Enda Walshe reports
A BIG crowd is expected as national league basketball returns to Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre this Saturday with Scott’s Lakers St Pauls playing host to league favourites UCC Blue Demons with a 7.30pm tip-off.
One of the leading clubs in Ireland in the past with eight league titles and seven national cups, Demons withdrew from the Superleague in 2019 due to an exodus of players and only recently reformed to compete at this level.
But they still boast a strong line-up, including Kyle Hosford who is regarded as one of the best Irish players of his generation while American Andre Kennedy and Spaniard Tala Fam Thiam are two of the most prolific scorers in the league.
Their link up with UCC also sees powerful Serb/Canadian Stevan Manojloic included.
Lakers will have to be at their best to face up to the challenge of the Cork side but they have shown that their best can be good enough, especially for three quarters of their game against Limerick Celtics and, more recently, against Waterford Vikings.
In both instances, Emilian Grudov and Ben Miller scored well but will probably need to contribute even more while Rui Saravia has settled into the team and will now look to push on more.
Local young players Senan O’Leary and Jamie O’Sullivan will relish the opportunity to face up to some of the best the league has to offer while the returning Lorcan Keane and Mark O’Shea will be needed at their best.
Daniel Carroll, Jason Lee, Mark Sheehan and Jack O’Sullivan may also see some game time.
On what is the return of national basketball to Killarney, it would be fantastic to see a big vocal support for this young team as its their first home game of the season
It is important to note that adults must produce a Covid vaccination cert or proof of recovery, with ID, to gain admission. Under 18s who are not vaccinated will be permitted when accompanied with a vaccinated adult and all supporters will be required to fill out a Covid questionnaire before entering the hall.
Doors will open 6.30pm and club officials have advised the public to arrive early to allow the safe entry of all spectators to the venue.
