National League

Nov 04 2021

MissQuote.ie Super League and Division 1 preview

Round 5 of the MissQuote.ie Super League starts with Friday’s game between The Address UCC Glanmire and IT Carlow Basketball. Mark Scannell’s side were impressive in their InsureMyHouse.ie National Cup 102-61 win over defending champions Killester last weekend and Mark Scannell is eager to build on that performance, but is wary of the threat that IT Carlow pose following their recent addition of Lauren LePlant. “It’s good to get back to league action after the Cup. Carlow have improved greatly with the addition of their new American, so we are expecting a great game in Upper Glanmire (Sports Hall) tomorrow night. We have a few injuries, so hopefully we get through this weekend and rest and recuperate during the international break and get ready for the really important third of the season.”

IT Carlow Basketball are yet to pick up a win this season, but head coach Martin Conroy remains upbeat. “We know the challenge that lies ahead of us. Glanmire showed in the Cup game against Killester just how awesome a team they are. We have prepared well this week and our girls are getting to know each other a lot better now, this won’t be easy, but at this level it shouldn’t be easy. “

Killester face a trip to DCU Mercy, head coach Karl Kilbride is looking for a reaction from his players. “Sunday is going to be a tough game. DCU are a big, physical side with two good Americans and an excellent coach. They’re always one of the best defensive teams in the league and this year is no different. We were incredibly disappointed with our performance last weekend, but we know we’re a lot better than what we showed and we’re hoping to bounce back this weekend. DCU is a really difficult place to pick up a win, but for us the performance is probably the most important element this weekend. Have we learned our lesson and have we improved on last week? We’ve had a good week in training, but Sunday will tell.”

DCU Mercy head coach Mark Ingle stated: "DCU Mercy are looking forward to Sunday's game against Killester, who bring a team full of 3-point shooters to DCU. Killester play an exciting brand of basketball and it should be a great game.”

WIT Waterford Wildcats are among five teams with a 3-1 record from their four games in the league, thanks to their 78-55 MissQuote.ie Super League win over IT Carlow on Sunday, head coach Tommy O’Mahony, is still looking for more from his squad ahead of their game with Team Garvey’s St. Mary’s. “Another tough game ahead, St. Mary’s have shown they are able to compete at this level, so we need to be ready for the challenge they bring, after a disappointing performance in our last game we need to be in tune to what threats they bring in order to get over the line.”

Team Garvey’s St. Mary’s have just one win from their four league games so far, head coach Liam Culloty, spoke ahead of the upcoming contest. “We are looking forward to the challenge ahead. They have started the season very well and have a nice mix of Irish players and American talent. We will be focusing on ourselves and looking to improve on last weekend as always.”

Trinity Meteors host Singleton SuperValu Brunell. Edel Thornton played a vital role in Trinity Meteors’ promotion to the Super League and head coach Vincent O’Keeffe is looking forward to welcoming the Irish international back to the Trinity Sports Hall: “Saturday's home game against Brunell is a special occasion. Not only is it against a team, who are flying high at the top of the table, but it marks the first return of Edel Thornton, who gave fantastic service to our club while she was with us. We are well aware of Edel's qualities, and indeed of the whole Brunell team, but we are looking forward to the challenge and hoping to register our first home win of the season.”

Tim O’Halloran, Singleton SuperValu Brunell head coach said: “We are really looking forward to getting back to action after a weekend off, we travel to Trinity with respect, as they have a very good young team and coach and all we can do is focus on ourself and keep improving game by game.”

Fr. Mathews will be eager to get off the mark when they host Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics, head coach Niamh Dwyer said “We have prepared well for our visitors Liffey Celtics this week. We are looking forward to playing on our home court and getting stuck into what should be a exciting game.”

Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics head coach Yiannis Liapakis isn’t underestimating his opponents. “Saturday’s game against Fr. Mathews is going to be a very difficult and physical game. The 0-4 record they have so far does not correspond to their true value as a team - they’re way better than that and everybody knows it. So right now we’re trying to prepare as best possible and looking forward to a very exciting basketball battle”

In the MissQuote.ie Division 1, NUIG Mystics and Ulster University remain the only unbeaten sides left, they're not in action this weekend. On Saturday Griffith College Templeogue host Portlaoise Panthers at Nord Anglia International School, while Marble City Hawks take on Phoenix Rockets at O’Loughlins GAA Club. On Sunday Tipperary Knights take on Swords Thunder at Presentation Secondary in Thurles.

MissQuote.ie Super League Fixtures

Friday 5^th November

The Address UCC Glanmire v IT Carlow Basketball (Upper Glanmire Sports Hall) 1945

Saturday 6^th November

Trinity Meteors v Singleton SuperValu Brunell (Trinity Sports Hall) 1430

Fr. Mathews v Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics (Fr. Mathews Arena) 1700

WIT Waterford Wildcats v Team Garvey’s St. Mary’s (Mercy SS Waterford) 1900

Sunday 7^th November

DCU Mercy v Killester (DCU Arena) 1430

MissQuote.ie Division 1 Fixtures

Saturday 6^th November

Griffith College Templeogue v Portlaoise Panthers (Nord Anglia International School) 1700