The Killarney Cougars are set to tip-off their National League home campaign this Saturday at 7.30pm when they welcome the Waterford Vikings to the Presentation Gym.
The teams last met in March with the Cougars claiming a 93-74 victory away in Waterford. However, the Vikings triumphed 89-75 on their last visit to Killarney in October, making this weekend’s match-up a tough one to call and a close exciting contest is in prospect.
Waterford Vikings come into the game after an unfinished season opener against the Scott’s Lakers last weekend with the game abandoned in the final seconds due to poor floor conditions.
Waterford’s new American recruit, Aaron Jackson, made an immediate impac, scoring 33 points on his debut, and with coach Dean Kavanagh and experienced Michael Evans again on the sidelines this season they will look to their main man Jackson again to be a big threat to shoot down the Cougars.
Cougars’ head coach Patrick O’Regan enters his third season in charge and will look to build on last week’s encouraging performance in Galway, despite the loss to the Titans.
Killarney supporters can look forward to home debuts for new signings Joshua Strongman, Iyan Hristov and Massachusetts native Kani Glover who posted an impressive 30 points against the Titans.
Strongman’s defensive presence will be key in helping to contain Waterford’s Jackson, while Hristov is hopeful to feature, having worked his way back into contention from a pre-season ankle injury.
Team captain Jack Lynch, alongside Nathan Cox, impressed in Galway and will push for starting roles at home. Experienced player Bill Wiseman is also expected to make a return this weekend to bolster the young side.
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