Enda Walshe previews Scott’s Lakers St Paul’s opening national league fixture on the road against Waterford Vikings, assesses the new-look squad and looks ahead at the big home fixtures for supporters to plan for
SETU College Hall in Waterford will see Ron Howard make his Irish coaching debut when he brings his Scott’s Lakers side to the sunny south east for an opening round fixture with the Waterford Vikings.
The innovative coach, a native of Moreno Valley in California, has an impressive CV having coached at youth, collegiate and pro level in Germany, Italy and China. He holds a BA in Sports Management, is currently pursuing his masters in the same field and is seen as a dynamic and inclusive teacher and communicator.
Howard will have worked with his young Lakers squad since his arrival in August and has certainly made an early impression. Pre-season games against superleague side Tralee Warriors and Killorglin have given the squad a taste of a higher level and it is hoped that these challenges will have steeled them for what’s ahead.
Mikah Blackwell has looked sharp in those friendlies and his all round game can see him play both inside and outside with his athleticism being his strong point. The summer signing also won Defensive Player of the Year with his college team Arizona Christian University.
Fellow signing Patrick Lanipekun is no stranger to Killarney, His mother is a native of Ballyhar in Firies and he has spent much of his youth in the town. His basketball career has seen him capped at both under 18 and under20 level for Ireland and his partnership with Blackwell has shown real promise.
Rui Saravia has returned from his travels to take up residence and employment in Killarney again and he will be a vital cog in the Howard machine as “the big man”.
These three will of course compliment the young guns which the club has invested their future in with many of them having three years of national league experience under their belts.
Eoin Carroll has seen up close the physicality of the league and now looks ready to take it on. Jack O’Sullivan’s athleticism is there for all to see and when free of injury he will be a real menace to opposing teams. Mark Sheehan showed a real glimpse of his qualities with an MVP performance in the Cougars win last season and again looks ready to step up.
Jamie O’Sullivan is in great shape this pre-season and it’s hard to believe he’s still in his early 20s such is the level of experience he now possesses.
Marko Bencic will also return to the squad in the first month and when he’s on his game he is a serious threat. Oisin Spring has pushed hard in training, eager to build on his minutes and he brings a great intensity to the game.
John Hughes and Shane Daly have also signed on for the season. The Rathmore duo are fine young players and it will be interesting to see how they adjust to the level.
The club is also entering a team in the under 20 national league and that may well provide a pathway for others to step up with the likes of Darragh O’Callaghan featuring.
The Vikings had sometimes struggled in the division but last season saw them claim more than a big scalp of two. That includes Scott’s Lakers who they put to the sword in October last year in Waterford with the Lakers gaining revenge in February.
It took a 35-point haul from Leondre Washington to gather that win and something similar will be needed on Saturday night. They have snapped up James Aboaba from the UK, a graduate of the Tabor Bluejays.
He will line-up alongside the ultra-reliable Kavanaghs, Dale and Jay, Daniel Sheehan and Denis Miculescu. They have been keeping a low profile on the south coast so the Lakers will do well to be wary.
Coach Howard will be targeting a win to bring back to the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre when league newcomers Tipperary Talons roll into town and with the Titans arriving on Saturday, October 19, a winning start in Waterford could sow the seeds for a strong season ahead.
HOME GAMES
All at 7.30pm on Saturdays in the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre.
Tipp Talons: October 12th
Titans: October 19th
Moycullen: November 16th
Portlaoise Panthers: TBC
Limerick Celtics: November 30th
Waterford Vikings: December 21st
Carrick Cruisers: February 1st
Ulster University: February 22nd
Killarney Cougars: March 1st
Tolka Rovers: March 8th
Limerick Sport Eagles: March 15th
KillarneyToday.com: Reaching thousands of readers every day. To advertise call 087-2229761 or email news@killarneytoday.com
