Brown buzz for BurgerKing

LIMERICK basketball fans were buzzing with anticipation this week following the arrival of Cleotis Brown to boost BurgerKing’s hopes of making the ESB SuperLeague play-offs.

It may be late but his arrival could be timed to perfection for they have vital home games against Hibernian UCD Marian tomorrow night (7.30pm) and defending champions Neptune on Sunday evening (6pm).

BurgerKing had hoped to have Brown, who played with them for three seasons, in the side from the outset. But he got a contract in the US and stayed. That contract has since expired and he arrived last Sunday.

“His arrival has given us a boost,” coach Tom Hehir said. “He knows us and we know him so there is no problem fitting him into our game.

“If we were to win both our games we would at least have a say in who goes through to the play-off stages if we don’t go through ourselves.

“Of course if we do get through it will be a huge success.

Brown is likely to replace Randy Fletcher although reports indicate Fletcher was on fire in training during the week.

Tom Hehir, however, admitted that it would be very difficult to leave a man of Brown’s calibre on the bench.

“I think we can end the season on a winning note. That would be very important for the future of the club. It would be an experience the young guys will never forget.

“We can be competitive and Cleotis Brown knows that. That is one of the reasons he is here. And you never know, we could have him back again next season.”

Hibernian UCD Marian caused an upset when they beat Dart Killester recently. They played out of their skins that night while Killester turned in what Mark Ingle said was their worst performance of the season.

So Neptune will be the more dangerous opponents. They showed grit, determination and resilience in the derby thriller with Mardyke UCC Demons last Friday night when it took double overtime to decide the issue.

Neptune are not going to relinquish their title without a fight.

That is why Demons will want to win their cross-conference game with Dart Killester tomorrow night.

Killester coach Mark Ingle said: “They are playing for a place in the play-offs, we are trying to win the conference. It’s a big game for us.”

Isaac Westbrooks and Paddy Kelly return for Killester.

If Gleneagle Lakers can beat St Vincent’s in the cross-conference game at St Vincent’s CBS, the cat will really be among the pigeons. They are enjoying a good run and the play-offs at the Mardyke Arena are looking realistic.

Horan’s Healthstore Tigers face an interesting assignment in MDS Star.

In the women’s superleague Vienna Woods Glanmire play the cup and league champions, University of Limerick. Sean O’Regan has big plans for Vienna Wood. “Maybe I am a bit impatient,” he admitted. “But the future looks bright.”

Scruffy’s St Paul’s are at home to Bausch & Lomb Wildcats.