Teenager Christopher (CJ) Fulton praised the dedication of his team-mates after he captained St Malachy’s, Belfast to a 62-46 win over St Mary’s, Tralee in yesterday's All-Ireland U16 basketball final in Dublin, scoring a record 47 points in the game.
The 15-year-old Irish international made an astonishing 15 3-point shots on his way to picking up the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for his outstanding performance in the Subway Schools final at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght, Dublin.
“It feels surreal, really. We’ve worked really hard this season and I’m just glad we got the win and the trophy,” playmaking point guard CJ said.
“It’s definitely the most points I’ve ever scored in a game and to do it in an All-Ireland final makes it a lot better for sure.”
Fulton was the star of the game right from the beginning recording 20 points in the first quarter as St Malachy’s took a 20 point lead into the half.
Along with the tactical changes of coaches Phillip Molloy and CJ’s father, Adrian Fulton, his equally impressive second-half performance secured a 16-point win for the North Belfast school.
Multi-talented, CJ has been impressing for some time now, with most within the game expecting him to make a real name for himself in the future.
Being the son of a former Ireland senior captain, CJ is really following in his father's footsteps having been across Europe to represent his country, competing right up to U17 level.
The line of talented Fultons does not stop there however, with Adrian’s father, Danny, being a former Ireland basketball coach.
“It feels surreal, really. We’ve worked really hard this season and I’m just glad we got the win and the trophy,” playmaking point guard CJ said.
“It’s definitely the most points I’ve ever scored in a game and to do it in an All-Ireland final makes it a lot better, for sure.”
He is one of a number of talented sportsmen that St Malachy’s has produced in recent times including Glenavon striker Bobby Burns, current
head-boy of the school, who is enjoying a successful break through season in the Irish league.
CJ's persistent hard-work both on the court and in the classroom will surely lead him to a bright future.
Having such strong support and natural talent, CJ Fulton is destined to be a basketball superstar.
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