannah, we calmed down, switched tactics, and went on to win the game. After that, it was about holding our nerve and continuing to trust each other – the result spoke for itself.
“I’m so happy to be a double Welsh Champion and finish our school life on the highest of highs!”
