Conor Meany on basketball: Wildcats make statement, Warriors stay unbeaten
HANG TIME: Eanna’s James Gormley swings from the net in the basketball game against Neptune on Monday. Picture: Chani Anderson
With one loss already to Killester, Waterford knew that Saturday’s clash with league leaders Liffey Celtics was going to be a very early test to see whether they are genuine title contenders. Jillian Hayes' team delivered with another gutsy physical performance. The coach’s two daughters, Kate and Sarah again led the way as they combined for 35 points. American Ashia McCalla led all scorers with an efficient 25 points and Wildcats rode a strong start to survive down the stretch as Liffey asked plenty of questions. Kate Hickey’s performances so far this season have been a big reason for Wildcats’ strong start. Last season she averaged 10.8 points a game and she has almost doubled to 18.3 points this year. If the Hickey’s can stay healthy and consistent for the year, they will be right in the hunt for trophies. Karl Kilbride will be disappointed that his team’s unbeaten streak has ended so early in the year but without American Alexis Tucker (injury) and with Eboni Williams adding just four points it was a big task to go to Waterford and win. Kilbride will be buoyant that his Irish guards are performing so well with Ciara Bracken (20), Sorcha Tiernan (19) and Hazel Finn (19) all impressing on Saturday. Last year there were questions about Liffey’s imports, they will be hoping that the same questions aren’t asked after big games this year.
Trailing 68-63 with 3.47 to go in the final quarter, it would be easy for Killester to lose on the road to St Paul’s in Killarney. Remarkably the champions held the home side scoreless for the rest of the game and finished on a 10-0 run to win 73-68. Samantha Halby continues to shine for the Dubliners as she scored 22. Her biggest score of the game came late in the fourth as she hit a three to give Killester the lead. Mark Grennell has to be delighted with his team, especially as they were battered on the boards, getting outrebounded by 19. A loss would have really impacted Killester, especially as they’ve already lost to Meteors in a similar type of game. I’ve already highlighted concerns around transfer rules that have ruled Hannah Thornton to date, but resolution to these issues needs to come faster, as October ends and there is still no final decision.
Behind the top three women’s sides (Killester, Liffey and Wildcats), there is a battle for positions with a host of teams feeling they are capable of getting into that top group. Meteors made a big case for themselves being included as they recorded an 85-57 win over Fr Mathews. Meteors had six players in double digits and that depth and size are the reason many feel they will push into the top four. Perhaps the biggest challenger to them is Glanmire who have already beaten the Dubliners this year. Mark Scannell’s side had a strong 88-72 derby win over Brunell. A special nod of appreciation needs to go to the timeless Aine McKenna who led the scoring for Glanmire with 23 points, including four threes. It will be a sad day in the women’s game when McKenna, a 10-time league winner, hangs up her boots.
Tralee Warriors are the only unbeaten team remaining in the Super Leagues after wins over both Neptune and Belfast Star. They have assembled an ideal team for the modern Super League with length, depth and good shooting. One factor that has helped the bright start has been the play of Daniel Jokubaitis, who is averaging 17.8 points a game. He can be a bit hit and miss with questionable shot selection at times, but when he’s playing well, he’s a perfect Super League player. Another perfect Super League player is Rapolas Buivydas. The Young Player of the Year in the league last year is already an Irish international but he’s progressing significantly already this year. He can shoot the three but it’s his physicality that is setting him apart as he averages 15 a game so far this year. People wondered a few years ago what would happen Tralee when Kieran Donaghy was less influential and a huge credit to Jimmy Diggins and John Dowling they’ve developed a great crop of Irish talent, with Rap the star of the bunch. Tralee will remain contenders as long as he stays at home, and the only question will be whether he’s becoming too good for the Irish league.
UCD Marian and St Vincent’s had good weekends as they both recorded wins for the first time this season. UCD beating Ballincollig narrowly before heavily beating Templeogue on Monday. The newly promoted side showed good depth throughout the weekend and with Lovre Tvrdic settling in beside Jon Jean they will be hoping to build on this. Vincents were very unlucky on Sunday as Maree hit a late three to beat them, but they bounced back on Monday to beat Sligo away. Charlie Coombes looks back to his best and a preseason relegation favourite will have their eyes on a finish further up the table too.
Killester had a great weekend with two big wins. After getting revenge for last year’s league final with a big win over Eanna, they showed incredible grit to come from 12 down to beat Killorglin in Clontarf. Critically for Killester Isaiah Dasher scored 18 of his 26 in the 4th and overtime. If he can score at that level consistency Killester join the top tier.
Eanna will be disappointed after dropping two games over the weekend. With Stefan Desnica sidelined, their offense was curtailed a bit and both Killester and Neptune did a good job in limiting Josh Wilson. There won’t be an overreaction from the Champions, as the double header schedule was very tough. Demons are the other team who will head into the Cup with some doubt, after giving up 19 threes in a loss to Sligo at home. The defending Cup Champions face UCD Marian in the Cup who they have already beaten but there will be concerns that their two wins are against UCD and Vincents so far. Despite a home win, I would still have Maree in the weekend losers. For a team with so much talent and size, they have not looked the part yet this year. A good win against Killester is their top result but there are plenty of questions left to answer.
After a bright start to the year, Killorglin had two losses over the weekend. Losing to Star was tough but the Killester loss will sting more considering they were 12 up going into the fourth. The Kerry side have a weekend off with a cup bye to regroup.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
