Double win puts Lakers on brink of Superleague play-off

NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE LYIT Donegal 69 Scotts Lakers 87

DESPITE the long journey to Letterkenny on Saturday, Scotts Lakers were quick out of the blocks here and had opened up a five point advantage in the first quarter. Aaron Jackson ,Toby Christensen and Xavier Talton, Seamus Brosnan and Carlton Cuff all impressed and Lakers led 21-16 at the end of the opening quarter.

The second quarter two was keenly contested. Charlie McKinney , Dom Uhl and Manny Payton impressed for the home side but

Lakers maintained their advantage through good work from Xavier Talton, Toby Christensen, Carlton Cuff ,Seamus Brosnan and Mick McGinn to enjoy a 43 -37 interval advantage.

Lakers extended their lead in the third quarter with Cuff, Jackson and Christensen continuing to impress while Brian O’Neill shot well from three-point land.

Scotts Lakers led 63-52 entering the final period and gained a firm grip on proceedings when Xavier Talton sank three free-throws and two baskets straight from the buzzer. Carlton Cuff, Toby Christensen, Brian O’Neill, Mick McGinn and Aaron Jackson added further scores and Lakers enjoyed a convincing 18 point win in the end. LYIT: Dom Uhl 23, Manny Payton 22 and Andy McGeever 10

SCOTTS LAKERS: Carlton Cuff 21, Toby Christensen 19, Xavier Talton 17

Sligo All-Stars 60 Scotts Lakers 88

THE journey home from Donegal included an important stop in Sligo on Sunday afternoon. This was a very closely contested encounter for the first half and looked like it could go any way. Lakers enjoyed an outstanding second half with a superb defensive display limiting Sligo to just 20 points in the half.

Lakers enjoyed a 23-21 advantage at the end of the first quarter and held a narrow 41-40 lead at half-time. The Killarney side stepped it up in the third quarter and Sligo struggled to make any major impact on the scoreboard managing just seven points in the third quarter.

Lakers led 56-47 entering the final period and completely dominated hitting another 32 points to cruise to another comprehensive victory.

Overall it was a superb weekend for Scotts Lakers and the only disappointment was an unfortunate eye injury for Mick McGinn who required hospital treatment in Sligo. Hopefully he will make a full recovery and will be back on the court soon.

SLIGO ALL-STARS: Jesus SanMartin 12, Mindas Loda 11, Sean Snee 7

SCOTTS LAKERS: Aaron Jackson 23, Toby Christensen 22, Brian O’Neill 15, Xavier Talton 12

THESE results copper-fastened the Lakers second place on the league table and another win in

Killarney next Saturday against nearest challengers Fr Mathews will guarantee them the runner-up spot.

Ballincollig lead the division one with an 18-0 winning record and 54 points and will be crowned champions. Lakers have played two more matches and enjoy a 16-4 record and 48 points followed by Fr Mathews, 13-5, and 39 points. Ballincollig will automatically qualify for Superleague promotion and if Lakers finish in second place, they earn a right for a play-off spot in the Superleague with the second last team in that league.

Fr Mathews have to win to keep any play-off hopes alive but the advantage appears to be with Lakers at this stage of the season. Tip-off is 7.30pm.

PUBLIC MEETING

THE public meeting to discuss the future of Men’s National League basketball in Killarney in Scott’s Hotel last Wednesday turned out to be very positive, constructive and well attended. There was a lot of enthusiasm to continue with men’s national league basketball in Killarney.

A number of people expressed an interest to get involved at committee level and in fundraising initiatives next season. Plenty more discussion and planning will be required over the next few months to prepare for the 202021 season but from the meeting turnout there certainly appears to be strong support for the continuation of national league basketball in Killarney.