The Under 17 Boys South East Top 4 Playoffs delivered a spectacular weekend of basketball, with the Berkeley Wolves claiming their second Top 4 title in three years after two thrilling performances.
The Wolves opened their campaign against the Waterford Vikings in a dramatic semi‑final that went right down to the wire. In a fiercely contested matchup, Berkeley’s aggressive defensive strategy proved decisive as they worked tirelessly to contain 6’7″ Irish Academy select player Daniel Brennan. The Wolves held their nerve in the closing seconds to secure a 40–39 victory, sending their supporters into celebration.
In the other semi‑final, local rivals Kilkenny Stars overcame Carlow Basketball Club, setting up an all‑Kilkenny showdown for the Top 4 Final.
The final lived up to every expectation, with both teams delivering an exciting, high‑intensity display in front of an enthusiastic crowd supporting both teams. The lead changed hands multiple times as each side pushed the pace and left everything on the floor. In the end, the Berkeley Wolves edged out the Kilkenny Stars 50 – 48, sealing a memorable win for the Berkeley lads.
Speaking after the game, Wolves coach Russ Ryan said, “Having two teams from Kilkenny in the South East final is a great testament to all of the hard work that has been going into youth basketball in County Kilkenny’’
