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The Warriors U20s side that defeated Maree in the League semi final by 88-80
Back Row L to R – Daniel Bowler, Donal O’Sullivan, Gary Lynch, Aivaras Ousis,
Adam O’Keeffe, Phoenix Costello. Front row, from left; Jack Dakissia, Evan Boyle, Eoin Creedon, Eddie Sheehy (missing from pic is Coren Hughes).
Alan Cantwell previews the National League semi-final between Garveys Tralee Warriors against Tolka Rovers in Tralee Sports Complex on Sunday afternoon…
Having seen off the considerable challenge of Maree in the National League quarter final in Tralee three weeks ago, the Warriors U20s now face down Tolka Rovers in the semi-final for a place in the League decider next weekend.
The Tralee Sports Complex will get the Super League game night treatment for the biggest test of the season for the young Warriors with tip off at 3.45pm on Sunday afternoon.
The Warriors coached by former Tralee Tiger Luke O’Hea secured their berth in the last four by seeing off Maree in the quarter final in a game the Tralee side always held the upper hand in but were kept honest by the Galway outfit before asserting late on to see out the win by 88-80.
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Aivaras Ousis was outstanding with a great display of shooting and a top scoring performance of 32 points and was ably assisted by Dan Bowler who fired in 22 and Eddie Sheehy who conducted affairs from the top of the key shooting 12.
Donal O’Sullivan was physically imposing under both boards and Evan Boyle, Eoin Creedon and Gary Lynch put in some great minutes and landed a number of excellent scores.
Phoenix Costello, Adam O’Keeffe and Jack Dakissia all played their part in the rotations and the Warriors squad will be deepened on Sunday with the return to action of Coren Hughes.
The Tralee side come into the game unbeaten with wins over Limerick Celtics, Quish’s Ballincollig, Neptune, Killorglin and a thrilling win over UCC Demons in a contest that went all the way to overtime before securing a 97-90 win in the end.
Their quarter final win over Maree made it six from six for the Warriors are at full strength for tomorrow’s big encounter.
Tolka Rovers on the other hand earned their place in Sunday’s semi-final on the back of their quarter final win over a very useful Drogheda Wolves side by 87-80.
The win was highlighted by a standout scoring display from Elijah Faapito with 34 points and another solid offensive efforts from Sam Badejo with 21, Matthew Condon with 9 and Ethan Testa Farrelly with 8.
Tolka secured their place in the last eight by finishing second in Group 2 of the League with a 4 from 5 record and their only defeat coming at the hands of Templeogue who have also made the last four and will take their place in semi-final tomorrow when they take on Titans in the Jes Hall in Galway at 4.00pm.
The Warriors will need to be at their very best as they look to negotiate a path past Tolka Rovers and take their place in the League decider in Tallaght next weekend.
The game presents basketball fans in Tralee and beyond one final opportunity to see action at the Tralee Sports Complex as the season draws to a close.
There will be all the atmosphere of a Super League Saturday night for the U20s biggest game of the season. Entry on Sunday is €5 and all Warriors season tickets are valid for admission to the game. Tip off at the Tralee Sports Complex is 3.45pm.
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