What an honor it was to be part of the first (but certainly not last) ever Belfast Classic!
AND….
I want to start off by saying I am so, so, so proud of the Sport Changes Life foundation and my fellow Victory Scholars to be able to put this tournament together. I am beyond grateful to represent such an amazing program. There were huge crowds for this special weekend for the game of basketball in Ireland. I got the privilege to work alongside with the Manhattan Men’s Basketball team for the weekend. I played on the Manhattan Women’s team last year so I was friends with the guys on the team. It was great catching up with all them and telling them all about my great experiences here so far in Ireland.
Although Manhattan College lost in the championship game on a buzzer beater to Towson, it was great seeing Jasper Nation in full force through each and every game of the tournament. Alumni, Administration, Professors, Cheerleaders, Pep-Band, Dance Team and new jasper fans were all there supporting the Men’s Team. I stopped and took a look around the arena during the last few minutes of the championship game and all I could think to myself was “WOW”. The crowd was absolutely fantastic. The atmosphere in the arena was more than we could have ever hoped for. This is bigger than basketball to me. It was great to see so many kids at the event. I know this is something they will never forget seeing some top-level college basketball in their country.
I am already looking forward to the 2018 Belfast Classic. I will certainly be getting my tickets and coming back to Ireland for that! and lastly, GO JASPERS!
