Opposing coaches wary as Killester bid to down Demons
This will be a repeat of the cup final which saw Demons win the first of their three titles in an epic game last January but it’s their SuperLeague title that will concern them this weekend.
Two weeks ago they suffered their first defeat in more than a year when they crashed to Hoops at The Mardyke Arena, but the champions bounced back with an emphatic win over DCU Saints last weekend to qualify for the quarter-finals of the National Cup.
If that’s what they need, Killester will present them with an interesting challenge tomorrow night but while the Dubliners are enjoying an exciting run in the SuperLeague right now, coach Mark Keenan knows that Demons will be a huge assignment.
“Demons seem to be improving every week,” he said. “They have loads of weapons and ways of scoring so we will have to shut them down at every channel.
“Demons beat us twice in the big games last year so our guys will be looking for vengeance.”
Demons’ coach, Luke D’Alessio knows that it will take a full 40 minutes of pressure to beat Killester.
“A constant, tough defence will be required for the full game,” he said. “Killester have five constant threats on the floor and each one is capable of hitting the big shot.”
If Neptune came out on the wrong side of the result in their clash with the Demons, they came out of the derby game thriller a stronger and more formidable side.
They have won all their games since and fans will have another opportunity to measure their improvement when they host Ulster Elks at Neptune Stadium tomorrow night.
Elks are still looking for their first win of the season. Seasoned Neptune coach, Pat Price, knows only too well that nobody can be taken lightly.
“Elks are a better team than their record suggests,” he said. “We must contain the likes of (Paul) Cummins and (Ian) O’Boyle if we want to win this game.
“It’s good to get back home and I am pleased we are as balanced as we have been for the past two weeks. Ger Noonan has really stepped up and has been playing outstanding basketball.”
Elks’ coach Deirdre Brennan believes her side has yet to show their best play.
“We have a tall order in coming off of five losses but, to date, we have played the best three teams in the league,” she pointed out.
“We need to keep our eye on the ball and not get distracted on the bad start, but instead focus on sticking together as a team when the times are tough and take it game by game.”
After last night’s game against Hoops, UCD Marian face into tomorrow night’s trip to Moycullen without American player, Patrick Shea, who has been released from the squad.
Moycullen, who lost to Hoops in the cup last weekend, are still looking for their first SuperLeague points.
Coach, Enda Byrt said: “We have a full strength squad and being at home gives us all the advantages. UCD will be playing their second away game in two days and we have to capitalise and take the opportunities when they come.”
With all the attention on the big guns, UL Eagles are undefeated all season and will be contenders when the business end of the SuperLeague.
Tony Hehir is one of the most astute coaches in the game and, despite the lay-off, he will have his side tuned up for DCU Saints who will be picking up the pieces following their cup defeat by Demons last weekend.
Coach Hehir said: “I know they lost their cup tie but Saints have been playing very well lately and have to be respected.”
The IrishSport.tv Women’s SuperLeague resumes tomorrow night with Bausch & Lomb Wildcats travelling to Cork to face all-conquering Team Montenotte Hotel, Tolka Rovers taking on Sligo All Stars and UL welcoming Meteors. DCU Mercy have a derby game with Killester on Sunday afternoon.
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