Lakers to host co-leaders Ballincollig in Saturday night clash in Killarney
KILLARNEY Sports Centre will host the highly anticipated top of the table clash between joint league leaders Scotts Lakers and Tradehouse Central Ballincollig on this Saturday at 7.30 pm.
Both sides are undefeated so far this season with five victories each and this match could be a significant factor in deciding the southern conference title at the end of the season.
Ballincollig haven’t really been troubled by any team yet and have enjoyed comprehensive wins over Fr Mathews, Waterford Vikings, Carlow IT, Limerick IT and Limerick Celtics. Their American Andre Nation is regarded as an outstanding player clocking up 45 points in one match and hitting over 40 in three games so far. The Cork side can also call on talented Irish players Ciaran O’Sullivan, Dylan Corkery and Ian McLoughlin, who played with Killorglin last season.
Ballincollig were too strong for Scotts Lakers on two occasions last season. They won 98-75 in a league match in Cork in November and cruised to a 98-74 victory in the cup semi-final in January before going on to clinch the cup title.
In both matches their pressurising full court press forced a succession of turnovers from Scotts Lakers while their aggressive defence completely frustrated and limited the threat of Lakers foreign player Antuan Bootle last season. However it is a much stronger Scotts Lakers team that Ballincollig will come up against this Saturday night. While the visitors may have a great player in Andre Nation, Lakers have an exceptional American in Sean O’Brien and he won’t be beaten too easily. He is averaging 28 points per game and his tremendous all round play is the main reason why Scotts Lakers are unbeaten and a more formidable force this season. The addition of power forward Papito Hersisa is another big plus for the Lakers and he has the potential to dominate any battle under the boards.
Having already enjoyed victories over Limerick IT, Fr Mathews, Waterford Vikings, UL Eagles and Portlaoise, the Lakers will be hoping to go one step further to take that top spot on their own on the league table. O’Brien and Hersisa will command close attention from the visitors and Coach Cormac O’Donogue will be looking for all his squad players to step up with a big performance. Team captain Mark Greene, Dailian Mason, Andrew Fitzgerald, Shane McCarthy and Justin Tuason are just some of the Lakers squad who all capable of making a big difference while the home side may also welcome back big Padraig Lucey for this encounter.
Killarney basketball supporters are expected to come out in force for this top table clash and the prospect of watching the two best Americans in the league is an added attraction. Tip off at 7.30 pm and doors will be open from 6.30 pm.