UCC Demons host Tralee Warriors with Super Legaue final place up for grabs after derby controversy
UCC Demons' James Hannigan takes on Energywise Ireland Neptune's Tamyrik Fields. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
UCC Demons will be hoping the exertions of their re-fixture win over great Cork rivals Energywise Ireland Neptune will not hamper their preparations for tonight’s semi-final game with Tralee Warriors at the Mardyke Arena.
The Neptune saga has completely changed Demons' route in their bid to make the final where Dublin side Killester await the winners.
There is little doubt Demons were a wounded team on Sunday last as they demolished Neptune with too much fuss.
After a few days of getting the muscles back to full tilt Demons coach Danny O’Mahony will have his team psyched up and with so much at stake, the Cork side know that nothing less than a top-class display will suffice against this Tralee Warriors side.
Credit to the Demons chief he had his professional trio of Patrick Robinson, Elijah Tillman and Toby Christensen on the top of their games against Neptune.
On this occasion a similar performance will be needed as this Tralee Warriors side have plenty of weapons with the American duo of Marquavian Stephens and Brendan Mahan both quality players.
Demons will need big performances from their Irish players and their most experienced one Kyle Hosford didn’t look at his best against Neptune but he will know the importance of this fixture.
Hosford is a born warrior and he will need to be at his best in defence against a Warriors side that oozes with confidence in the offence court.
What can be said about James and Scott Hannigan only that they have shown what quality players they really are since joining the Sunday’s Well outfit.
In James Hannigan they have a player who can hurt teams with his slick shooting and although not at his best in recent weeks his work rate in defence and his willingness to battle on the boards should be commended.
Twin brother Scott could probably be classed as an unsung hero but make no mistake is a vital player in this Demons set-up. Scott can also shoot and scrap as if his life depends on it and in a nutshell, they both have DNA associated with former greats at the club.
Captain David Lehane showed the true side of his game on Sunday finishing with 20 points and restricting Neptune’s American Tamyrik Fields to a mere four points. Lehane on his day is a wonderful talent and when they last played Tralee he was outstanding in defence.
Demons can possibly outscore any team when in full flow but to defeat Warriors they will have to defend.
Remember the big plus for the Warriors is the return of Ryan Leonard who is a wonderful talent.
Leonard can do a bit of everything and Demons will need to shut him down early in the game.
A good start for Demons and if Bosman Toby Christensen continues to show his mettle in defence they have every chance in their bid to reach the Holy Grail.
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