The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Captains Challenge titles go north and south
NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
IT was a weekend of mixed fortunes for Scotts Lakers suffering a 29-point defeat away to league leaders Ballincollig on Saturday before enjoying a 45-point victory over Waterford Vikings on Sunday.
It was an astonishing contrast in scorelines with the quality of opposition faced by the Lakers emphasising the gulf in class between the top and bottom of the league table.
Tradehouse Central Ballincollig 83 Scotts Lakers Killarney 54
DESPITE the scoreline, Scotts Lakers were in contention for parts of this game and trailed by four points with three minutes left in the third quarter. However, they were unable to gain any advantage at any stage and Ballincollig enjoyed a convincing victory.
The home side always enjoyed the upperhand and were 22-16 in front at the end of the first quarter and stretched that advantage to 40-26 at half-time.
Lakers clawed it back to 46-42 following some big baskets from Toby Christensen, Aaron Jackson and Carlton Cuff but a series of malfunctions with the game clock resulted in several stoppages and delays.
Three offensive possessions by the Lakers were actually stopped due to technical issues with the clock during this frustrating period. When play resumed Ballincollig took control with Andre Nation, Ciaran O’Sullivan and Ian McLoughlin helping them to a 55-42 lead entering the final quarter.
The home side completely dominated the closing period outscoring the Lakers 28-12 with Andre Nation and Inigo Zabalo leading the way to inflict Lakers with their heaviest defeat of the past three seasons.
A poor return of just two three-pointers from 20 attempts didn’t help the Lakers either. Toby Christensen with 23 points and 12 rebounds was their best performer against a Ballincollig team that have now defeated the Killarney side every time in five outings in the past two years.
The sides will clash again in Killarney on October 26 in the first round of the National Cup. Ballincollig are going for their third Cup title on the trot and on this performance they will be hot favourites again.
BALLINCOLLIG: Andre Nation 18, Ciaran O’Sullivan 15, Inigo Zabalo 13.
SCOTTS LAKERS: Toby Christensen 23, Aaron Jackson 15, Carlton Cuff 10, Victor Martinez 3, Brian O’Neill 2, Seamus Brosnan 1.
Scotts Lakers Killarney 94 Waterford Vikings 49
FOLLOWING the Ballincollig loss, Scotts Lakers were back in action less than 24 hours later hosting an under-strength Waterford Vikings.
The outcome was never in doubt. Lakers started well with Mark Greene knocking down three three-pointers in quick succession while Toby Christensen and Aaron Jackson also impressed and they led 30-12 at the end of the first quarter. With Carlton Cuff and Aaron Jackson prominent, Lakers were 45-27 in front at half-time.
The visitors offered little resistance and it was a comfortable 69-36 advantage for Scotts Lakers entering the final quarter. The closing period was a mere formality. Young national league debutants Jamie O’Sullivan and Jack Corridan gained valuable court time in this encounter.
A minute’s silence was observed before this match in memory of former St. Pauls Basketball Club officer and popular Lakers team manager Neilie Griffin, who sadly passed away last May. SCOTTS LAKERS: Toby Christensen 29, Aaron Jackson 21, Mark Greene 17 Carlton Cuff 9, Seamus Brosnan 7 Brian O’Neill 5, Victor Martinez 4, Jamie O’Sullivan 2, Jack Corridan.
WATERFORD VIKINGS: Dale Kavanagh 11 Jay Kavanagh 10, Jack Murphy 10, Craig O’Neill 10.
Scotts Lakers are at home this Saturday hosting Tolka Rovers, who have lost their three opening games, at 7.30pm.