New signing Leondre Washington will get an opportunity to show what he can do when he makes his debut for Scott’s Lakers St Paul’s against Portlaoise Panthers this Saturday night.
A point guard from Englewood New Jersey, he stands at 6ft and is a graduate of Robert Morris University (RMU Colonials).
An adept passer with an explosive step, he was most recently plying his trade in Kosovo but he has been snapped up by the Killarney side to help cope with an injury crisis.
Terion Moss and Jack O’Sullivan both limped out in a chaotic spell in the third quarter in the loss to Drogheda Wolves and the latest news from the camp doesn’t make pretty reading. O’Sullivan has done significant damage to his ankle which will see him sidelined for at least two months while Moss, initially optimistic about a short recovery time, is now forced to sit out for six to eight weeks.
The timing of both injuries at a vital stage of the season is a blow to coach Brian Clarke and his squad but it’s not all gloom and doom.
In addition to Washington, Killarney Legion footballer Darragh Lyne has also rejoined the squad while last year’s team captain Rui Saravaia has returned to Killarney after taking time out to travel and he is expected to join up with the squad for the upcoming games.
Lakers will be looking to make their way out of unfamiliar territory when they take the highway to St Mary’s Hall in Portlaoise this Saturday (8.00pm). For the first time this season they have lost two games on the bounce – a pre-Christmas defeat in Tolka was followed by a home reverse against the Drogheda Wolves so they will be particularly keen to get back to winning ways.
While those recent defeats have been setbacks, they are not terminal as a glance forward at the fixtures shows the Lakers will have a light carbon footprint. Four home games against the Waterford Vikings, Team NorthWest, Killarney Cougars and SETU Carlow are offset by away days in Limerick against the Celtics and Eagles, a trip to Knocknacarra to play the Titans and a crosstown visit to the Cougars.
With a full squad they would be expected to be very competitive in those games so destiny is very much in their own hands.
The recent form of Jamie O’Sullivan and Eoin Carroll is very encouraging and, of course, new arrival Washington will be looking to connect with compatriot Braden Bell who sits close to the top in all recorded stats and the recent light schedule will have given him plenty of time to refresh.
Paul Clarke continues to play a skipper’s role while Mark Sheehan will be looking to build up the minutes as he returns from his injury woes.
Oisin Spring provides a real viable option while Chris Healy is now getting rewarded for his patience and dedication. Ronan Collins continues to step up his recovery from injury.
Portlaoise will be difficult opponents as they currently boast the most wins in the division, eight from their 10 outings. Their scoring acumen certainly revolves around the trio of Ravel Moody, BJ Gladden and Liam Kinsella who have amassed an average of 60 points per game between them.
So a big challenge awaits the Lakers as they bid to get their league ambitions back on track.
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