TRALEE Imperials teams will take to the road this weekend for National Cup action.

The U18 boys will travel to Dublin for the first round of the competition.

They will face Ongar Chasers, Kilkenny Stars and Limerick Celtics. This is the second year of the side has entered the national competition. What a difference a year makes.

The side have gained vital experience playing the top teams from around the country in the annual U17 Billy Kelly tournament and U18 Michael Heffernan tournament in Cork.

In their most recent tournament, Tralee topped their group only to lose to eventual tournament winners, St. Vincent’s of Dublin, in the quarter final.

A preseason victory over Moycullen and a very competitive game against Maree in Galway has also helped with the team’s preparation for this upcoming weekend.

The Tralee Imperials Basketball Club U18 boys team is: Robbie Dinan, Keelan Crowe, Ryan Leonard, Dara Devine, Kieran Mangan, Patrick Kearney, Michael Linnane, Rory O’Connor, Deaglán Crowe, Dovydas Baltonis, Philip Corkery and Tristan Raymond.

Coach: John Dowling Assistant Coach: Rick Leonard Team Manager: Sarah Dinan

The u18 Girls team is also on the road this weekend as the head to the National Cup in Belfast on November 7th/8th.

The girls will play in the University of Ulster Jordanstown and were drawn in a tough group with the home side Ulster Elks and Portlaoise Panthers.

Coach Liam Culloty is hopeful that the girls will qualify from their group and advance to the quarter final stages.