Ballincollig and Glanmire must make home advantage count to reach Super League finals

It's a crucial weekend on Leeside in the men’s and women’s Super League with Ballincollig and Career Decisions UCC Glanmire involved in crunch league semi-finals.

Ballincollig, who finished the regular season in the number one slot had a tricky quarter final last weekend against Limerick Celtics running out 91-83 winners.

By virtue of this win Ballincollig have a home semi-final, tomorrow, at the MTU Arena (4pm) when Dublin side Eanna are in town.

For player-coach Ciaran O’Sullivan this is another tricky encounter but they have already defeated Eanna three times this season (including a cup win).

Yet Eanna are a serious team and defeated all the top teams in the country over the last six weeks, with UCC Demons the only team to topple them in that period.

Looking at the wins they have had O’Sullivan is wary of the threats they possess.

“They have defeated Tralee Warriors twice, Limerick Celtics and Killorglin away and of course, they hammered Belfast Star since they signed American Jaylyn Richardson, so we know complacency will not be an issue,” added Ciaran.

The loss of Cork-born Sean Jenkins is huge for Eanna, but Richardson has helped them big time.

When you get a quality American, it’s always huge and Richardson is a pure scorer. It will be our job to stop him getting clear looks and moves to the hoop.” 

In the three games Ballincollig have defeated Eanna in this season one player has stood up to the plate most according to O’Sullivan.

“Our American Latavious Mitchell has hurt them big time when we played them, so I will be hoping he brings his A game to the table.” 

The form this season of the Ballincollig Bosman player Josh Steel has impressed his coach.

“Josh has had a terrific season and last weekend he was 6/10 outside the paint and right now he looks to be in a good place and we need him to perform in a similar manner against Eanna.” 

The form of the second Ballincollig American Latrell Jossell has been a revelation all season and his battle with Richardson could be worth the admission fee alone.

To be fair, the Ballincollig Irish contingent has been excellent and in Dylan Corkery they have the silent assassin in Irish basketball.

“Dylan had 13 points and 10 rebounds against Limerick Celtics and his defence is well above the normal for an Irish player and as a coach he is the dream player to have in your squad.” 

Captain Adrian O’Sullivan is a warrior, but he needs to avoid picking up silly fouls as his presence on court at both ends of the court is needed.

Eanna will have Bosmans Stefan Desinica and Kristijan Andabaka in their team, and with their second American Mikah Blackwell useful with his mid-range jumpers, Ballincollig will need to be at it big time in defence.

No doubt on their home court Ballincollig will start as favourites, and should do the business, but they will need to give this Eanna team the respect they deserve as they are capable of causing an upset.

TRICKY

Career Decisions UCC Glanmire are involved in another tricky semi final when they take on Liffey Celtics at the Mardyke Arena tomorrow (7.30pm).

Glanmire were involved in a bruising battle against Cork rivals Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell last weekend before running out 82-78 winners.

Although not hitting their best form, Glanmire always looked in control and with their Kildare opponents toppling favourites St Paul’s in Killarney it sets up this intriguing semi-final.

The one guarantee you get from any Liffey Celtics team is a test of your character, and Glanmire will need to be focused on the job in hand.

Glanmire coach Mark Scannell is renowned for preparing teams for big games and no doubt he will have his team primed for this clash.

Americans Jewel Watkins and Viane Cumber have been a revelation for Glanmire, and if this duo is on their game, it could spell trouble for the Kildare outfit.

Their captain Aine McKenna is a major doubt after pulling up with a calf strain one minute into last weekend’s quarter final win over Brunell.

Claire O’Sullivan has been a revelation this season and will need to be at her best against a Liffey Celtics side, who can be a tough side in the physicality stakes.

Annaliese Murphy nailed five three pointers against Brunell, and another top shooting display will be needed in this game from the Irish international.

There is little doubt Liffey Celtics will come to town confident they can turn Glanmire over, but for me, the class of Watkins and Cumber should help the home side shade it.