Enda Walshe previews Scott’s Lakers top of the table clash with Portlaoise Panthers which will tip-off in the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre at 7.30pm on Saturday
The tough tests keep coming for Scott’s Lakers with the visit of Portlaoise Panthers to the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre.
Having tasted cup defeat to the Galway Titans, the Lakers have bounced back with wins over the Drogheda Wolves and Moycullen, the manner of which will have pleased coach Ron Howard no end. But with a young squad it is always a case of a work in progress and the arrival of the Panthers to Killarney will indeed be a big examination.
Portlaoise have always been a competitive force in the division and with the withdrawal of SETU Carlow from the league, the Panthers have profited most with some shrewd signings. Xavier Arriaga, Kevin Donohue and Gary Morrissey were all part of the Carlow side who put on an exhibition in the first round of the cup last season to blitz the Lakers and that will back positive vibes for them.
They join an already strong cast of Liam Kinsella, Davin McEvoy and Cillian O’Connell and new recruit James Phelan who came through a titanic tussle with the Drogheda Wolves last weekend.
Coach Jack Scully has recruited well in American Eric Anderson who leads the team in scoring. They come with an unbeaten record, six wins from six games and bringing with them some notable scalps.
One feature of Scott’s Lakers recent winning run has been the way different players have stepped up when required. Mark Sheehan delivered in spades against the Cougars, Shane Daly and Eoin Carroll in Drogheda and Jack O’Sullivan gave a glimpse of what he’s capable of in the win last weekend against Moycullen.
What is a given now is that Mikah Blackwell will contribute on both ends of the floor, his eight steals and 26 points last weekend outlining that.
Darnell Snyers looks to have his feet firmly under the table no and he gave an MVP performance last time out with his curve definitely going upwards.
Abdul Oladipupo may not have the same stats as the aforementioned but he brings a big workrate with him and, as the Cougars win can attest, he knows where the basket is too.
It tells you everything about the Scott’s Lakers project when Jamie O’Sullivan is one of the elder lemons, despite only having the proverbial key of the door.
John Hughes will have enjoyed his court time last weekend, with Oisin Spring always bringing the hustle to the table. Rui Saravia will return for the Celtics game as will Darragh O’Callaghan who is unavailable this weekend.
With the weather due to take a turn for the worst, the beauty of indoor sport is that the show goes on and all in the luxurious surroundings of the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre. It’s a top of the table clash and the temperatures will definitely be high.
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