Tag Archives: Garveys Tralee Warriors

PHOTOS/REPORT: Warriors’ Shooting Stars Bring Belfast Down To Earth

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Marquavian Stephens with a stylish mid range score. Photo: Liam Ryan

Alan Cantwell reports on Garvey’s Tralee Warriors Basketball Ireland Men’s Super League 2024/2025 – Round 6 game at the Tralee Sports Complex on Sunday…

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 96

Belfast Star 73

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors have continued their perfect start to the season by adding Belfast Star to the list of teams they have seen off to make it six from six in their best ever start to a League campaign.

An incredible display of three point shooting, in particular Daniel Jokubaitis with 7 and Brandon Mahan with 6, and 13 of 18 majors scores, helped the Warriors to comfortably account for one their keenest rivals.

The Warriors looked prepared to take care of business from the moment Rap Buivydas fired in two major efforts either side of another from Eoin Quigley and when Brandon Mahan got in on the act the lead was out to 12-7.

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Conor Quinn, his brother Aidan and Max Richardson hit a three each to keep the Warriors in check but when Mahan’s hot hand landed another pair of majors the Warriors led 23-20. Richardson edged Belfast ahead with his second three but Buivydas drove to the board to square the game at 25-25 at quarter time.

Josh Osayanrhion dunks despite the efforts of Max Richardson. Photo: Liam Ryan

Mahan’s long range radar was back in play early in the second when he shot on sight for another quick double and with Marquavian Stephens in range and Josh Osayanrhion with a spectacular dunk the Warriors blew the lead out to 40-27.

The Warriors continued to seek out open looks and when they got them they simply couldn’t miss. Quigley added his second before Daniel Jokubaitis turned on the style with three absolutely cracking threes and despite Tamyrik Fields landing from either side of the arc, the Warriors were comfortable at 55-37 up at half time.

The Warriors onslaught showed no sign of relenting in the third when they continued to land scores from beyond the arc with another hat trick of trademark Jokubaitis threes added to by Stephens and Virgin Media MVP Brandon Mahan.

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Belfast’s resistance was too little and too infrequent but Maurice Jones did manage a quick fire 10 points. However, the Warriors had the League points in the bag when Osayanrhion was again on the mark as they stretched their advantage to 76-59 at three quarter time.

Daniel Jokubaitis with one of his seven majors scores. Photo: Liam Ryan

Belfast Star had no answer to the Warriors offensive threats and struggled to summon the reserves to mount any sort of a comeback. Cian Sullivan came to add a double under the board and Jokubaitis couldn’t resist another swish finish to bring his personal tally to seven from distance.

Young guns Zigi Kaletka and Olaf Michalczuk entered the fray late on with Michalczuk knocking down a brilliant long range effort to bring the Warriors three-point tally to 18 for the game.

Brandon Mahan knocks down one of his six three point scores. Photo: Liam Ryan

Max Richardson and Max Cooper fired in from outside with a pair of consolation scores but the gap was still out to 89-69.

The Warriors saw out the win in style with Sullivan and Osayanrhion landing efforts from close range as Belfast were showing clear signs of fatigue from the previous night’s win over Killorglin, but truth be told, this game was over a long time before the final buzzer sounded.

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Daniel Jokubaitis 25, Brandon Mahan 23, Marquavian Stephens 9

Belfast Star: Maurice Jones 19, Max Richardson 14, Tamyrik Fields 10, Conor Quinn 10

• Next up for the Warriors is another home date against Maree on Saturday 9th November with tip off at 7.30pm at the Tralee Sports Complex.

PHOTOS/REPORT: Warriors Make It Five From Five With Dramatic Win Over Neptune

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James Fernane launches a three point score. Photo by Liam Ryan

Alan Cantwell reports on the Garvey’s Tralee Warriors first game of a busy weekend last night in the Tralee Sports Complex…

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 100

Energywise Ireland Neptune 94

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors took the outright top spot on the Super League table with a 100-94 win over Energywise Ireland Neptune at the Tralee Sports Complex on Friday night.

The game ended in dramatic fashion and with just 6 seconds on the clock a fracas involving a number of players from both sides overshadowed what was a cracking Super League game between two very good sides.

Killester’s win away to Griffith College Éanna ensured that the Warriors are now the only unbeaten team in the League after 5 games of action going into Sunday’s clash with Belfast Star.

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In a lively opening quarter Rap Buivydas continued his rich vein of form to fire down three scores and with Marquavian Stephens and Eoin Quigley in range the Warriors led 12-7 early on. Neptune replied with a quick fire 12 point volley from Jaska Sola including two major scores to tie up the game.

Virgin Media MVP Rap Buivydas on the mark again. Photo by Liam Ryan

A quick double from Cian Sullivan and threes from James Fernane and Jokubaitis were countered by another from Sola and a baseline and one from Jahmal Wright saw Pat Price’s side a 27-26 lead at quarter time.

The sides went literally score for score in the second quarter with the lead changing hands no fewer than 8 times.

Buivydas continued to torment the Neptune defence to add another hat trick of scores along with effort from inside and out from Jokubaitis but Conor O’Sullivan, Wright and Ar’mond Davis with two each kept the sides deadlocked late in the quarter. Buivydas struck again and when Brandon Mahon and Stephens followed his lead the Warriors led 50-46 at half-time.

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The Warriors took flight early in the third quarter and the peerless Buivydas with two, Mahan with two and Jokubaitis pushed the Warriors 10 points clear to lead 58-48.

Despite efforts from Wright and a major from Davis, four baskets from Stephens either side of another from Jokubaitis maintained the Tralee side’s double digit advantage.

Greg Adon with a two point score. Photo by Liam Ryan

However a hat trick of threes late from Kelvin O’Donoghue, Wright and Davis saw the Warriors take a slender one point lead into the final quarter.

The game remained firmly in the balance with the early exchanges in the final quarter with scores from Jokubaitis, Stephens, Quigley and a three from Adon negated by efforts from Davis, Wright and another major from Conor O’Sullivan.

Neptune foul trouble allowed Stephens and Adon to capitalise from the line before Buivydas again powered to the basket to edge the Warriors 93-86 ahead.

Davis knocked down a stunning effort from distance to keep the game alive but Jokubaitis who was a threat all night hit the score of the game from the corner to effectively seal the deal.

Eoin Quigley on the way to dunking a score for Warriors. Photo by Liam Ryan

With the game all but done and dusted a fracas in midcourt tainted a truly memorable game between two sides that chased the game all the way to the final buzzer. In the end the Warriors held their nerve to seal a fifth win from five games and put clear water between them and the rest of the League.

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Rap Buivydas 25, Daniel Jokubaitis 23, Marquavian Stephens 21 Energywise Ireland Neptune: Jahmal Wright 21, Ar’mond David 20, Jaksa Sola 19

• The Warriors face into their second game of a double header weekend on Sunday afternoon when they entertain Belfast Star at the Tralee Sports Complex with a 1.30pm tip off.

Warriors Continue Unbeaten Run With Win In Dublin

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Alan Cantwell reports on Warriors win away on Saturday night…

UCD Marian 87

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 101

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors sit proudly on top of the Super League table alongside the only other unbeaten team in the League, Griffith College Éanna, after making it four from four with a 101-87 win over UCD Marian at the Belfield Sports Centre on Saturday night.

The Warriors led from start to finish and kept their former arch-rivals in check throughout the contest and to see out a 14 point win in the end.

In a lively opening quarter Eoin Quigley wasted no time to fire in from distance and Rap Buiyvdas followed suit to strike twice from beyond the arc.

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At the other end the dynamic Jonathan Jean with a double and a major from Matthew McGrath saw Marian bridge the gap to 15-10 but when Daniel Jokuabitis and Marquavian Stephens combined the lead blew out to double scores.

However, a major score each from Colm O’Reilly and Tanner Graham helped keep the lead to 29-21 at quarter time.

The second quarter was a scrappy affair with neither side managing to get any offensive momentum going.

Defensively both sides dominated with the Warriors limited to scores from Stephens and Gregorio Adon and Marian through Cian Tiernan, Jean and Guillem Bigas. Quigley and Graham exchanged scores before Adon launched a cracking effort from outside to put 10 between the sides.

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But Graham replied in kind for Marian to pare the Warriors lead back to 42-35 at the long break.

The Warriors asserted early in the third quarter and a scoring blitz that saw them build on their halftime advantage to ease 20 points ahead.

Four baskets from Stephens, two from Buivydas and efforts from inside and out from Adon threatened a Warriors blowout. But Marian to their credit chipped away and when the impressive Jonathan Jean found both his rhythm and the Warriors basket and with Eoin Nelson also in range the hosts stayed in the game.

Major efforts from Buivydas, Jokubaitis and James Fernane edged the Warriors further ahead but Jean continued to threaten and finished the quarter with 16 points to keep the game alive at 71-60 at three quarter time.

The visitors pushed on again early in the final quarter and with Jokuabitis, Stephens and Fernane combining for 16 points and despite scores from Jean, Bigas, Nelson and Oscar Blanco the Warriors were in full control up 87-61 midway through the quarter.

A Jokubaitis double from distance were the insurance scores but Marian played all the way to the buzzer and Nelson, McGrath, Ronan Byrne and O’Reilly keeping John Dowling’s side honest.

Cian Sullivan got in on the act late on for the Warriors with a double and Joshua Osayanrhion had the honour of laying up the score that pushed the Warriors over to 100 point mark to seal the win and secure a share of top spot on the Super League table after four rounds of action.

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Marquavian Stephens 27, Daniel Jokubaitis 21, Rap Buivydas 17

UCD Marian: Jonathan Jean 33, Tanner Graham 16, Eoin Nelson 11

• The Warriors face into a huge double header of home games next weekend at the Tralee Sports Complex beginning with the visit of the Pat Price coached Energywise Ireland Neptune on Friday night with an 8.00pm tip off. Following that is another home fixture on Sunday afternoon when they entertain fierce rivals Belfast Star with tip off at 1.30pm, slightly earlier than previously arranged.

REPORT: Warriors Dispel Demons With Impressive Away Win

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Alan Cantwell reports on the Garveys Tralee Warriors opening game in the InsureMyVan.ie Men’s Super League 2024/2025 season…

UCC Demons 80

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 93

After weathering a first quarter onslaught by the reigning National Cup champions, Garvey’s Tralee Warriors completely turned the game around from trailing by 30-16 at quarter time, to leading 52-47 at half time before going on to secure a comfortable 93-80 win over UCC Demons at the Mardyke Arena in the opening round of the InsureMyVan.ie Mens Super League on Sunday.

The Warriors had to withstand an all-out attack by Demons in the opening quarter that yielded the Cork side 30 points with the Demons dangerman Elijah Tillman, Toby Christensen and Roosevelt Davis all in range.

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The Warriors resistance came in the form of scores from Eoin Quigley, Daniel Jokubaitis and new American point guard Marquavian Stephens who was impressive early on.

A late major effort from Stephens cut the Demons lead to 30-16 at quarter time and seemed to spark a Warriors revival.

Warriors new American guard Brandon Mahan, who hardly had an open look in the opening quarter, lit up spectacularly in the second quarter to fire in 15 points from inside and outside the arc.

Rap Buivydas, Gregorio Adon and Stephens also found scores easier to come by as Demons defensive effort struggled to contain the Warriors offensive threat.

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Major scores from James Hannigan, Christensen and American Sean Clancey kept Demons in the game but at half time the Warriors assumed control to lead by 52-47.

Mahan continued to torment the Demons rearguard with a huge three early in the third and when Gregorio Adon and Stephens also found the basket from close range, the Warriors advantage was out to double digits.

The Demons cause suffered a double blow midway through the quarter when a lack of discipline by Sean Clancey saw him ejected with Toby Christensen fouled out soon after.

However the Cork side rallied with threes from James Hannigan and Carlton Cuff and with Warriors losing captain Eoin Quigley with his fifth foul, the game was back in the melting pot with Tralee leading by just 70-63 at three quarter time.

A hat trick of major scores from Buivydas, Jokubaitis and Mahan restored order for the Warriors early in a scrappy fourth quarter as the visitors regained control of the contest.

Demons again struggled to create anything to seriously challenge the Warriors dominance and were limited to scores from Lehane, Davis and Cuff that simply added respectability to the scoreline.

Another trademark three from Jokubaitis and a late volley from the outstanding Gregorio Adon eased the Warriors to a comfortable 93-80 win in the end.

UCC Demons: Elijah Tillman 14, Sean Clancey 13, Roosevelt Davis 11

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Gregorio Adon 23, Marquavian Stephens 21, Daniel Jokubaitis 18, Brandon Mahan 18

Next up for the Warriors is their first home game of the campaign when they host former arch rivals Templeogue in the Tralee Sports Complex on Saturday night with tip off at 7.30pm.

Warriors Begin Superleague Campaign Against Demons This Weekend

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Alan Cantwell previews this Saturday’s game in Cork as Garveys Tralee Warriors get their Superleague campaign underway…

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors get their 2024/2025 Super League campaign underway this weekend when they take the trip to the Mardyke Arena in Cork to take on the reigning National Cup champions UCC Demons on Sunday at 4.00pm in the season opener.

Into the Warriors roster comes 6’3’’ point guard Marquavian Stephens from Flint, Michigan, playing out of the University of Saskatchewan who has played in Europe in both the Luxembourg and Portuguese Leagues and 6’5’’ guard Brandon Mahan from Birmingham, Alabama playing out of the University of Central Florida who played last season with the Bristol Flyers in the BBL.

They are joined by former Killester 6’8” Spanish centre Gregorio Adon who most recently played with Titanes Del Licey in the Dominican Republic.

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Warriors stalwart Eoin Quigley will again assume the captaincy of the team for the season ahead and there is a familiar look to the local contingent in the squad with Kieran Donaghy, Ryan Leonard, Joshua Osayanrhion, Daniel Jokubaitis, Steven Bowler, Cian Sullivan, James Fernane, Zigi Kaletka, Keelan Crowe, Olaf Michalczuk and the Super League Young Player of the Year award winner from last season Rap Buivydas all back to bring their collective wealth of skill and experience to the squad.

The Warriors are coached again this season by John Dowling, assisted by Gareth Moore along with new addition to the coaching set up Luke O’Hea who successfully steered the Warriors U20s to back to back National League titles in the last two seasons.

Jimmy Diggins will oversee the Performance Management of the squad and the team will be managed again this season by Anne Connolly and Ursula O’Keeffe.

The Super League format reverts to the traditional home and away for all 13 teams rostered for the 2024/2025 competition with a total of 24 games for each team in the regular season.

The top eight teams will contest the League playoffs while the bottom two teams will be relegated to National League Division One. This format replaces the North and South Conference model that was in operation for the last few seasons.

The Warriors first home game of the campaign is set for Saturday 12th October when they welcome Templeogue to the Tralee Sports Complex with a 7.30pm tip off.

Season tickets are currently on sale at €130 for adults and €65 for juveniles (U16s) with discounts available for multiple purchases on the Tralee Warriors website – www.traleewarriors.com

PHOTOS/REPORT: Warriors Development Complete As They Capture Inaugural National League Title

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Alan Cantwell on the Basketball Ireland Development League Final at the weekend…

Tralee Warriors 86

Carrick Cruisers 70

The Tralee Warriors made it a weekend to remember by adding the inaugural Basketball Ireland Development National League title to the Mens U20 National League title they won on Saturday with an 86-70 win over Carrick Cruisers in the decider on Sunday morning.

The Warriors threatened to put the contest to bed early on when they blasted out to a 14 point lead with captain Aaron Fleming leading the charge with three threes and with James Fernane also in range from outside the pair shared the opening 16 points for the Tralee side.

Carrick ‘s responses came from Andrew O’Connor and when Ramunas Ramunauskas added the Warriors led 16-4 at the midway point of the quarter.

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Steven Bowler and Padraig Fleming opened their accounts to add to the lead but threes from Killian McAdam and Rimvydas Valatonis cut the quarter time gap to 23-12.

It was Valatonis’s last action of the game as he was taken to hospital with a serious leg injury with the game delayed for 20 minutes.

Zigi Kaletka floats in a basket for Warriors in the BIDL Final. Photo by Liam Ryan

On the resumption the Warriors continued to dominate the exchanges with a Josh Osayanrhion double helping to push the lead back out to 16.

Back to back three from O’Connor and a hat trick from inside from Ramnauskas pared the gap back to 7 but when Dan Bowler hit his first of the day and James Fernane flicked in two brilliant threes the Warriors looked good for their 41-30 lead at half time.

The third quarter saw a momentum shift go the way of the Monaghan based outfit as they slowly chipped away at the Warriors lead with Danas Smigelskis and Ramunas Ramanauskas tormenting the Tralee side defensive unit as they shared Carrick’s next 10 points in a row.

James Fernane with a one handed effort in the BIDL Final. Photo by Liam Ryan

Dan Bowler, Padraig Fleming and Josh Osayanrhion kept the Warriors score ticking over and the double digit lead intact. The Warriors rearguard continued to try to repel the Carrick attack but Smigelskis and Ramanauskas combined again to cut the lead right down to a single score.

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However foul trouble allowed the Warriors through Fernane and Osayanrhion to restore some comfort in their 59-52 advantage at three quarter time.

The Cruisers struck early in the final quarter in a bid to derail the perfect weekend for the Warriors as Ramanauskas, O’Connor and Audrius Urbanavicius levelled the contest with 6’40’’ on the clock and then took the lead for the first time in the game with an Andrew O’Connor lay up.

Steven Bowler’s powerful score at the board in the BIDL Final. Photo by Liam Ryan

Steven Bowler then showed his Super League credentials adding a quickfire 8 points including an inspirational ‘and one’ score to spread the game again. Osayanrhion with a double and Aaron Fleming with yet another belter from distance saw the Warriors lead 75-64 with 2’00’’ on the clock.

Ramanauskas and O’Connor landed late scores for Carrick but Aaron Fleming finished the game with a superb cameo to add two more stunning threes and Adam O’Keeffe’s late appearance was capped with a memorable major score to seal the win.

Olaf Michalczuk on the mark for Warriors in the BIDL Final. Photo by Liam Ryan

Aaron Fleming accepted the inaugural BIDL National League trophy with co-captain Daire Kennelly and Fleming was also deservedly selected as MVP with his six three pointers showcasing a stunning display of his outside shooting.

Scorers:

Tralee Warriors: Aaron Fleming 22, James Fernane 19, Joshua Osayanrhion 16

Carrick Cruisers: Ramunas Ramanauskas 27, Andrew O’Connor 19, Danas Smigelskis 12

The Bowler family in Dublin.
The winning captains with the BIDL and Under 20 trophies.
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PHOTOS/REPORT: Warriors Under 20s Fire Their Way To Back-To-Back National Titles

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The Garvey Tralee Warriors Basketball Ireland Under 20 Men’s National League Final, National Basketball Arena, Dublin. Photo Credit: ©INPHO/Tom Maher

Alan Cantwell reports on the  Mens U20 National League Final held on Sunday…

Tralee Warriors 96

Éanna 91

The Tralee Warriors U20s made it back-to-back National League titles with a 96-91 win over Éanna in an absorbing and high scoring decider at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght yesterday.

An outstanding game high 33 points from Olaf Michalczuk and a solid display of shooting from Joshua Osayanrhion with 24 allied to point guard and captain Eddie Sheehy conducting affairs from the top of the key cemented the young Warriors’ back to back title win.

Some excellent defence from Donal O’Sullivan, Eoin Creedon and Osayanrhion held the impressive Éanna attack, particularly late on, to see out the win.

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The opening quarter threatened to turn into a personal duel between Warriors Olaf Michalczuk and Éanna’s Neil Coghlan as the respective sharpshooters lit up early on.

Dean Kiernan nailed an effort from outide for Éanna to start the bidding but Michalczuk responded by swotting in a hat-trick of threes to build an 11-6 lead for the Tralee side.

However Coghlan went one better by landing four majors in row to see the Dublin side lead by 5. Kiernan and captain Cathal O’Sullivan edged Éanna further ahead but late efforts from Eddie Sheehy and Brian O’Leary cut the gap to 22-20 at quarter time.

Evan Boyle takes flight to score in the Mens U20 Final

The second quarter rocked and rolled from one end to the other with the Warriors having the better of the early exchanges.

Evan Boyle and O’Leary were in range from distance and when Boyle added again and Sheehy converted after a pinpoint pass from Osayanrhion the Warriors wrestled the lead back and forced an Éanna time out call.

Josh Osayanrhion lands a tough score in the Mens U20 Final. Photo: Liam Ryan

Out of the timeout Éanna conjured a four point play from Shanay Shah which left a single point between the teams but Osaynarhion and Sheehy would share the next 11 points for the Warriors while efforts from O’Sullivan, Nathan Comerford and Victor Lovic kept the Warriors in check.

However despite a late double from Comerford for Éanna, Osayanrhion and Michalczuk would both fire down from beyond the arc to give the Warriors a deserved lead of 49-42 at half time.

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MVP Olaf Michalczuk banks in a great score in the Mens U20 Final. Photo: Liam Ryan

The Warriors took the initiative to push on in the third after O’Sullivan, Shah and Coghlan narrowed the gap but a double from Donal O’Sullivan and two superb threes from Michalczuk gave the Tralee side a double digit lead.

Osayanrhion with an identical double and David Lucid with his first of the day pushed the gap to 14 and Éanna again had to call a timeout to regroup.

The quick break worked as the Dublin side hit 9 for the next 12 points scored but Evan Boyle restored order for Warriors with a corner three.

Eddie Sheehy with a left handed lay up in the Mens U20 Final

However Éanna pegged the advantage back to single figures with O’Sullivan and Comerford taking full advantage from the line to cut the gap to 76-67 at three quarter time.

Éanna were on the mark early in the fourth through Lovic and another major from captain O’Sullivan but Michalczuk’s radar was still on point and he landed his seventh three of the contest to keep six between the sides.

Another Michalczuk double either side of efforts from Creedon and Osayanrhion has the advantage back out to 12 but Comeford and a quickfire six from the Éanna captain had the lead done to a single score at 87-84.

Mens U20 MVP Olaf Michalczuk receives his MVP award from Paul Barrett from Basketball Ireland. PHOTO: ©INPHO/Tom Maher

What proved to be the killer score in the contest Michalczuk cracked in his eighth three to spread the game again and when Brian O’Leary and Osayanrhion both converted from the line the gap was back out to 10 with 1’27’’ on the clock.

Éanna battled to the final buzzer and even with scores from Lovic, Comerford and Coghlan it wasn’t enough and fittlingly Michalczuk and Osayanrhion landed the final scores of the game to seal the Mens U20 National League title for the second year in a row.

Tralee Warriors captain Eddie Sheehy leads the celebrations after the game. Photo: ©INPHO/Tom Maher

Scorers:

Tralee Warriors: Olaf Michalczuk 33, Joshua Osayanrhion 24, Eddie Sheehy 13

Éanna: Cathal O’Sullivan 30, Neil Coghlan 22, Nathan Comerford 17

Captain Eddie Sheehy gratefully accepted the Mens U20 National trophy for the second year running and Olaf Michalczuk deservedly picked up MVP award.

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PREVIEW: Warriors Look Forward To Inaugural BIDL Decider

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Tralee Warriors BIDL Squad that overcame Ongar Chasers in the semi-final. Back Row L to R: Brian O’Leary, Adam O’Keeffe, Daniel Bowler, Aaron Fleming, Steven Bowler, Padraig Fleming, Daire Kennelly Capt.,  Joshua Osayanrhion. Front Row L to R: Olaf Michalczuk, James Fernane, Zigi Kaletka, John Feely Photo: Alan Cantwell

By Alan Cantwell

THE Warriors BIDL side take on Carrick Cruisers in the final of the inaugural Basketball Ireland Development League (BIDL) final on Sunday next at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght.

The Warriors have made it to the final with an unbeaten run of five games to take their place in the very first final of the newly introduced competition.

The Warriors booked their ticket for Tallaght with a win over Ongar Chasers in a semi-final meeting in Moyderwell that the Tralee side threatened to dominate after the early exchanges.

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However Ongar came right back into the contest and kept the Warriors honest to the very end before Luke O’Hea’s side finally saw out an 84-73 win.

The Warriors are unbeaten in after their four group matches with wins over Clare Crusaders, Tipp Talons, Fr. Mathews and St. Mary’s Castleisland along with two walkovers over Portlaoise Panthers and Clare Comets.

They topped the table in Conference 1 with the offensive prowess of James Fernane, Joshua Osayanrhion, Olaf Michalczuk, Dan and Steven Bowler and Fleming brothers Padraig and Aaron a huge part of the Warriors success to date.

The Warriors Development side have a number of the U20 players doubling up at the weekend including Joshua Osayanrhion, Olaf Michalczuk, and Eddie Sheehy as well as current Warriors Seniors Steven Bowler and Zigi Kaletka and former players James Fernane, Daire Kennelly and Padraig and Aaron Fleming.

They will take on a Carrick Cruisers from Carrickmacross in Co. Monaghan who sealed their place in the decider with an 85-70 win over St. Mary’s Castleisland in the semi-final.

The Cruisers went through the round robin phase of the competition with 6 wins and a single defeat away to Phoenix Wolves.

They boast former Super League players Martins Provizors who played with DCU St. Vincents along with talent elsewhere on the court including Ramunas Ramunauskas, Vitalijus Kaminkas, Audrius Urbanavicius and Andrew O’Connor.

The BIDL Mens Final tips off at 11.00am on Sunday next the 14th of April at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght.

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REPORT: Warriors Under 20s Through To Another National Final

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Alan Cantwell reports on the Mens U20 National League – Semi Final held in Moyderwell last night…

Tralee Warriors 77

Limerick Celtics 76

Tralee Warriors U20 Squad. Back row from left: David Lucid, Joshua Osayanrhion, Olaf Michalczuk, Brian O’Leary, Phoenix Costello, Donal O’Sullivan, Gary Lynch, Andrew Wallace. Front row from left: Eoin Creedon, Eddie Sheehy, Eli Fitzgerald, Evan Boyle.

DEFENDING champions Tralee Warriors are back in the Mens U20 National League final for the second year in a row after their title defence put to the ultimate test and right down to the wire before they prevailed by a single point over Limerick Celtics in a pulsating semi-final at Moyderwell last night.

Celtics threatened to spoil the party for the huge crowd gathered at the home of St. Brendan’s as they got off to a flying start and led 13-5 midway through the first quarter.

Baskets from Cian Gleeson, Philip Kearney and a double each from Matthew Barry and Dennis Matthews allied to a full press had the Warriors in disarray early on.

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Olaf Michalczuk hit the opening score from distance before Evan Boyle arced in the first of his five majors to cut the gap to 15-9, but Limerick pressed again and were finding scores at will through Kearney, Jack Golden, Gleeson and Kearney and despite late efforts from Michalczuk from inside and out and Eddie Sheehy with his first, the visitors held a commanding 31-17 lead at quarter time.

The Warriors fired their way right back into the contest with a much better second quarter that saw Josh Osayanrhion, Donal O’Sullivan and Sheehy combine for an early dozen points with Celtics keeping the pressure on with a major each from Kearney and Gleeson.

Osayanrhion thrilled the crowd with an incredible step to the board that sparked a Warriors run that saw them hit 10 points in row for a combination of Sheehy, Creedon, O’Sullivan and Michalczuk turning a 14 point deficit around to see the sides level at 43-43 at half time.

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Eoin Creedon’s tough basket early in the third had the Warriors ahead for the first time in the game and despite a quick reply from Golden, O’Sullivan tapped in to edge the Warriors back in front.

Boyle launched his second major effort of the night but Barry replied instantly to leave the minimum between the sides with 3’00’’ left in the quarter.

David Lucid made a big impact off the bench to open his account and quickly add another and when Brian O’Leary also fired in his first on the evening either side of a slalomed special from Sheehy, the Warriors took a 61-56 into the final quarter.

The Warriors looked more likely to prevail after Osayanrhion bossed the inside exchanges to score early in the fourth and when Michalczuk followed up by arcing in a cracker from the corner the lead was suddenly out to 10.

Celtics replied in kind when Gleeson found the basket from outside and Matthews quickly followed from inside to cut the gap to 5.

However after Osayanrhion took a heavy hit and capitalised from the line, Evan Boyle lit up to knock down two stunning threes in a row to put 13 between the teams with 3’00’’ on the clock. Celtics to their credit hit the next 10 unanswered points from Golden, Gleeson and Matthews to threaten an unlikely comeback.

With 1’14’’ on the clock and the Warriors desperate for another score to settle the contest the chance fell again to Boyle who calmly nailed his third of the quarter and fifth of the night to push the Tralee side 6 ahead inside the final minute.

Celtic fought bravely to the end and another Matthew Barry three and a late trip to the line for Oliver Barry cut the gap to a single point but the Warriors were not to be denied and held on, and only just, to secure a place in the Mens U20 National League final and their chance to retain their title in Tallaght in two weeks time.

The Warriors now wait to see who they will face when Éanna host Titans in the other semi-final to be played on Bank Holiday Monday in Colaiste Éanna with tip off at 1.30pm.

Scorers:

Tralee Warriors: Joshua Osayanrhion 17, Olaf Michalczuk 15, Evan Boyle 15, Eddie Sheehy 12

Limerick Celtics: Matthew Barry 17, Cian Gleeson 16, Dennis Matthews 13

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PHOTOS/REPORT: Tralee Warriors Through To Final Of Men’s Development League

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Alan Cantwell reports on the Basketball Ireland Development League Semi Final held on Sunday in Tralee…

Tralee Warriors 84

Ongar Chasers 73

Tralee Warriors BIDL Squad. Back Row L to R: Brian O’Leary, Adam O’Keeffe, Daniel Bowler, Aaron Fleming, Steven Bowler, Padraig Fleming, Daire Kennelly Capt., Joshua Osayanrhion. Front Row L to R: Olaf Michalczuk, James Fernane, Zigi Kaletka, John Feely. Photo by Alan Cantwell

TRALEE Warriors secured their place in the final of the Mens Basketball Ireland Development League with a win over Ongar Chasers in Moyderwell on Sunday night.

The Warriors led throughout and always had the Dublin side in check, winning out by 84-73 in the end.

They now await the winners of the second semi-final on Thursday and the meeting of Carrick Cruisers and St. Mary’s Castleisland so an all Kerry final is still a possibility.

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Both sides started well with the Warriors edging the early exchanges after Lourd Renz Valenzuela had the visitors on the board in the first play and a three from Eimantas Spudulis gave the Chasers the lead.

Steven Bowler scores from close range. Photo: Liam Ryan

James Fernane impressively fired down a hat trick of three pointers and when Olaf Michalczuk also struck from distance the Warriors led 18-8 but Valenzuela nailed a major score and baskets from Brady Kalemba and Matteo Fontana saw Ongar cut the advantage to 18-15 at quarter time.

David Roche and Fontana were in range for the visitors early in the second to see the Dublin outfit briefly lead but Fernane’s accuracy from distance saw him fire down another double and when Joshua Osayanrhion got in on the act with a quickfire 8 points the Warriors led 36-28.

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Fontana was again on the mark for Ongar from either side of the arc and a double from Henry Benson saw just a single score between the teams.

However the Warriors quickly added with baskets from Dan Bowler, Osayanrhion and a three from Steven Bowler to take a 44-34 lead to the half time break.

Steven Bowler lands a huge three pointer. Photo: Liam Ryan

The Warriors asserted early in the third and Osayanrhion and Padraig Fleming combined for 10 to consolidate the halftime advantage but Ongar kept the hosts in their sights through Valenzuela, Fontana, Spudulis and Kevin Shimba.

Zigi Kaletka sparked another run from Warriors that saw both Michalczuk and Osayanrhion strike with a double each and suddenly the lead was out to 16 but Kalemba hit the final score of the quarter to cut the gap to 64-50 at three quarter time.

Padraig Fleming on the mark for Warriors. Photo: Liam Ryan

The Chasers to their credit halved the Warriors lead early in the final quarter after Osayanrhion and Kaletka added for the hosts with scores from Spudulis, Kalemba, Roche and Benson the advantage was down to 71-64 and when Elias Owie fired in either side of a Kalemba effort it was further cut to 75-70.

However Steven Bowler steadied the Warriors ship with a cracking major score and with Ongar in foul trouble Fernane, Osayanrhion and Dan Bowler converted from the line to seal the 84-73 win in the end.

Olaf Micahalczuk lays up one handed. Photo: Liam Ryan

Scorers:

Tralee Warriors: Joshua Osayanrhion 27, James Fernane 16, Dan Bowler 12

Ongar Chasers: Brady Kalemba 18, Matteo Fontana 14, Lourd Renz Valenzuela 11

Josh Osayanrhion lays up a score. Photo: Liam Ryan
James Fernane launches another three point effort. Photo: Liam Ryan

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PHOTOS/REPORT: Warriors Knocked Out By Éanna’s Late Sucker Punch

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Alan Cantwell on the InsureMyVan.ie Men’s Super League 2023/2024 – QF Playoff game…

Éanna 82

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 81

Kieran Donaghy lands a tough score. Photo by Liam Ryan

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors bowed out of the InsureMyVan.ie Mens Super League after a last second sucker punch from Éanna knocked them out of the post season playoff at the quarter final stage.

Having edged ahead in the dying seconds with two clutch free throws from captain Eoin Quigley, the Warriors needed to defend an inbound play from the hosts with 2.7 seconds on the clock.

Kristian Andabaka’s cross court pass was fielded by James Gormley above Warriors Cian Sullivan and he calmly tapped in for the winning basket.

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It was a roller coaster of a game from start to finish with both sides having their runs and periods of dominance but in the end it is Éanna who go through with a meeting with Maree and for the Warriors it is the end of the road for this campaign.

Eoin Quigley launches from distance. Photo by Liam Ryan

Éanna were first on the board twice through James Gormley in the frantic early exchanges but an Eoin Quigley three got the Warriors in gear and an inside effort from Rap Buivydas edged the visitors ahead.

Kieran Donaghy, Cian Sullivan, Caleb Jordan, Elijah Weaver and Daniel Jokubaitis opened their personal accounts one after the other to see the Warriors lead 17-14 but Matthew McClain and Mark Reynolds struck late in the quarter to see Éanna lead by the minimum 20-19 at quarter time.

The Warriors embarked on a devastating run in the second that threatened to blow the game wide open.

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From the moment Quigley found the basket again to Jokubaitis’ first three of the night, the Warriors had doubled their quarter time score to lead 38-26 just past the midway point in the quarter.

Éanna’s resistance came from their dangerman Josh Wilson from either side of the arc and when Sean Jenkins found the basket for the first time the gap was back to 10.

Elijah Weaver scores over Sean Jenkins. Photo by Liam Ryan

The Warriors pushed on again and Jordan, Donaghy and Jokubaitis combined to widen the gap but a crucial three from Jenkins held the half time score to 46-33 to the Warriors.

Whatever was said in the Éanna dressing room at the long break worked the oracle as the hosts simply blitzed the Tralee side with a relentless run that saw them play their way right back into the contest and turn the deficit around to lead late on.

Despite back to back dunks from Sullivan and another tough effort from Buivydas for Warriors early on, four threes in a row for Éanna from Wilson, Andabaka and tow from Jenkins cut the lead back to 8 and when Wilson, Gormley and Desnica combined the advantage was down to a single score.

Daniel Jokubaitis arcs a score over Josh Wilson. Photo by Liam Ryan

Caleb Jordan stopped the rot for Warriors but Jenkins immediately hit back with his third three of the quarter to level at 55-55.

Buivydas and Donaghy and Gormley and Andabaka exchanged scores as the clock ticked down but Wilson would have the final say in the quarter with a major score to see the hosts lead 62-59 at three quarter time.

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In a frenetic and at times chaotic final quarter the Warriors fired their way back into the lead when threes from Weaver, Quigley and a cracking effort from Darragh O’Hanlon edged them 70-69 ahead with Wilson, McClain and Jenkins keeping Éanna ticking over at the other end.

Cian Sullivan mid range score. Photo by Liam Ryan

The sides were level on no fewer than five occasions but Jenkins fifth major of the night and a double from Wilson saw Éanna lead 76-74. Jokubaitis found his range in timely fashion to strike from distance and when Weaver danced his way to the board the Warriors led 79-76.

The hosts struck back again as the atmosphere in Colaiste Éanna reached fever pitch with Wilson again the go to man for the hosts and Andabaka converting from the line to see the hosts lead by 80-79 inside the final minute.

However Wilson was called out for a block on Quigley as he drove to the Éanna board and the Warriors captain calmly swished the clutch free throws to look like giving Warriors the win.

Caleb Jordan lays up for Warriors. Photo by Liam Ryan

However there was one final twist in the tail as an Éanna time out allowed them restart with 2.7 seconds on the clock and with the Warriors desperate to lock down all options, Kristian Andabaka found James Gormley with a pin point pass and he nailed the winner on the buzzer to see Éanna through to the semi final meeting with Maree next weekend.

Éanna: Josh Wilson 21, Sean Jenkins 19, Kristian Andabaca 16

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Elijah Weaver 18, Caleb Jordan 17, Daniel Jokubaitis 12

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PHOTOS/REPORT: Warriors Come From Behind To Seal Semi-Final Place

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Alan Cantwell reports on the InsureMyVan.ie Men’s U20 National League 2023/2024 – Quarter Final on Bank Holiday Monday…

Tralee Warriors 68

Templeogue 65

Olaf Michalczuk corner three Photo by Liam Ryan

Tralee Warriors’ credentials to win back to back Mens U20 National League titles survived a thorough examination on Bank Holiday Monday when they came from behind to overcome a talented Templeogue side and qualify for a semi-final meeting with Limerick Celtics.

It was far from straightforward for Luke O’Hea’s charges as they trailed by as much as 8 late in the third but a 20-10 final quarter saw them power home to keep their title defence intact.

Templeogue had the better of the early exchanges with baskets from inside and outside from Jacob Fazande, Adam Tighe and Jake Mullins giving the visitors an 11-6 with the Warriors on the mark through Josh Osayanrhion, Olaf Michalczuk and Eddie Sheehy.

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The hosts were back on terms when Michalczuk knocked down his first three of the evening and Sheehy slalomed to board to land a fine score.

Despite another tough basket from Jacob Fazande, the Warriors edged ahead through Osayanrhion and Sheehy to lead 19-16 at the end of the first.

Joshua Osayanrhion finishes in style. Photo by Liam Ryan

The Warriors took off on an impressive run early in the second and with Sheehy, Osayanrhion, Michalczuk, Brian O’Leary and Donal O’Sullivan all getting in on the act to see the home side’s lead blow out to 35-21.

However Templeogue regrouped and finished the quarter the stronger with scores from Mullins and Gian Cabello with a double each, Jack Wright and Jacob Fazande cut the gap to 5.

Eoin Creedon was to have the last say in the quarter landing a tough effort to give the Warriors a 41-34 half-time lead.

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Templeogue began the third quarter with real intent and by the time Jake Mullins had landed his second basket of the quarter to add to efforts from Adam Tighe and  Jacob Fazande, the Dublin side led 46-44.

Eddie Sheehy with a brilliant solo effort. Photo by Liam Ryan

The Warriors solitary score was a major from Creedon as they struggled to contain the Templeogue offence.

It got worse for the Warriors when Tighe, Fazande and Wright shared a combined 7 points late on to stretch their advantage to 53-45. Crucially for the Warriors Olaf Michalczuk got a late, late open look to arc in a cracking three to cut the Templeogue lead to 53-48 at three quarter time.

Brian O’Leary pared the lead to a single score early in the fourth but Templeogue’s response was immediate with Wright and Mullins striking from either side of the arc before Michalczuk hit nothing but net again to spark another Warriors run that would prove to be decisive.

Eddie Sheehy scores unopposed. Photo by Liam Ryan

O’Leary followed his lead with a major from the wing and Eddie Sheehy took responsibility to land two tough inside scores to edge the Warriors ahead again by the minimum.

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Osayanrhion then struck for the score of the game landing an alley oop effort after being teed up by Sheehy, he slammed in a jaw dropping score to bring the sizable crowd in Moyderwell to their feet.

Donal O’Sullivan jumper for a two. Photo by Liam Ryan

It seemed to instantly diffuse the Templeogue challenge and Osaynrhion took the momentum from his stunning score to post a quickfire 5 points to see out the win for Warriors by 68-63 in the end.

Tralee Warriors: Joshua Osayanrhion 19, Eddie Sheehy 16,Olaf Michalczuk 14

Templeogue: Jake Mullins 16, Jacob Fazande 16, Jack Wright 15

Brian O’Leary knocks down a score. Photo by Liam Ryan
The Warriors U20 team. Photo by Liam Ryan

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PHOTOS/REPORT: After Victory Over Moycullen, Warriors Now Face Éanna In League Playoff

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Alan Cantwell on the InsureMyVan.ie Men’s Super League 2023/2024 – Round 19 game at the weekend…

Moycullen 79

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 85

Elijah Weaver lands two of his 30 points. Photo by Liam Ryan

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors will take on Éanna in the quarter final playoff of the InsureMyVan.ie on Saturday, March 23 at Colaiste Éanna, Rathfarnham (Tip off 7pm) after the final round of regulation fixtures were played out over the weekend.

The Warriors got back to winning ways on Saturday night with an 85-79 win away to Moycullen to provide a timely arrest to a run of four straight defeats while the combination of Éanna’s win in Belfast and Killester loss at home to Maree cemented the arrangements for the quarter final playoffs.

Elsewhere Maree will host EJ Sligo AllStars, Killester will travel to Ballincollig and Belfast will play UCC Demons who easily accounted for a very disappointing Flexachem KCYMS in the final regulation game on Sunday.

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The Warriors and Moycullen produced an entertaining and highly competitive contest for a game that both sides knew had little bearing on the final League standings.

The Warriors were assured of a third place finish and Moycullen were already regulated from Super League prior to tip-off but in fairness to both teams that may not have been apparent to those that saw the game unfold.

Daniel Jokubaitis lays up in style. Photo by Liam Ryan

The hosts got off to a flying start and a combination of scores from captain Grant Olssen, Connor Dickerson, James Connaire and Aitor Perez gave the Galway side a 14-7 lead midway through the first.

Elijah Weaver fired Warriors in the contest hitting 12 of the Tralee sides 16 first quarter points and when Caleb Jordan opened his account the sides were level at 14-14.

However Olssen struck from outside and with a last gasp fast break lay-up with 3 seconds on the clock to see Moycullen lead 19-16 at quarter time.

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Olssen continued to cause the Warriors defence problems and he hit 12 straight to push the hosts ahead mid-way through the second.

Weaver was equally elusive on offence and with scores from Jordan and Cian Sullivan adding to Daniel Jokubaitis’ first three of the night the sides were level again at 29-29.

A hat trick of tough banked efforts from Jokubaitis edged the Warriors ahead for the first time in the game but Moycullen hit back through Olssen, Dickerson and Ivan Basic to take a single point lead 40-39 to the long break.

Daniel Jokubaitis arcs a score over Connor Dickerson. Photo by Liam Ryan

The Warriors came to terms with the threat posed by Olssen in the third and after the Moycullen captain struck again early in the third it was to be his only score of the quarter. Cian Sullivan, Jokubaitis and a cracking three from Eoin Quigley saw the Warriors hit the 50 point mark and lead by 5 as the clock ticked down to the fifth minute.

However the hosts wrestled the lead back with efforts from either side of the arc from Basic before Warriors took the upper hand in the contest with a decisive run late in the quarter and back to back threes from Weaver, one of the scores of the night from distance from Joshua Osayanrhion and a huge dunk from Sullivan had the visitors leading 68-61 at the end of the third.

Cian Sullivan lands a one-handed effort over Aitor Perez. Photo by Liam Ryan

Eoin Quigley’s second major pushed the advantage out to 10 early in the fourth and despite a three from Patrick Lyons and a quickfire 8 points from Basic, Jordan and Jokuabitis added to keep the Warriors lead intact.

Moycullen quickly landed in foul trouble as they tried to repel the advances of Elijah Weaver but the Warriors new signing was flawless from the line hitting six from six before the hosts talisman Olssen surrendered his fifth foul to put an end to his influence on the contest.

Back to back threes late on from Ivan Basic typified Moycullen’s effort on the night as they fought right to the very end of their 13th season in the top flight and to keep the Warriors honest. However, two clutch free throws from Caleb Jordan in the final seconds sealed the final score line of 85-79.

Moycullen: Ivan Basic 30, Grant Olssen 27, Aitor Perez 6

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Elijah Weaver 30, Caleb Jordan 13, Daniel Jokubaitis 11

Caleb Jordan with a jump shot. Photo by Liam Ryan

• Super League now moves into the playoffs phase and Warrior will travel to Éanna in Colaiste Éanna next Saturday for their quarter final – tip off on Saturday, March 23 at 7pm at Coláiste Eanna in Rathfarnham.

Playoffs:
A. Belfast Star v UCC Demons
B. Maree v EJ Sligo AllStars
C. Éanna v Garvey Tralee Warriors 
D. Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig v Killester

Semi Finals:
Winners A v Winners D
Winners B v Winners C
Higher ranked team have home advantage

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Big Games Ahead For Warriors Under 20 And Development League Sides

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The Warriors Under 20 squad.

By Alan Cantwell

While the Warriors Super League team is preparing for playoff action in the coming weeks, the younger teams in the club will also face their knockout clashes over the next two weekends.

The defending National League U20s champions Tralee Warriors will take to the court on Bank Holiday Monday 18th March to face Templeogue in the semi final in Moyderwell.

Both teams come into their last eight contest having won all bar one of their round robin games with the Warriors getting the better of Ballincollig, Blue Demons, Neptune and Killorglin and losing out in a thriller with Limerick Lions in Group 1 while Templeogue suffered just one defeat to Éanna while getting the better of Portlaoise Panthers, SETU Carlow, UCD Marian and St. Vincent’s in Group 3.

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It promises to be a cracking contest between two sides that look well met with the prize a place in this season’s National League semi-final.

The Warriors Basketball Ireland Development League team.

A week later the Tralee Warriors Basketball Ireland Development League side will take on Ongar Chasers from Dublin in the League semi-final on Saturday 24th March at 6.30pm in Moyderwell.

The Warriors came through the Conference 1 games unbeaten while Ongar suffered just one defeat at the hand of Phoenix Wolves. This also promises to be a great contest with both sides looking for a place in the inaugural BIDL League Final.

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PHOTOS/REPORT: Warriors Loss To Killester Seals Away Playoff Date

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Alan Cantwell reports on the InsureMyVan.ie Men’s Super League 2023/2024 – Round 18 game at the weekend…

Killester 90

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 76

Elijah Weaver hooks in a score. Photo by Liam Ryan

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors are certain to finish the regulation season in third place in the Southern Conference after a 90-76 defeat to Killester in the IWA in Clontarf on Saturday allied to Ballincollig’s win away to Ulster University confirmed their final standing with one game remaining to be played, away to Moycullen next Saturday.

The Warriors will face either Éanna or Killster away in the Super League playoff on the weekend of the 23rd/24th March depending on the Dublin sides’ respective results in the final round of games this weekend.

Killester made the most of home advantage on Saturday and had the better of the early exchanges despite Caleb Jordan and Elijah Weaver shooting the Warriors ahead they eased to an 11-5 lead with Kason Harrell, Paul Dick and Troy Simons on the mark.

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Jordan, Eoin Quigley and Joshua Osayanrhion combined to cut the gap but Ciaran Roe took aim to nail three threes in a row to push the advantage out to 22-11.

A double from distance from Daniel Jokubaitis and a mid range effort from Weaver closed the gap but a major effort from Harrell saw the hosts lead 27-20 at the end of the first.

Daniel Jokubaitis lands a score off the fingertips. Photo by Liam Ryan

Killester were finding their scores easier to come by and both Simons and Yanis Lahgazi were on target from beyond the arc early in the second quarter but Weaver hit back with a hat-trick of scores to keep the Warriors in touch.

Gregorio Adon then lit up for the hosts with a quickfire 7 points but that prompted Jokubaitis, Jordan and Weaver to queue up and land a major score one after the other to keep the Killester lead to single figures.

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Tomas Fernandez replied with a double and yet another score from Harrell saw Killester take a 53-39 lead to the halftime break.

The third quarter saw the Warriors embark on an impressive run to play their way right back into the contest by outscoring Killester 19-12.

Joshua Osayanrhion gets a tough shot away. Photo by Liam Ryan

Kason Harrell was the sole scorer for Killester in the quarter but the Warriors founds their baskets courtesy of Cian Sullivan, doubles from Weaver and Osayanrhion and two signature threes from Jokubaitis to pare back the hosts lead to 65-58 at the end of the third.

Elijah Weaver provided the Warriors with the best possible start to the fourth with an and-one score cutting the advantage to 65-61.

Cian Sullivan scores from mid range. Photo by Liam Ryan

However that was as good as it got for John Dowling’s side as Killester regrouped and fired their way to a 12 point lead through Adon and former Warrior Paul Dick and when Harrell and Simons both got good looks from distance the lead blew out to 17.

The Warriors scoring was by now too sporadic to launch a meaningful run but baskets from Weaver and Jordan kept Killester honest to the end. As the clock ticked down, two more major scores from Simons and two free throws from the irrepressible  Kason Harrell saw the Dublin side home by 90-76 in the end.

Joshua Osayanrhion adds a basket from close range. Photo by Liam Ryan

Scorers – Killester: Kason Harrell 30, Troy Simons 23, Gregorio Adon 11

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Elijah Weaver 28, Daniel Jokubaitis 16, Caleb Jordan 12

Eoin Quigley one handed lay up. Photo by Liam Ryan

• Next up for the Warriors is the final round game in the regulation season when they travel to Galway to take on Moycullen in the Kingfisher Arena on Saturday next at 7.30pm.

The outcome of the game will have no bearing on the final placings in the South Conference with the Warriors already assured of a playoff quarter final away to either Éanna or Killester.

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PHOTOS/REPORT: Maree Remain Top As Warriors Home Quarter-Final Hopes Fade

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Alan Cantwell reports on the InsureMyVan.ie Men’s Super League 2023/2024 – Round 17 game in Tralee on Sunday…

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 81

Maree 89

New signing Elijah Weaver knocks down a corner three. Photo by Liam Ryan

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors hopes of securing home court advantage for the upcoming playoffs were dealt a serious blow when going down by 89-81 to Maree in their last home game of the regulation season at the Tralee Sports Complex on Sunday afternoon.

The win sees Maree remain in pole position in the Southern Conference with Ballincollig’s win at home to Belfast Star on Saturday helping the Cork side’s quest to seal a second place spot on the ladder.

The Warriors now face the prospect of a third place finish which will see them taking a difficult road trip to face the second placed team in the Northern Conference when the standings are finalised in two weeks time.

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Maree started brightly with Terence Lewis landing a double inside the opening 90 seconds but new signing Elijah Weaver heralded his arrival to Tralee with a well taken major score with his first touch and when Caleb Jordan followed up with an basket from inside the Warriors led 6-4.

Rap Buivydas shoots a score over Zvonimir Cutuk. Photo by Liam Ryan

Tom Dumont knocked down his first of four threes of the day but Daniel Jokubaitis countered immediately to level the game at 11-11 midway through the quarter.

Ty Gadsden soloed his way to Maree’s next 10 points to edge the visitors ahead with an impressive volley but Weaver, Jordan and Cian Sullivan combined to cut the gap to a single point 20-21 at quarter time.

The game ebbed and flowed through the second quarter with the sides level on no fewer than six occasions.

A double from distance from Jokubaitis and another major from Weaver either side of an Eddie Sheehy drive saw the Warriors briefly lead but four in a row from Lewis restored parity at 31-31 half way through the quarter.

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Maree continued to test the Warriors defensive resolve from all angles and baskets from Dumont, Lewis and Zvomimir Cutuk eased the Galway side 39-35 ahead.

Eoin Quigley reaches above Zvomimir Cutuk to score. Photo by Liam Ryan

However the Warriors responded well with Sullivan bossing the exchanges under the Maree board landing a double and efforts from inside and outside from Rap Buivydas and Jokubaitis locked up the scores again at 43-43 at half time.

Gadsden and Dumont were on the mark for Maree again early in the third but a signature Jokubaitis three and a double from Eoin Quigley saw the Warriors take the lead again.

Caleb Jordan shoots a score over Ty Gadsden. Photo by Liam Ryan

The hosts’ aggressive defence proved costly as Maree took full advantage of a number of fouls through Gadsden, Kyle Carey and John Burke to take a decisive 64-57 lead.

Baskets from Quigley and another double from Sullivan kept the Warriors well in touch but a huge three from Eoghan Rockall ensured that the visitors took a 68-63 lead into the final quarter.

Dumont was in range from beyond the arc again early in the fourth but scores from Weaver and back to back efforts from Jordan pared the Maree lead back to single score.

Daniel Jokubaitis fires a typical three over Eoghan Rockall. Photo by Liam Ryan

The Galway side looked the more likely to prevail when Dumont, Cutuk and Rockall combined to open up an eight point lead as the clock ticked down but Weaver from distance and another mid range effort from Jordan saw the gap cut to just a single score again.

The game was effectively settled with two major scores, the first from Kyle Carey and the second from Tom Dumont leaving the Warriors to scramble for a dramatic late comeback.

Caleb Jordan with a one handed llay up. Photo by Liam Ryan

However, the home side’s failure to convert six from eight free throws allied to Daniel Jokubaitis and Kieran Donaghy fouling out late on sealed their fate on a final scoreline of 89-81.

Scorers:

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Daniel Jokubaitis 19, Elijah Weaver 18, Cian Sullivan 15
Maree: Ty Gadsden 22, Tom Dumont 22, Terence Lewis 20

• Next up for the Warriors is a tough road trip to face Killester at the IWA in Clontarf next weekend. Anything but a win for John Dowling’s side will cement their third place on the Conference table ahead of the last game of the regulation season when they travel to Moycullen on St. Patrick’s weekend.

The Warriors’ slim hopes of a home quarter final rest on winning both their remaining games and Ballincollig losing away to both University of Ulster and a Cork derby with Neptune in their last two games.

This combination of results would see the sides finish level on 36 points each but the Warriors would secure second spot by virtue of a four point advantage in the home and away record between the sides from their 86-73 win at home against their 80-71 loss away. 

In a game decided by the smallest of margins, there could be a twist in the tale yet.

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PHOTOS/REPORT: Back To Back Losses Sees Warriors Slip To Third 

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Steven Bowler jump shot from close range. Photo by Liam Ryan

Alan Cantwell reports on the InsureMyVan.ie Men’s Super League 2023/2024 – Round 16 game in Cork on Saturday…

Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig 80

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 71

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors hopes of securing a home quarter final in the upcoming Super League playoffs suffered a huge blow yesterday when going down 80-71 to Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig at the MTU Arena in Cork.

The result, allied to Maree’s overtime win over UCC Demons, sees the Warriors drop to third on the South Conference table and they now face a battle to secure a favourable spot in the top four as the race to the playoffs come into sharp focus.

The Warriors got off to a great start and led after captain Eoin Quigley knocked down efforts from either side of the arc and Rap Buivydas, Jarvis Doles and Caleb Jordan combined to build a 12-5 lead.

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Ballincollig’s response was channelled through Andre Nation who took on the scoring brief with the absence of the free scoring Shawndale Jones Jnr. who was out through injury.

Nation hit five on the bounce with Sean McManus chipping in to cut the Warriors lead to 16-13 midway through the quarter.

Kieran Donaghy on the mark from close range. Photo by Liam Ryan

Former Warriors Nikola Roso hit a late double either side of a score from Luke O’Sullivan. However two late threes from Daniel Jokubaitis and Darragh O’Hanlon saw the visitors lead 24-20 at quarter time.

The second quarter was a low scoring affair with Ballincollig taking a 27-25 lead with Nation and Adrian O’Sullivan adding before Keelan Cairns drilled a corner three early on.

The Warriors strategy of shooting from distance was yielding a poor return and it was with scores from inside the arc from Jordan and Buivydas that saw them wrestle the lead back.

Jarvis Doles one handed effort. Photo by Liam Ryan

Roso and McManus were in range late on but Quigley’s two from two from the line saw the Warriors lead 34-31 at half time.

The Warriors half time team talk must have referenced the lack of accuracy from distance as the visitors immediately improved with five threes in a row from Jordan, a double from Jokubaitis and another double from Quigley.

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Ballincollig’s player coach Ciaran O’Sullivan fired down a double of his own from beyond the arc to keep the Warriors lead to single figures.

However when McManus and Nation added again before Adrian O’Sullivan planted his feet and launched a huge three, Ballincollig edged ahead. A minute later he repeated the dose to give the hosts a big momentum swing as they led 55-49 at three quarter time.

The final quarter saw the sides go score for score but importantly for Ballincollig they managed to keep their lead intact with scores from Nation, McManus and Cairns negating a double each from Buivydas and Doles.

Daniel Jokubaitis knocks down a corner three. Photo by Liam Ryan

Daniel Jokubaitis knocked down an inspirational trademark effort from distance to cut the gap to a single score that prompted a Ballincollig timeout.

Out of the timeout a corner three from Quigley pared the lead down to a single point as the Warriors looked primed for a late run. However the hosts steadied and when McManus and Nation added with baseline drives and Roso hit four from four from the line the gap was out to 75-68.

Cian Sullivan gets a shot off over Ciaran O’Sullivan. Photo by Liam Ryan

With the seconds ticking down Sean McManus landed the decisive score to settle the contest with a brilliant score from outside the arc to seal the 80-71 win and give Ballincollig the priceless three League points on offer and their run to the playoffs a huge boost.

Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig: Andre Nation 22, Sean McManus 15, Adrian O’Sullivan 14

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Eoin Quigley 18, Daniel Jokubaitis 14, Caleb Jordan 13

• Next up for the Warriors is a potentially season defining clash at home to Maree in Tralee on Sunday 3rd March.

The fine margins in the race for the playoffs mean a win for the Warriors will put them right back in the mix for a home quarter final but a defeat will see them face the daunting prospect of a trip to face either Belfast, Éanna or Killester away.

The final standings will be made clear on St. Patrick’s weekend and with three games remaining the Warriors need every one of the nine points on offer.

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PHOTOS/REPORT: EJ Sligo AllStars Take A Second To Edge Out Warriors In Overtime

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Alan Cantwell reports on the InsureMyVan.ie Men’s Super League 2023/2024 – Round 15 game in Sligo…

EJ Sligo AllStars 102

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 101

(after overtime)

Steven Bowler gets a shot away. Photo by Liam Ryan

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors were edged out by a single point by EJ Sligo AllStars in an overtime thriller that ended in bizarre fashion at the Mercy College in Sligo on Saturday night.

An effort from Rap Buivydas looked like giving the Warriors the win with just one second left on the clock in overtime.

However the officials somehow found reason to add another one second allowing Sligo to get the ball back in play.

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Christian Williams had time to receive the ball, get fouled and shoot two clutch free throws to seal the unlikely win. All three teams at the top of the South Conference were all on the receiving end of defeats so the run to the playoffs is as you were heading into next weekend’s fixtures.

In an entertaining opening quarter the sides went score for score after Eoin Quigley had fired in the first basket of the night and Shon Briggs replied in kind.

Kieran Donaghy poised to score. Photo by Liam Ryan

A Giorgi Tvalabashvili dunk gave the hosts a 10-6 lead but Daniel Jokubaitis cut the gap with a signature three before Christian Williams struck back with a double from distance to push Sligo ahead by 5.

However the Warriors squared the game when Quigley arced in a major score and Jarvis Doles added his name to the scoresheet to level at 20-20 at quarter time.

The second quarter sparked into life with an early exchange of threes from Quigley and Oisin O’Reilly but a minute later O’Reilly struck again and a basket from Williams saw the hosts lead 28-24.

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The Warriors response was immediate and decisive as they launched a stunning 15 point volley to quickly build a double digit lead.

Doles, Buivydas, Kieran Donaghy and Caleb Jordan were all in range as the visitors pushed ahead. Sligo hit back with two threes from O’Reilly and another from Briggs to cut the lead to 46-41 but Quigley’s third three and two from two from the line from Doles gave the Warriors a 52-44 lead at half time.

Daniel Jokubaitis on the mark again. Photo by Liam Ryan

The third quarter belonged to Sligo as they embarked on a devastating offensive run to turn the game around.

The hosts scored at will through Williams, Briggs, Tvalabashvili and when O’Reilly fired down his fourth three of the night seven minutes into the quarter the Warriors had yet to add to their halftime tally and trailed by 64-52.

Rap Buivydas fired the visitors right back into the contest with scores from inside, outside and the line before another Jokubaitis major left just 4 between the sides with 1’00’’ on the clock.

Daniel Jokubaitis knocks down another three. Photo by Liam Ryan

However Sligo would have the final say in the quarter with O’Reilly knocking down his fifth three and a score apiece from Briggs and Tvalabashvili had Sligo leading 74-64 at the end of the third.

The Warriors hit an unanswered 10 points early in the fourth with Quigley, Cian Sullivan, Jordan, Donaghy and Doles combining to level the game again at 74-74 and despite another Doles effort from distance, Tom Child, Williams and Briggs were all in range to edge the hosts 84-79 ahead.

Jokubaitis added a quick fire five points to draw level again and threes from Child for Sligo and Buivydas for the Warriors kept the sides deadlocked with less than a minute to play.

Caleb Jordan pulls up for a score. Photo by Liam Ryan

Shon Briggs looked like he would be the game winner for Sligo when he fired in from inside and one from two from the line to put the hosts 90-87 up.

However in the final second of the game Daniel Jokubaitis unleashed a stunning three point effort to push the contest into over-time.

The sides went toe to toe in the additional five minutes after Williams broke the deadlock and an exchange of threes from the sharpshooting Jokubaitis and O’Reilly continued the stalemate inside the final minute.

Williams shot the hosts ahead from the line before Doles converted a technical foul free throw to cut the Sligo advantage to a single score.

Rap Buivydas stepped up to fire the Warriors into what appeared to be a winning lead with another and-one score with one second on the clock.

Caleb Jordan hooks in a score despite the attentions of Christiian Williams. Photo by Liam Ryan

However the officials decided there would be an additional second to play and that was enough time for Williams to receive the ball and take the foul before converting both free throws to give Sligo a 102-101 win in the most dramatic of circumstances.

EJ Sligo AllStars: Chrishon Briggs 31, Christian Williams 29, Oisin O’Reilly 21

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Rap Buivydas 23, Daniel Jokubaitis 19, Jarvis Doles 19,

• Next up for the Warriors is a trip to the MTU Arena in Bishopstown to take on Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig next weekend in a repeat of the Pat Duffy National Cup semi-final.

The Cork side edged that encounter but this time the stakes are equally high with three priceless League points on offer with both teams looking for home advantage in the League playoffs. Tip off at the MTU Arena in Cork next Saturday is 4.00pm.

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PHOTOS/REPORT: Warriors Square The Ledger With Local Derby Win Over Killorglin

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Caleb Jordan arcs in a three over Lucas McGregor. Photo by Liam Ryan

Alan Cantwell reports on the InsureMyVan.ie Men’s Super League 2023/2024 – Round 14 game on Saturday night…

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 91

Flexachem KCYMS 76

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors avenged the early season defeat to Flexachem KCYMS with a 91-76 win in front of a bumper sell-out crowd at the Tralee Sports Complex on Saturday night.

Killorglin had the better of the exchanges in the opening quarter before the Warriors moved up the gears and with a 29 point second and 30 point final quarter asserted their authority in the contest to win by 15 in the end.

Killorglin got off to a flying start with Scott Angus hitting a hat trick of score, Lovre Tvrdic netting a double and Kendall Jacks opening his account and despite a cracking three from Daniel Jokubaitis and a tough inside score from Caleb Jordan, the visitors led 15-5 at the midway point in the first quarter.

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The Warriors cut the gap to 4 with Jokubaitis, Jordan and captain Eoin Quigley all in range but Killorglin restored a double digit lead through Tvrdic, Terry Winn and a three from Lucas McGregor and despite a late effort from Rap Buivydas Killorglin led 22-13 at the end of the first.

Warriors captain Eoin Quigley fires in from distance. Photo by Liam Ryan

Killorglin pushed their lead out to double scores early in the second with two from Jacks but when Jokubaitis fired in a hat trick and Jarvis Doles followed with a double the Warriors were back on terms.

The hosts pressed up on Killorglin and it paid dividends when Jokuabitis forged another three point effort and when Rap Buivydas hooked in from close range the sides were level at 31 points apiece.

The Warriors had real momentum now and Doles fourth basket of the quarter was quickly added to by another trademark Jokubaitis three and the hosts suddenly led by 5.

Terry Winn provided Killorglin with some respite with back to back scores and McGregor’s second three of the night levelled the game again. However Caleb Jordan’s late basket saw the Warriors lead 42-40 at the long break.

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The third quarter saw the sides level on no fewer than five occasions as the game hung in the balance. Kendall Jacks levelled the game with his fourth of the night but scores from Jordan from inside and outside and Quigley were countered by Tvrdic and Winn and the sides remain deadlocked at 48-48.

Daniel Jokubaitis in typical three point shooting style. Photo by Liam Ryan

Liam Croke’s corner three edged the visitors ahead but Jokubaitis immediately hit back with his fourth major of the evening. Killorglin inched ahead again through Winn and Jacks but the Warriors ended the quarter in style with a Jordan double and a typical fadeaway effort from Doles gave the home side a 61-58 lead at three quarter time.

The Warriors seized the initiative early in the fourth when Jarvis Doles, Steven Bowler and Jokubaitis all fired in from distance and had the Warriors fans up out of their seats.

Daniel Jokubaitis lays up a score one-handed. Photo by Liam Ryan

Killorglin scrambled to find the target but baskets from Winn, Jacks and Angus saw the visitors pare the Warriors lead back to 72-67.

However John Dowling’s charges set sail for home with a 14 point volley firing their way to a 17 point lead. Jordan, Doles and Jokubaitis all continued to torment the Killorglin defence and the only resistance coming from Terry Winn with four scores in a row netting 9 points.

The final act of the game saw Olaf Michalczuk take centre stage with a showstopping three pointer to put the finishing touch to the 91-76 win.

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Daniel Jokubaitis 27, Caleb Jordan 23, Jarvis Doles 19

Flexachem KCYMS: Terry Winn 19, Kendall Jacks 17, Lovre Tvrdic 17

Eoin Quigley nets from close range despite the attentions of Scott Angus. Photo by Liam Ryan

• Next up for the Warriors is the first of four away trips in the last five games of the regulation season when they take on EJ Sligo Allstars. The Warriors overcame Sligo in the opening round of the National Cup in Tralee but since that game Sligo have secured the services of Chrishon Briggs who left Neptune mid-season and has been outstanding since his move west.

It promises to be a real test for the Warriors as the hosts will be buoyed by a recent win against Ballincollig and Saturday night’s win over Bright St. Vincent’s in Dublin. Tip off next Saturday at the Mercy College in Sligo is 7.30pm.

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REPORT: Warriors U20s Shoot Down Neptune To Set Up Showdown With Ballincollig  

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Alan Cantwell reports on the Mens U20 National League – Round 4 game in Cork on Sunday…

Tralee Warriors 103

Neptune 83

The Garveys Tralee Warriors U20 squad.

TRALEE Warriors overcame a determined challenge to secure a 103-83 win over Neptune at the Tralee Sports Complex on Sunday evening.

The win makes it three wins from four for the defending champions and sets up a Group 1 decider against the unbeaten Ballincollig at the MTU Arena in Cork on 17th February.

The Warriors made a bright start with Eddie Sheehy and Eoin Creedon opening their respective accounts but Neptune replied and led 11-6 after Dylan O’Rourke and Ciaran Duffy fired down three pointers either side of scores from Martin Khidiri and Emmet Fitzgerald.

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Warriors took control of the exchanges with Josh Osayanrhion and Brian O’Leary combining from inside and outside to give the hosts take back the lead.

An exchange of major scores late on from Sheehy and Duffy saw the Warriors take a 23-17 advantage into the second quarter.

The Warriors lit up in the second after Khidiri and Fitzgerald added for Neptune to blitz the Leesiders with a catalogue of scores that built a potentially game-winning lead.

Evan Boyle fired down a trademark three and Olaf Michalczuk followed suit either side of baskets from Creedon with two, Osayanrhion with three and Eddie Sheehy and with three minutes to half time the Warriors led 46-21.

Khidiri stopped the rot with a basket for the visitors and Duffy hit his third three but Michalczuk was again in range from distance and two from Sheehy and Donal O’Sullivan’s first of the night kept the Warriors run going.

David Bongcayao knocked down a three to edge Neptune closer but Michalczuk had the last word with a mid range effort to give the Warriors a 57-35 lead at half time.

Neptune needed a fast start to the second half but it was Warriors through Sheehy with a three that sparked another scoring blitz and by the time he hit his second major of the quarter the hosts led by 28.

Michalczuk and Osayanrhion continued to torment the Neptune rearguard as they pushed the lead out to 75-47.

To their credit Neptune rallied and halved the lead by the end of the quarter. Dylan O’Rourke added a nine point volley and a double from Duffy and another good score from Khidiri saw the sides to the final short break with the Warriors lead cut to 77-62.

Like the first quarter Eoin Creedon and Eddie Sheehy added the first two scores for the Warriors but Neptune’s resurgence continued with Khidiri with one combining with O’Rourke with a quick fire seven points and when Aodhan Cooke added his first of the night the Warriors advantage was down to 82-73.

However the Warriors regrouped and launched another salvo to push the lead back out to the comfort zone with Eddie Sheehy and Eoin Creedon laying up and Olaf Michalczuk hitting a belter from well beyond the arc.

Neptune fought right the way to the final buzzer and Khidiri and O’Rourke continued to find the Warriors basket but it was too little too late because at the other end the outstanding Sheehy and the dynamic Creedon found gaps in the paint to drive to the board for the scores that sealed the deal at 103-83.

The win sets up a showdown with Ballincollig at 1.00pm on Saturday 17th February as part of a double header with the Super League Warriors who take on Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig at 4.00pm.

Scorers:
Tralee Warriors: Eddie Sheehy 30, Olaf Michalczuk 24, Josh Osayanrhion 17
Neptune: Martin Khidiri 29, Dylan O’Rourke 26, Ciaran Duffy 13

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PHOTOS/REPORT: Warriors Dispel Demons With Incredible Comeback Win

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Alan Cantwell reports on the InsureMyVan.ie Men’s Super League 2023/2024 – Round 12 game at the Complex on Friday night…

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 90

UCC Demons 84

Jarvis Doles dunks a score as the Demons defence look on. Photo by Liam Ryan

Just six days after their heartbreaking defeat to Ballincollig in the National Cup semi-final, Garvey’s Tralee Warriors produced one of the great comebacks by turning around a 26 point deficit to fire their way a stunning 90-84 win over UCC Demons in front of a packed Tralee Sports Complex on Friday night.

The significance of the Warriors is underlined by the fact that they suited up without the services of arguably their best player this season in Ryan Leonard who watched from the bench with his knee in a brace after suffering an injury in Cork last weekend.

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Buoyed by the incredible Warriors support, John Dowling’s charges summoned something from beyond themselves to dismantle the huge Demons lead to turn the contest around, take the win and secure top spot in the Southern Conference with a 9-3 record.

The Warriors were rocked early on when Demons, who take on Ballincollig in the National Cup final next Saturday, looked to blow the doors off the Complex with a devastating opening quarter that yielded them 32 points.

Rap Buivydas fires in basket over Tala Fam Thiam. Photo by Liam Ryan

The Cup finalists took full advantage of an uncharacteristically disjointed Warriors side that allowed the Leesiders fire their way to a 9-0 lead through James Beckom, Tala Fam Thiam and the imposing Elijah Tillman.

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Jarvis Doles opened his and the Warriors account and Daniel Jokubaitis arced in a three but Demons lit up to hit the next 10 points in a row with Seventh Woods and James Hannigan both on the mark from beyond the arc.

Rap Buivydas evades Carlton Cuff to lay up a score. Photo by Liam Ryan

It got worse for Warriors with another run from Demons shooting the next 13 points in a row through Woods, David Lehane, Kyle Hosford and Tillman to see them lead 32-11 at quarter time.

Two early threes in the second quarter from Caleb Jordan and Eoin Quigley steadied the Warriors ship but a double from Beckom kept Demons well ahead and when Tillman, Woods and James Hannigan’s three from three from the line the Cork side spread the game to lead by 26 points.

The Warriors hopes were now thread bare as they scrambled for some sort of rhythm and range and it was Virgin Media MVP Kieran Donaghy that fired in a score that seemed to herald the start of an unlikely comeback.

Jarvis Doles at full stretch to lay up another basket. Photo by Liam Ryan

Tillman and Lehane kept the pressure on for Demons but a late run from the hosts yielded 13 points from Jokubaitis and Doles from inside, outside and the line to cut the half time lead to a marginally more manageable 57-43.

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An inspired third quarter from the Warriors, with the huge Complex crowd sensing that their side were finally getting to grips with Demons, saw them outscore the visitors by 23-13 to pare away the sizable lead to trail by just 4 points at the end of the quarter.

As Donaghy continued to heroically defend the Warriors board, the shooters found their range at the other end through the outstanding Rap Buivydas, Jokubaitis, Doles, Jordan and Quigley.

Daniel Jokubaitis with a trademark three point score. Photo by Liam Ryan

The visitors’ scoring dried up at the other end and despite efforts from Beckom, Woods, Tillman and Lehane they failed to build any real momentum.

The Warriors finished the quarter as they started it with scores from Buivydas and Quigley cutting the lead to 70-66 at three quarter time.

An early double from Tala Fam Thiam gave Demons the early initiative in the fourth but when Jokubaitis fired in a trademark three the Complex was well and truly rocking and the atmosphere built to fever pitch when Doles, Quigley and Buivydas combined to see the hosts take the lead for the first time in the game at 75-74.

Seventh Woods added again for Demons before Thiam arced in to level with three minutes on the clock but Jarvis Doles had the Warriors fans in full voice with a huge three to wrestle back the lead.

Eoin Quigley about to fire in a basket despite the efforts of James Beckom. Photo by Liam Ryan

Rap Buivydas then produced what was the killer score when he planted his feet to fire down a stunning major score with just a minute on the clock.

Lehane quickly replied in kind for Demons but Doles, Quigley and Jordan together added 4  from 6 from the line to complete an extraordinary comeback and send out a clear message to the League rivals that the Warriors focus is now well and truly on a run to the League playoffs in March and April.

Scorers:

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Daniel Jokubaitis 21, Eoin Quigley 18, Rap Buivydas 17

UCC Demons: Seventh Woods 19, Elijah Tillman 17, David Lehane 13

The win sees Warriors top of the Southern Conference on 27 points, one win ahead of closest rivals Ballincollig who face a tough trip to Killorglin on Saturday evening ahead of facing down Demons in an all Cork National Cup final at HQ last weekend.

UCC Demons now find themselves in deep trouble with just three wins in the League and facing a relegation battle with Moycullen and Killorglin with two teams facing the trapdoor down to National League.

For the Warriors the outlook is far brighter with the hope of a home quarter final and potential semi final now very much on the table. They have next weekend off before a tricky away date with Éanna ahead of a revenge mission at home against local rivals Flexachem KCYMS at the Complex on Sunday 4th February.

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PHOTOS/REPORT: Brave Warriors Cup Hopes Dashed By Ballincollig Buzzer Beater

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Alan Cantwell reports on the InsureMyHouse.ie Pat Duffy National Cup Semi Final at the Neptune Stadium on Saturday night…

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 76

Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig@MTU 78

Steven Bowler gets a shot off over Ballincollig hero Keelan Cairns. Photo by Liam Ryan

UCC Demons will play Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig@MTU in the final of the InsureMyHouse.ie Pat Duffy National Cup on Saturday week after Ballincollig landed a buzzer beating dagger score right at the death to edge a pulsating and at times breathless semi-final in Neptune Stadium on Saturday night.

The Warriors looked a beaten team early in the final quarter when they trailed by as much as 17 but despite an injury to playmaker Ryan Leonard and Daniel Jokubaitis out of kilter from distance they embarked stunning run that saw them lead with a minute on the clock and looked like setting up an unlikely win.

However the Warriors hopes were dashed when a final second buzzer beater from former Belfast Star Keelan Cairns gave Ballincollig the win and set up an all Cork Cup final in Tallaght in two weeks.

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Sean McManus was on the mark in the opening play of the game and Andre Nation was also in range early but Warriors response came from Rap Buivydas and Caleb Jordan with the first 2 of his 28 points on the night.

Adrian O’Sullivan arced in a three before giving up his second foul of the game allowing Ryan Leonard an add one score to level at 8-8.

Rap Buivydas drives powerfully over Adrian O’Sullivan. Photo by Liam Ryan

Warriors captain Eoin Quigley added a quick fire five points, and despite a major score from Ballincollig’s player coach Ciaran O’Sullivan, Cian Sullivan, Leonard and Jordan added to see Warriors lead 20-16 at quarter time.

A Shawndale Jones Jnr. three was immediately countered at the other end by Jarvis Doles at the start of the second following a stunning rejection by Caleb Jordan.

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However when Nation and Jones were in range again and Adrian O’Sullivan landed another typical long range effort, coach John Dowling had to call an urgent time out.

The Warriors were now struggling to cope with the offensive threat posed by both Jones and Nation and despite baskets from Doles and Jordan, Ballincollig eased 37-31 ahead thanks to a 7 point volley from dangerman Nation that had the League champions fans on their feet.

Great battle under the rim with Ryan Leonard and Sean McManus at full stretch. Photo by Liam Ryan

However Warriors steadied the ship to be down by just a major score 39-36 with Daniel Jokubaitis landing his first score from play right on the halftime buzzer.

The third quarter saw Ballincollig seize the initiative to build a sizable 12 point lead by the midway point with Nation and Jones continuing to torment the Warriors defence and Adrian O’Sullivan firing in from inside and outside.

Despite Jokubaitis hitting his first three and Jordan adding from beyond the arc, Ballincollig led 56-44.

Eoin Quigley lands a score over Ronan O’Sullivan. Photo by Liam Ryan

Jordan with a double and a monster three from Quigley kept Warriors in the game but Jones Jnr. caught fire to hit five in row that saw the Cork side 66-53 up at three quarter time.

The stadium announcer bellowed “a nation once again”, as Andre Nation was on the mark with an early double that pushed out the lead to what appeared to be an unassailable 70-53.

A time out call by John Dowling halted the Ballincollig momentum and when Ryan Leonard hit nothing but net and quickly added from inside and Jordan, Jokubaitis and Buivydas all got in on the act the lead was cut to a single score.

Daniel Jokubaitis evades the attentions of Adrian O’Sullivan to lay up a score. Photo by Liam Ryan

The stadium was rocking and the atmosphere at fever pitch with Kieran Donaghy who was outstanding throughout, hustling, harrying and bossing the physical exchanges, roared at the Warriors faithful to help carry the team over the line.

The response on the floor was immediate when Jarvis Doles added another Ballincollig Ciaran O’Sullivan called a timeout to avert a potential landslide.

New recruit Caleb Jordan was brilliant on the night and his late salvo brought the sides level and then he edged the Warriors 75-74 ahead with 55 seconds on the clock.

A foul on Nation allowed him take full value from the line to edge Ballincollig ahead but Jordan tied the game again with just 9.5 seconds remaining.

Cian O’Sullivan makes no mistake from close range. Photo by Liam Ryan

Out of the final timeout of the game Jones Jnr. drove to the board but the Warriors defence held tough and with the ball circling the rim and dropping out the game looked certain to go to overtime.

However in one final devastating act former Belfast Star Keelan Cairns got possession from the rebound to put up a final second effort and as the backboard lit up so too did the entire Ballincollig outfit as he landed a stunning basket to secure the 78-76 win and see his side book their place in an all Cork National Cup final on Saturday week.

It was Cup basketball at its very best, a full house, incredible atmosphere and two teams that left everything on the court. Sensational.

Scorers:

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Caleb Jordan 28, Ryan Leonard 11, Rap Buivydas 11

Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig@MTU: Andre Nation 27, Shawndale Jones Jnr. 26, Adrian O’Sullivan 13

• It is back to the week to week duties of Super League next weekend when as luck would have it Cup finalists UCC Demons visit Tralee for what could have been a possible dress rehearsal for the Cup final.

Instead Demons and coach Danny O’Mahony will have to decide if they intend to hold something back for the Cup final the following week or do they go all out to secure some badly needed League points.

Either way it will be an intriguing clash in the Tralee Sports Complex with the Warriors looking to do the double on the visitors after their 76-72 win over Demons in the Mardyke Arena in Round 8.  Please note that the game is on Friday night with a later tip off than usual at 8.00pm.

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PHOTOS/REPORT: Warriors Double Down On Neptune Ahead Of Cup Semi-Final

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Caleb Jordan rises high to shoot a two point score. Photo by Liam Ryan

Alan Cantwell reports on the InsureMyVan.ie Men’s Super League 2023/2024 – Round 11 game at the Complex on Saturday night…

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 79

EnergyWise Ireland Neptune 65

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors extended their winning run to six games in a row, and for the second time this season, lowered the colours of EnergyWise Ireland Neptune with an impressive 79-65 win in front of a packed Tralee Sports Complex on Saturday night.

Coming just a week before their National Cup semi-final meeting with Ballincollig, the win was all the more significant given the Tralee side took the court without the services of both Jarvis Doles and captain Eoin Quigley who were both carrying injuries.

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Virgin Media MVP Ryan Leonard was immense throughout, landing a game high 31 points and Kieran Donaghy rolled back the years to produce his best performance for Warriors since his outstanding shift against UCD Marian that helped secure their League title win in 2019.

Ryan Leonard finds a path the the Neptune basket. Photo by Liam Ryan

The Warriors made their intentions clear from the off and raced into an early 8-3 lead with Rap Buivydas, Ryan Leonard and Daniel Jokubaitis all opening their accounts.

Neptune’s response came in the form of a major score from Cian Heaphy and when Roy Downey followed his lead the sides were level at 8-8.

However the Warriors moved up a gear beginning with Caleb Jordan’s first of the night and a cracking three each from Kieran Donaghy and Ryan Leonard’s first of his six major scores forcing Neptune Coach Paul Kelliher to call a timeout.

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Leonard repeated the dose in the Warriors very next play and when Donaghy was on the mark again the hosts led 22-11 at the end of the first.

The Warriors continued to dictate the play early in the second with Steven Bowler, Jokubaitis and Leonard combining to maintain their double score lead.

Daniel Jokubaitis launches a three point score from distance. Photo by Liam Ryan

Neptune were in need of some sort of response and got it when Jordan Blount added his name to the scoresheet, Andrew Gardner fired down scores from either side of the arc and Adam Heaphy struck from distance to cut the advantage back to 30-24.

Caleb Jordan helped himself to scores from inside and out to keep the pressure on but Neptune finished the quarter strongly with baskets from Gardner, Derek Murphy and a double from Blount cutting the gap to a single score.

Daniel Jokubaitis and Derek Murphy battle for the ball under the Neptune board. Photo by Liam Ryan

However Rap Buivydas was to have the last say in the half with a tough effort from inside keeping Warriors 37-33 ahead at the long break.

The Warriors stepped up the pace again early in the third with Donaghy dominant under his board and at the other end scores from Buivydas, Jordan and Leonard from inside and the free throw line pushed the lead out to 47-37.

Neptune yet again needed a response and when Blount planted his feet to fire down a three and Sabata and Cian Heaphy followed up with a score apiece the gap was down to 47-44.

Daniel Jokubaiitis evades the Neptune cover to score. Photo by Liam Ryan

Blount was again on the mark from inside and outside but the game was blown apart when the outstanding Ryan Leonard hit a stunning hat trick of threes to give the Warriors a 56-49 going into the final quarter.

Jordan Blount was on the mark early in the fourth to narrow the gap but the Warriors response was to restore and build on the lead when Buivydas and Leonard hit from inside and outside to leave nine between the sides.

Scores from Sabata, Gardner and Derek Murphy kept the Cork side in touch but every basket was countered by the hosts and Buivydas and Leonard again combined to keep the lead intact.

Cian O’Sullivan gets a shot away despite the efforts of Nil Sabata. Photo by Liam Ryan

Caleb Jordan pulled up to fire in again before Andrew Gardner’s fifth foul allowed Donaghy to add from the line and when Buivydas did likewise the Warriors were comfortable at 75-61 up with  minutes on the clock.

Cian Heaphy added a lay-up after Jordan Blount was on the mark again before his final act of the game was to give up his fifth foul and to sit out the final minute. Neptune’s foul trouble was punished late on with Donaghy, Buivydas and Eddie Sheehy taking advantage from the line to seal the 79-63 win in the end.

Scorers:

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Ryan Leonard 31, Rap Buivydas 21, Caleb Jordan 11

EnergyWise Ireland Neptune: Jordan Blount 18, Derek Murphy 14, Andrew Gardner 11

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• The focus now immediately switches to the National Cup as the Warriors look to get back to Tallaght to contest another final with Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig@MTU standing in their way.

The sides lock horns in Neptune Stadium in what promises to be a cracking game between the Super League champions from last season up against the double winning side from the season before.

Action gets underway at 8.00pm next Saturday night just 24 hours after the other semi-final with EnergyWise Ireland Neptune and UCC Demons is decided to see who will provide the opposition for either the Warriors or Ballincollig in the National Cup showpiece event over the weekend of the 20th to 22nd of January.

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REPORT: Warriors U20s Edged Out By Lions In Overtime Thriller

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Alan Cantwell reports on the Mens U20 National League – Round 3 game at the weekend…

Tralee Warriors 85

Limerick Lions 87

(After Over Time)

The Garveys Tralee Warriors U20 team.

Tralee Warriors unbeaten run came to an end with a narrow defeat to Limerick Lions after overtime at the Tralee Sports Complex on Sunday afternoon.

The Lions led for the majority of the contest with the Warriors taking the lead briefly in the fourth and again in overtime when they looked like they might have timed their run to win to perfection.

However a three from the free scoring Darragh Horkan proved to be the killer score to give the Lions a narrow but deserved win on the night.

Continued below…

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The Lions could not have got off to a better start with Darragh Horkan, Liam Price and Daniel Shabab combining to fire the visitors out to a 24-7 lead.

The Warriors resistance was limited to scores from Josh Osayanrhion and Donal O’Sullivan but when Olaf Michalczuk arced in his first three it sparked an impressive response that saw scores from Osayanrhion, Phoenix Costello and Michalczuk from inside and outside to see the Warriors cut the sizable gap back to 26-22 at quarter time.

The Warriors edged a tight second quarter with a double from Donal O’Sullivan and a brilliant display of score making from Osayanrhion adding nine points in a row.

The Lions continued to find their range and with Horkan, Price and Alfie McCoy on the mark the visitors still held the lead of 37-35 at half time.

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Osayanrhion continued where he left off in the second quarter with a quick fire double at the start of the third but when Shabab replied in kind and Price hit a hat trick the Lions pushed their advantage out to 6.

Michalczuk gave Warriors a badly needed score with another three but the Lions roared again with Michael Fahy, Price and Horkan firing the visitors 55-43 ahead.

The Warriors rallied again and a late volley of scores from Osayanrhion, O’Sullivan, Michalczuk and Eddie Sheehy saw Warriors cut the gap back to 55-52 at the end of the third.

The Warriors stormed into the final quarter and hit an unanswered 11 points through Osayanrhion, Sheehy, Michalczuk and Evan Boyle to see the hosts take the lead for the first time in the contest and move to 63-57 up.

The Lions again found baskets when they needed them and Fahy, Horkan and Price had the Limerick side back on terms as the clock counted down.

A three from Shabab looked like being the game winning score as the Lions led 70-67 with seconds left but Olaf Michalczuk produced a splendid effort from beyond the arc to tie the game at 70-70 to move the contest into overtime.

The sides literally went score for score in the additional period and were level on four separate occasions. Osayanrhion with 10 points and Michalczuk with 5 moved the Warriors into position to seal the win as they led 85-83 in the final minute of overtime.

The Lions scores came from the usual suspects Horkan, Price and Shabab but trailing by 2 points with only seconds left it was Darragh Horkan that found the space and time to fire in a dagger three to edge his side ahead.

The Warriors did have a play to try to work another game winning score but a stray pass put paid to that and the Lions hung on for a narrow but deserved win in a hugely entertaining contest.

Scorers:

Tralee Warriors: Joshua Osayanrhion 36, Olaf Michalczuk 27, Donal O’Sullivan 12

Limerick Lions: Liam Price 32, Darragh Horkan 29, Daniel Shahab 15

Next up for the Warriors is a home date against Neptune at the Tralee Sports Complex on Saturday 14th January 2024 with tip off at 4.00pm.

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PHOTOS/REPORT: Warriors Serve Notice To Ballincollig Ahead Of Cup Semi-Final Showdown

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Rap Buivydas lays up the first of his hat trick of first quarter scores. Photo by Liam Ryan

Alan Cantwell reports on the InsureMyVan.ie Men’s Super League 2023/2024 – Round 10 game in the Complex at the weekend…

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 86

Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig@MTU 73

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors unbeaten run continues after an 86-73 win over Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig@MTU in a prequel to the meeting of the sides in the semi-final of the National Cup in three weeks.

The Warriors took the opportunity to introduce their exciting new American Caleb Jordan, and despite the absence of sharpshooter Daniel Jokubaitis, produced a dominant performance of real quality to get the better of the team they will play for a place in the Cup final in January.

Continued below…

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The Warriors could not have got off to a better start with new recruit Caleb Jordan confidently swatting in two free throws to open his and the Warriors account and when Rap Buivydas followed that up with a powerful hat-trick of scores the home side led 8-2.

Ryan Leonard drives through Nikola Roso and Sean McManus to score. Photo by Liam Ryan

Ballincollig’s response was limited to back to back scores from Ronan O’Sullivan but when Jordan struck again from either side of the arc and Buivydas and Doles both found the Ballincollig basket the Warriors led 18-7.

Shawndale Jones Jnr., former Warrior Nikola Roso and Adrian O’Sullivan cut the gap back to 5 and despite an Andre Nation three, Eoin Quigley from distance and back to back scores from Kieran Donaghy saw the Warriors lead 27-18 at quarter time.

Continued below…

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The Warriors piled on the pressure early in the second with a double from Doles and a hat trick from Buivydas, who was relishing the physical battle under the Ballincollig board, combining to push their advantage out to  15.

Jones Jnr. replied for the visitors with a quickfire 6 points but when Jordan and Leonard fired down threes and Cian Sullivan hit three in a row the Warriors lead was out to 49-32.

Kieran Donaghy shoots one of his two first quarter baskets. Photo by Liam Ryan

Jones Jnr. from the line and Sean McManus with a drive to the board kept the visitors in touch but a floated effort from Doles and two from two from the line for Leonard had the Warriors 53-36 up at half time.

Ballincollig needed a third quarter response and baskets from Nicola Roso and Adrian O’Sullivan gave them the ideal start but Ryan Leonard replied in kind with two scores from inside and one beyond the arc to keep the Warriors lead intact.

Sean McManus was in range again twice for the Cork side but Doles and Jordan with a cracking three had the Warriors 20 points up.

Keelan Crowe battles for possession under the Ballincollig board. Photo by Liam Ryan

Scores from Jones Jnr. and Nation and a three from Keelan Cairns pared the lead back to 13 but Buivydas was unerring from the line and the Warriors looked comfortable at 69-54 up turning down the stretch.

Proven three point shooter Keelan Cairns fired down a major score for the visitors to kickstart the comeback but Virgin Media MVP on the night Caleb Jordan replied in kind and when Warriors captain Eoin Quigley took the new recruits lead to arc in back to back threes the gap was back out to 20 points.

Jarvis Doles jumpshot lands another score for Warriors. Photo by Liam Ryan

Ronan O’Sullivan and Roso edged Ballincollig a little closer but Doles and Leonard combined to restore their unassailable advantage.

It was one way traffic from there until the final buzzer as the Warriors stepped off the gas and Ballincollig cut the advantage back to 13 with Nation, Jones Jnr., Adrian O’Sullivan, McManus and Diego O’Herlihy all on the mark to bring the margin of defeat down to 86-73 in the end.

Caleb Jordan takes to the air. Photo by Liam Ryan

Scorers:

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Caleb Jordan 20, Rap Buivydas 17, Ryan Leonard 14, Jarvis Doles 14

Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig@MTU: Shawndale Jones Jnr. 16, Sean McManus 12, Andre Nation 12

• The sides will meet again in the semi-final of the National Cup on January 6th in Neptune Stadium and on the evidence of Saturday night Ballincollig have plenty to ponder.

That said, Cup basketball takes on a life of its own and the form book is rarely a reliable guide, but it does promise to be another intriguing clash between the sides as the Cork outfit look to go one step further than they did last season and the Warriors looking to get back to Tallaght to contest a Cup final as they did two seasons ago on the way to their historic double.

In the meantime the Warriors will contest the Castleisland Blitz on the 28th and face EnergyWise Ireland Neptune in Tralee on the 30th.

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REPORT: Warriors Overcome Fr. Mathews To Make It Four From Four

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Tralee Warriors BIDL Squad. Back Row L to R: Adam O’Keeffe, Jack Tobin, Daniel Bowler, Daire Kennelly Capt., Brian O’Leary, Aaron Fleming. Front Row L to R: James Fernane, John Feely, Olaf Michalczuk, Padraig Fleming, Zigi Kaletka.

Alan Cantwell reports on the  Basketball Ireland Development League – Round 4 at the Complex on Sunday evening…

Tralee Warriors 94

Fr. Mathews 85

Tralee Warriors made it four from four in the Basketball Ireland Development League with a deserved 94-85 win over Fr. Mathews from Cork in a keenly contested clash at the Tralee Sports Complex on Sunday evening.

The teams were level six times with a dominant final quarter the key to victory for the Warriors who made it four wins from four in the League.

The Warriors certainly did not have their own way and the Cork outfit came to Tralee determined to challenge the hosts unbeaten record.

Continued below…

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Fr. Mathews stormed into the contest with an early volley of scores that saw them quickly build a 17-6 lead with Colm Blount, Gillaume Periera and Emmanuel Anaba sharing the scores and brothers Steven and Dan Bowler keeping the Warriors flame alight.

The hosts cut the advantage late on through Padraig Fleming and James Fernane either side of Zigi Kaletka’s first major score of the night before Anaba added to give Fr. Mathews a 20-13 lead at the end of the first.

Adam O’Keeffe gave the hosts a perfect start to the second from beyond the arc and when Aaron Fleming did likewise either side of scores from Fernane and Josh Osayanrhion the Warriors had cut the gap to a single point.

Blount, Anaba and Periera were all on the mark again for Fr. Mathews but Steven Bowler added a brilliant quick fire 10 points before another Aaron Fleming three saw the Warriors right back on terms.

However baskets from Blount, Cillian O’Connell and Periera with two major efforts gave the visitors a 49-45 half time lead.

The Warriors decisively turned around the Fr. Mathews lead and within three minutes of the restart had fired their way to a 57-50 lead with Zigi Kaletka hitting his second and third threes and James Fernane and Dan and Steven Bowler all on the mark.

It got better for Warriors when Josh Osayanrhion’s dominance in the paint allied to a three from Fernane and another inside score from Aaron Fleming pushed the advantage out to 68-56.

To Fr. Mathews credit they regrouped and a late charge saw Anaba, Periera, Blount and Thomas Murphy combine to haul the visitors right back into the contest to level at 70-70 going into the final quarter.

Fr. Mathews late third quarter charge continued into the fourth and when Blount added a double and Anaba another they led 74-70. Kaletka fired down the fourth of his five majors before James Fernane levelled the game for the sixth time with a floated effort from inside.

Aaron Fleming gave the Warriors the lead before the momentum swung the way of the home side with a hat trick of threes, one from Kaletka with his fifth and Fernane with two to dramatically turn the game in the Warriors favour 88-79.

Dan Bowler and Daire Kennelly put further distance between the teams as they now led by double digits but in the final acts of the game Murphy and O’Connell from inside and outside added for Fr. Mathews to leave the final scoreline reading 94-85.

Scorers:

Tralee Warriors: James Fernane 20, Zigi Kaletka , Steven Bowler 16

Fr. Mathews: Colm Blount, Gillaume Periera, Emmanuel Anaba 14

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PHOTO/REPORT: Warriors Pass University Test Ahead Of Cup Semi-Final Dress Rehearsal

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Ryan Leonard banks a basket over Jordan Jackson. Photo by Dermot Crean

Alan Cantwell reports on an exciting InsureMyVan.ie Men’s Super League 2023/2024 – Round 9 game at the complex…

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 87

Ulster University 82

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors continued their winning streak making it four in a row with an 87-82 win over Ulster University in an absolutely cracking game at the Tralee Sports Complex Saturday night.

The Belfast based side were making their first appearance in Tralee and they bravely fought the Warriors all the way down the stretch before the home side finally asserted late on to prevail by 5 in the end.

In a tightly contested and highly entertaining first quarter both sides set out their stall to play five on five basketball with the Warriors seizing the initiative through Daniel Jokubaitis with a signature three and a double from Jarvis Doles saw them lead 8-2.

Continued below…

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The impressive Jalen Hodge landed the first of his six major scores to spark a response and when Adam Ryan did likewise the visitors took the lead.

Jokubaitis got another open look to hit his second three before Ryan Leonard opened his account but Hodge, Jordan Jackson and Igor Markiewicz combined to keep Ulster University in front.

Jarvis Doles floats in a score for Warriors. Photo by Dermot Crean

The Warriors edged ahead through Leonard, Rap Buivydas and Cian Sullivan but Markiewicz second of the quarter tied the game at 20-20 at quarter time.

The second quarter was a pure shootout as both sides let fly with a double from Sullivan and Buivydas for Warriors countered by the same from Eric Anderson and Markiewicz for Ulster Uni as the teams remained deadlocked.

Two cracking threes from Jokubaitis lit a fuse at the other end of the court with Hodge replying in kind and Ryan and Jackson following suit the big scores simply rained down.

Continued below…

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Ryan Leonard drove his way to the board to level the game for the seventh time but when Doles chipped in a quick fire six points and Jokubaitis again found nothing by net from outside the Warriors led 51-45 at the half time break.

Into the third and Adam Ryan added from either side of the arc to cut the Warriors advantage but when Doles, Leonard, Jokubaitis were all in range and captain Eoin Quigley nailed a monster three the lead was suddenly out to 62-50 midway through the quarter.

Eoin Quigley lays up despite the efforts of Eric Anderson. Photo by Dermot Crean

Jackson and Hodge who was a threat throughout and Robbie Graham combined to keep the visitors within striking distance and when Anderson found the Warriors net from either side of the arc the lead was down to 67-61 at three quarter time.

The Warriors moved 8 points clear when Ryan Leonard hit two from two from the line early in the fourth but Graham with a three and a seven point salvo from Hodge levelled the contest for the eighth time on the night.

The Warriors fans were in full voice when Leonard and Quigley were both on the mark to ease them back in front and got louder when Doles pushed the advantage out to five.

However Ulster Uni were determined to make their first trip to Tralee a winning one when another stunning major from Hodge saw a single score between the teams with 1’30’’ on the clock.

Daniel Jokubaitis lets fly from distance. Photo by Dermot Crean

The visitors were now in team fouls and Virgin Media MVP Ryan Leonard held his nerve to put the Warriors in a game winning position as the clock ticked down.

But just when the League points looked secure that man Hodge repeated the dose to hit a belter of a three to make it a one point game within the final minute.

Cian Sullivan lands a score over Ulster University’s Igor Markiewicz. Photo by Dermot Crean

It was left to Leonard and Doles with a pair of clutch free throws each to finally settle the contest at 87-82 in what was one of the best Super League games at the Complex for a long time.

Scorers:

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Ryan Leonard 22, Jarvis Doles 20, Daniel Jokubaitis 17

Ulster University: Jalen Hodge 31, Adam Ryan 14, Jordan Jackson 13

• The Warriors are at home again next weekend in an eagerly anticipated clash with Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig@MTU in a dress rehearsal for the InsureMyHouse.ie Pat Duffy National Cup semi-final in Neptune Stadium on the 6th January.

Both teams will be keen to test themselves against each other ahead of what promises to be a supreme showdown next month.

After that the Warriors take part in the Castleisland Blitz just after Christmas before facing another of the Cup semi-finalists, EnergyWise Ireland Neptune, in another mouth watering clash in Tralee on Friday 29th December.

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PHOTOS/REPORT: Warriors Edge Past Saints To Set Up Semi-Final Date With Ballincollig

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Rap Buivydas evades Justin Sylver to add another basket. Photo by Liam Ryan

Alan Cantwell reports on the InsureMyHouse.ie Pat Duffy National Cup 2023/2024 – Quarter Final at the Complex on Saturday…

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 87

Bright St. Vincent’s 84

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors are through to the semi-final of the National Cup after negotiating their way past a dogged and determined Bright St. Vincent’s at the Tralee Sports Complex on Saturday night.

Leading by as much as 13 early in the final quarter the Warriors were counting down the seconds to the final buzzer as Saints threatened to derail their Cup hopes with a late run that almost got the Dublin outfit over the line.

The Warriors prevailed but only just – to set up a semi-final date with Ballincollig in Neptune Stadium on the first weekend in January.

Continued below…

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The other semi-final will be an all Cork affair with EnergyWise Ireland Neptune taking on UCC Demons meaning the Southern Conference will provide all four of the semi-finalists.

The Saints started brightly with new signing Will Jenkins on the mark with an early double and Kevin Anyanwu followed his lead to hit two in a row. The Warriors countered with threes from Jarvis Doles and Daniel Jokubaitis to level the contest at 8-8.

Ryan Leonard pulls up to land a basket. Photo by Liam Ryan

Rap Buivydas was introduced and stormed into the game with a powerful offensive display that yielded him and the Warriors a quick fire 10 points and quickly built a 18-12 lead.

Justin Sylver, Roosevelt Davis and Anyanwu combined to bridge the gap but scores from Eoin Quigley, Johnny Williams and Buivydas gave the Warriors a 23-18 lead at the end of the first.

Continued below…

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The Warriors pushed on in the second and with Williams adding an 8 point volley either side of major scores from Quigley and Jokubaitis and despite baskets from Sylver, Jenkins and Anyanwu from either side of the arc, the Warriors led 39-31 mid-way through the quarter.

Anyanwu and Jenkins were in range again to cut the gap to 4 with two minutes on the clock but a late run from the hosts saw Williams and Doles fire the Warriors into a commanding 52-38 lead at the half time break.

Opposing captains – Eoin Quigley scores over Charlie Coombes. Photo by Liam Ryan

Whatever Saints Coach Michael Bonaparte’s said at the half time team talk inspired his side to shoot their way right back into the contest and cut the Warriors advantage down to a single score.

Anyanwu struck again early on and threes from Jenkins, Sylver and Jordan Nsimba brought the score back to 51-49. Ryan Leonard opened his account to halt the Saints advance and when Doles and Jokubaitis added the gap was back out to 10.

However Jenkins kept the Saints very much in the contest with seven points in a row to leave just 5 between the sides at 66-61 heading into the fourth.

The Warriors fired their way into what appeared to be a game winning lead early in the final quarter and with Jokubaitis knocking down a typical three and followed that with a baseline drive to add from inside before a double from Leonard who had to deputise at point guard for Johnny Williams who pulled up with a hamstring strain saw the Tralee side move 76-63 ahead just three minutes into the quarter.

Johnny Williams drives through traffic to score. Photo by Liam Ryan

However Saints resurrected their Cup hopes with a dominant display to play their way right back into the game and with Sylver, Jenkins and Davis combining, the lead was whittled down to a single score with three minutes on the clock.

A score apiece for Leonard and Buivydas gave the Warriors some reprieve but when Davis fired in from distance and Jenkins added from the line the gap was down to 84-81 with one minute remaining.

Jarvis Doles stylish three pointer. Photo by Liam Ryan

A huge block from Eoin Quigley and an important defensive rebound from Kieran Donaghy denied two certain Saints scores and Leonard further eased the Warriors fans nerves as the clock ticked down with two from two from the line.

However an absolutely stunning three from Jenkins set up a grandstand finish to the contest. It came right down to Jarvis Doles converting one from two from the line with four seconds on the clock to finally seal the deal with a final scoreline of 87-84.

Daniel Jokubaitis driving to the board in typical style. Photo by Liam Ryan

Scorers:

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Rap Buivydas 19, Daniel Jokubaitis 15, Jarvis Doles 15, Johnny Williams 15

Bright St. Vincent’s: Will Jenkins 34, Kevin Anyanwu 20, Justin Sylver 15

• Next up for the Warriors is the first of three home games before the turn of the year when they take on Ulster University at the Tralee Sports Complex next Saturday before a dress rehearsal for their Cup semi-final at home the following week to Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig@MTU.

The final game of 2024 sees the Warriors face Neptune at home on 29th December before all roads lead to Cork for the National Cup semi-finals the following weekend.

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PHOTOS/REPORT: Warriors Banish Demons Ahead Of Cup Date With Saints  

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Steven Bowloer on the mark for Warriors. Photo by Liam Ryan

Alan Cantwell on the InsureMyVan.ie Mens Super League – Round 8 game in Cork on Friday night…

UCC Demons 72

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors 76

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors made it back to back wins on the road with a 76-72 over UCC Demons at the Mardyke Arena in Cork on Friday night.

The Warriors have timed their return to form perfectly with successive wins over EnergyWise Ireland Neptune and now UCC Demons ahead of their National Cup quarter final at home to Bright St. Vincent’s in Tralee next weekend.

Demons took to the court with the services of star players Kyle Hosford and Seventh Woods but drafted in Da’Kquan Davis from Limerick late in the week proved to be a most able replacement, shooting 30 points in an impressive first showing.

Continued below…

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The Warriors took an early lead with Daniel Jokubaitis firing in from distance with his first and second touches of the ball.

New signing Da’Kquan Davis obliged to open the scoring for Demons and a double from James Hannigan had the sides level. Jarvis Doles and Ken Jah Bosley edged the Warriors back in front before Ryan Leonard hit the first three of his 20 points on the night to spark a Warriors scoring blitz.

Ryan Leonard takes flight to lay-up a scor. Photo by Liam Ryan

The visitors threatened to cut loose hitting 12 unanswered points from Leonard, Doles, Rap Buivydas, Eddie Sheehy, Steven Bowler and Cian O’Sullivan to put 17 between the sides.

However new recruit Davis stopped the rot with back to back threes including a buzzer beater cutting the Warriors advantage to 27-16 at the end of the first.

The Davis double steadied the Demons ship and the hosts found both their composure and their range to shoot their way back on level terms.

Continued below…

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Davis arced in his third three of the night but Eoin Quigley with a major score of his own and Doles with a three and the extra kept the Warriors lead in double digits.

However a quick Demons run with scores from Tala Fam Thiam, Davis and captain Dave Lehane from inside and out forced a Warriors time out.

Rap Buivydas lands a tough score. Photo by Liam Ryan

Out of that Leonard’s second three of the night saw the Warriors lead by four as the clock ticked down but Demons were to have the final say in the half when Davis and D’Andre Johnson combined to lock the game up at 39-39 at half time.

Ryan Leonard continued to find his range and another three from him broke the deadlock early in the third but Thiam and James Beckom replied to level for Demons before Quigley, Doles and Leonard were all on the mark to quickly build an eight point lead forcing Demons Coach Danny O’Mahony to call a time out.

Jarvis Doles finishes off over D’Andre Johnson. Photo by Liam Ryan

In a physical contest with one to one battles and hustles for possession the name of the game both sides hit the team foul mark midway through in what was a scrappy quarter.

Demons took greater advantage with six from eight from the line before a Davis three squared up the contest at 54-54.

However despite scores from Beckom and Hannigan, a double from Doles and a brilliant effort from Quigley inched the Warriors 63-60 ahead at the end of the third.

Eddie Sheehy lays up a score in style. Photo by Liam Ryan

Demons made an early run for home in the fourth and scores from Davis, Beckom and Hannigan gave Demons the lead for the first time on the night. A Warriors time out allowed a quick reboot and a fast break score from Bosley and another three from Leonard restored order.

In a game that had 40 fouls, both personal and technical, was arguably high by any standards in a game that was tough and physical but never anything beyond that, both Rap Buivydas firstly and later on James Beckom used up their allowances and watched the final moments of the contest from their seats.

A Davis three gave Demons a killer score the game was there to be won with just a minute on the clock.

Daniel Jokubaitis lands the opening score of the game. Photo by Liam Ryan

However in a hectic finale Jarvis Doles proved to be the match winner for Warriors with a follow up lay-up and two from two from the line after a brilliant steal by Quigley securing a 76-72 win in the end.

Scorers:

UCC Demons: Da’Kquan Davis 30, James Beckom 11, D’Andre Johnson 10

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors: Jarvis Doles 23, Ryan Leonard 20, Eoin Quigley 11

• Focus turns to National Cup duty for the Warriors next weekend as they welcome Bright St. Vincent’s to Tralee for a quarter final showdown next Saturday night.

The Warriors have already got the better of Vincent’s in Round 4 of the League and on current form will be fancied to secure a semi-final berth in Cork in early January. With KJ Bosley cup tied with Maree, they will be hoping that Johnny Williams can make the starting five with a return from injury.

Tip off next week for the quarter final of the InsureMyHouse.ie Pat Duffy National Cup gets under way at the Tralee Sports Complex next Saturday evening at 7.30pm.

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REPORT: Warriors Win Again In BI Development League

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A report on the Basketball Ireland Development League – Round 2 game at Mercy Mounthawk gym on Sunday…

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Tralee Warriors 72

Tipp Talons 68

Tralee Warriors made it two from two in the Basketball Ireland Development League with a come from behind win over Tipp Talons in Mercy Mounthawk Gym on Sunday evening.

The Warriors led early in the contest but a second quarter blitz from the Talons saw the hosts having to chase the game and only led again in the final minute of the game in what was an extraordinary comeback.

The Warriors got off to a great start and threes from Jack Tobin and Daire Kennelly allied to a double from inside from Dan Bowler helped them lead 13-4.

Continued below…

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Tipp Talons response was kickstarted with Sammy Bah hitting a three either side of major scores from Arthur Geronimo that saw the visitors back on terms but Aaron Fleming and a three from Brian O’Leary gave the Warriors an 18-17 lead at the end of the first quarter.

In an extraordinary second quarter the Talons hit the Warriors with a barrage of scores that threatened to put the contest beyond the hosts by half time.

Adam Parker and a double from Niall Walsh started the blitz and though the Warriors punctuated the Talons run with scores from Kennelly, O’Leary, Josh Osayanrhion and Olaf Michalczuk the Tipperary outfit ran riot.

The scores rained down with Graceson Burke posting 7, Walsh scoring 13 for the quarter, and Adam Parker registering 10 and by half time the Talons were 20 points to the good.

The Warriors got themselves right back into the contest in the third by turning the tables on the Tipperary side by keeping them to 5 points for the quarter.

Steven Bowler was on the mark with four and a hat trick of scores from Josh Osayanrhion and a major from James Fernane helped the Warriors cut the half-time deficit from 20 to 9 at three quarter time and trailed by 48-57.

The Warriors continued to cut the Talons advantage early in the final quarter after James Fernane and Arthur Geronimo exchanged scores, it was Aaron Fleming who stepped up the mark with back to back threes that left a single score between the sides.

Fernane fired in another three and captain Daire Kennelly was in range to maintain the Warriors momentum but Parker and Walsh combined for 8 points to keep the Talons 68-62 up with three minutes on the clock.

However that would be the Tipperary side’s final tally as Aaron Fleming was again on the mark from distance and when Bowler added the sides were level.

Not surprisingly it was Aaron Fleming, who top scored with 17, that hit the clutch two point score that put the Warriors in front for the first time since the end of the first quarter.

Olaf Michalczuk obliged with two from two to complete the comeback and give the Warriors a hard fought but deserved win.

Scorers:

Tralee Warriors: Aaron Fleming 17, Daire Kennelly 10, James Fernane 9.
Tipp Talons: Adam Parker 18, Niall Walsh 18, Sammy Bah 11.

Next up for the Warriors is a home date against Fr. Mathews at the Tralee Sports Complex on Sunday 9th December with tip off at 5.15pm.

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