Basketball: Israel clash starts Ireland's semi-final Campaign

The Irish Junior men face Israel tomorrow evening in their opening game of the European Championships challenge round (tip-off 5pm).

The tournament takes place in Edessa and runs until Tuesday 30th April, during which time Ireland will play Israel, Bulgaria, Russia, FYROM and hosts Greece. The top three teams will qualify to the finals of the European Championships in Germany this summer.

The Irish team has been in intensive training during the last number of weeks and Coach Joey Boylan is pleased with their recent performances.

"All the games this week will be tough. We have five very tough games in Edessa against five experienced teams who have been together for a number of years. We came through the qualifying round and we are looking forward to the challenge this weekend".

Coach Boylan has put together a fine squad for the Championships and will be relying on all of them to take Ireland through to the next level. Cork born, Colin O'Reilly top scored for Ireland in the qualifying tournament and has since been named the Irish Examiner Junior Sports Star of the Year.

Paul Cummins returned from the USA to join in Ireland's European campaign. Cummins was crucial to Ireland's qualifying last August when the junior men pulled off a dramatic extra time win over Portugal (87-85). Ireland also defeated the Netherlands to book their place in the challenge round.

Eoin White picked up an ankle injury last weekend, but after a week of intensive physio, White is expected to be back to full fitness in time for tomorrow's opening.

Results from Qualifying Round

Ireland 76-97 England

Ireland 76-127 Turkey

Ireland 77-75 The Netherlands

Ireland 87-85 Portugal

Ireland

Eddie Crudden

Paul Cummins

James Donnelly

Connor Gallagher

Robert Grant

Herman Heyl

Lennie McMillan

Brian O'Neill

Colin O'Rielly

Declan Rice

Isaac Westbrooks

Eoin White