Conor Meany's playoff picture: Brunell visit to Killester could be tie of the round
PLAYOFFS: Brunell's Kelly Sexton makes an attacking break during the Women's Super League game against The Address UCC Glanmire. Pic: David Creedon
The Super League playoffs start this weekend with plenty of drama likely in what should be incredibly competitive games in both leagues. The format is simple, win or your season is over. The higher seeds have home advantage in both the first round and semi-final before we get a televised final in the National Basketball Arena. Neither league has a clear-cut favourite. March Madness in basketball is synonymous with upsets and drama and we have a couple of dramatic weeks in store as we look to crown our champions.
The first Cork derby of the year was a non-event with Demons destroying Neptune. The second was better with Neptune competing well and they’ll be hoping for third time lucky in the Mardyke on Sunday. Patrick Robinson scored 36 in that second matchup including 18 in the decisive fourth quarter as Demons pulled away. Tamyrik Fields has been in the country for longer now and as he’s settled, Neptune have been better in recent weeks. Demons should have too much but the added spice of a derby brings an element of the unknown.
Tralee will host their first playoff game in MTU with UCD Marian coming to town. The teams split the season series with Marian surprisingly winning in Tralee during the Warriors' lowest point of the season in December. Tralee are definitely favourites, and UCD Marian losing Canadian Tanner Graham only increases this. Lovre Tvrdic and Jon Jean give UCD Marian a chance, but they’ll have to be great against a Tralee team with size and experience. I’d expect Tralee to win but can hope for Marian!
Last time the sides met in Dublin it took two periods of overtime to separate them and with their league series split one apiece with a total of five points between them, this has the makings of a great battle. Sligo are one of the form teams, but Eanna have been gathering momentum and are more battle-tested in big moments. It should be a home win, but Sligo have the pieces to win and with a question mark over Sean Jenkins' fitness, it could be one to watch.
Killester are Cup Champions and my favourites for the league. Ballincollig have struggled recently and with Adrian O’Sullivan hobbled, it’s hard to see how they can win in Dublin. Quashawn Lane needs a big performance to support Todd Wolfe and Joshua Tomaic. Lane did that with 27 points in the win over Killester in February but ultimately, I can’t see anything except a Killester win.
Wildcats have had a brilliant season and are completely deserving of the top seed. Yet their reward is potentially the toughest eighth seed the league has ever had in St Paul’s. Wildcats won both games this season, but Killarney have been improving and have shown they can compete with the top teams. Killarney can compete on the boards with Waterford, which not many can. Alex Wittinger vs Sarah Hickey will be a fantastic battle. Wildcats to win, but not without a fight.
It took a 40-point Sam Halby masterclass for Killester to beat Brunell last weekend in Dublin. Halby hit the decisive go-ahead basket in the last 30 seconds and Killester will need her on top form again. It’s hard to beat a good team two weeks in a row and Brunell will be confident. They’ll need to keep Killester off the free throw line and compete slightly better on the boards, but both of those elements are within their control. This could be game of the first round.
Glanmire are another team hoping to reverse a result from last weekend as they return to Leixlip to take on the Cup Champions. Trinity Oliver missed last weekend, and unconfirmed talk is that she won’t be back. If that’s the case, it’s a big ask for Glanmire but their experienced Irish core will give them a chance. Liffey have been inconsistent this year but when they needed another gear in January they were brilliant. We will see if they can find that gear again.
Few would have pegged this for a 4v5 matchup at the start of the season, but both are deserving of their final position. Portlaoise are on a high after recent results, particularly last week’s win over Waterford. Amy Dooley has a huge job on her hands to control Emma Merriweather inside. If she can help nullify the American’s threat, Portlaoise have a great chance. Meteors have been good at home but lost to Portlaoise in Dublin earlier this year. I’d expect a home win, but Panthers have had bigger shocks recently.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
