Killester on hunt for a big double

THE National Basketball Arena is sold out for tomorrow’s Insuremyvan Men’s Superleague final between Killester and Griffith College Eanna and The Missquote Women’s Champions Trophy, both live on TG4.

The all-dublin men’s final has the makings of a super spectacle, as Jonny Grennell told The Irish Daily Star.

“The reality of being one game away probably only hit us after the Demons game,” he says.

Killester’s captain Ciaran Roe has played for both clubs:

“I played all of my underage basketball with Eanna, so I know how great a club they are.”

It will be a massive encounter for both teams, according to Eanna coach Darren Mcgovern.

“Éanna have been on a great run of results and Killester have too, with some impressive wins and performances to end the season.

“Jonny Grennell has developed his team into a strong unit and likewise, we have worked extremely hard to get ourselves into this position.

“I am expecting both sets of fans to be treated to some excellent basketball.

“Killester, like ourselves, have a brilliant mix of top Irish talent and international players.”

Killester Women, meanwhile, are going for their third trophy in two years tomorrow as they lock horns with SETU Wildcats.

Grennell tells us that his team is ready:

“For us, I think we need to make sure we do not get out worked.

“Wildcats are excellent in the finer details of the game. Loose balls, offensive rebounds, extra possessions.

“They play at a high tempo. We need to make sure that we limit their extra possessions.

Who does he see winning it?

“One final game — let’s go for a Killester win.”

Killester captain Mimi Clarke has some interesting thoughts on how the destination of the trophies is decided:

“I think it’s such a shame that the race to become Super League Champions does not get more exposure and hype.

“This season there was a bit of excitement as we were neck and neck with Liffey Celtics going into the final weekend of games, which resulted in a one-off League decider.

Medals

“It was amazing to be a part of and to come out on top was even better, but looking back at previous seasons, it seems very underwhelming for the Super League Champions to receive their trophy and medals after a regular league game with no celebration.

“At the end of the day, the team that wins the Super League shows they are the most consistent, and that deserves more praise than it receives.”

Wildcats coach Tommy O’mahony is looking forward to tomorrow’s clash:

“We are delighted to be in the final as it has been a long time since Wildcats have made it this far.

“The girls have worked so hard to get here and are anxious to make it count.

“We know Killester pose a big threat being league champions and having some outstanding players but we feel we have the players willing to step up for the occasion.”

The word from Basketball Ireland is tickets for tomorrow are sold out .