Basketball: Tralee take first defeat, things go from bad to worse for Neptune
PRESSURE: Neptune's Ryan Downey tries to get past Killorgin's Jordan Blount during the Men's Super League game at Neptune Stadium, Cork. Pic: David Creedon
TRALEE'S unbeaten run to start the year came to an end at the hands of Sligo All-Stars on Saturday. Down Gregario Adon and Marquavian Stephens going to Sligo was going to be tough. Bolstered by the addition of new American Robert Montgomery, the home side were deserving winners, although Tralee pushed them hard particularly thanks to Irish international Rapolas Buivydas strong play. It was a great weekend for Sligo as they also came from 15 down in the first half to beat UCD Marian 90-86 in Dublin. John Carroll and Jevonie Scott bullied the home team throughout the second half and despite Lovre Tvrdicâs heroics (35 points), UCD didnât have enough to get the win.
On Saturday things went from bad to worse for Neptune, as American Armand Davis left the club, seemingly without the knowledge of his team-mates. Killester added to Neptuneâs misery by beating them 98-67. On Sunday, Jordan Blount then returned to Neptune with Killorglin and managed to get a big road win 77-74. Clayton Ladine had his best performance of the year hitting six threes as Killorglin used a big fourth-quarter push to take the win. For Killorglin it was a great weekend with two big wins that takes them back to 4-4 in the league. On the other hand, itâs now just one win in six league games for Neptune, who badly need Jaksa Sola to return, and I think need an American point guard to run the team.
Two weeks after their overtime National Cup battle, Eanna and Star went to overtime again. Starâs new American Darweshi Hunter had 20 points, but it was Conor Quinn who helped push Star throughout. Eannaâs ability to find ways to win remains impressive, as does the continued development of James Gormley who is significantly better than was expected of him just 2-3 years ago. The game finished with drama again as Eanna were called for a foul on a full-court heave before the referees eventually ruled that time was up and Star wouldnât get to shoot the three shots as the score ended 103-100. Starâs disappointment almost carried into Sunday as they trailed early to Templeogue before a balanced team effort comfortably got them over the line 86-65 against the leagueâs bottom side.
It was another double-win weekend for Demons, as they easily accounted for Templeogue on Saturday before beating Maree in Cork on Sunday. The fact that they did it without Sean Clancey makes the weekend double even more impressive. A change of coach hasnât been enough for Maree so far as they continue to give up points defensively. Without Zvonimir Cutuk this week, the Galway side were destroyed inside as Elijah Tillman had 37 points, missing just four shots all game. Maree sit just above the bottom three sides, and with a point deduction on the horizon, they could shockingly find themselves in a relegation battle this year. Demons have a tough run leading into Christmas but are deserving of their place near the summit and remain undefeated since Kyle Hosfordâs return.
Killesterâs impressive road win at Neptune was backed up on Sunday by a good home win against Ballincollig. Killester have had two bad games this season as they struggled with Maree in Galway and then never turned up for the Tralee game in Dublin the next day. Aside from that weekend they have looked really good and with a generous schedule from now until Christmas, they should be near the top of the table as we head into 2025. Isiah Dasher has settled down and was excellent against Neptune. For Ballincollig, thatâs one win in four games, but with a new coach and a change of Americans there is probably no panic yet for a team that is loaded with experience and knows how to win when needed.
In the Women's Superleague, Wildcats remain joint top of the table as they survived a great game with Meteors winning 91-86. Wildcats have been very reliant on the quarter of their Americans and the Hickey sisters this season, and this was no different as the foursome scored 89 of their 91 points. Thereâs definitely a fear there isnât enough depth to cover them for the whole season, for now though they are delivering. Meteors will rue their slow start as they gave up 51 in the first half. The Dubliners have won their two home games this year and have lost all three away games, including two poor defensive displays on long trips to Cork and Waterford. Keeping Emma Merriweather on the floor is critical moving forward, the American centre was +12 in her season-low 20 minutes before fouling out. Meteors arenât far off the best teams, but theyâll need to improve their road record to have a chance.
Eyes were elsewhere in the league but the few times we have Niamh and Grainne Dwyer and Aine McKenna on the same court competing we have to savour it. Ăine got the upper hand this time against her former teammates as she scored 18 and Glanmire got the derby win over Fr Mathews. Callie Cauvnagh has proved herself one of the signings of the season so far and she delivered again on Saturday with 26 points, but it will be his teamâs defence that will please Mark Scannell the most as they kept Mathews to a season low 56.
The pacesetters of the Women's Superleague both did what was expected of them with convincing wins over Portlaoise and Brunell respectively. Both teams are capable of completely shutting down teamsâ offences. Brunell managed just 49 points against Liffey, while Portlaoise barely did better as they scored just 55 at home against Killester. Itâs currently building nicely for a big showdown between the two in mid-December in Clontarf.
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