National League

Nov 29 2024

Preview: Belfast Star appoint new coach ahead of return of Men’s Super League

Belfast Star have a new head coach, Sean Ingle takes over from Rafi Olmassakian, who stepped down for personal reasons. Ingle previously coached Malahide in Men’s Division One and was most recently with Dublin Raiders.

Speaking about his appointment Ingle said: “First and foremost, I’m thrilled to join the team and grateful for the opportunity to be part of one of the most successful and storied clubs in the Men’s Super League. I want to thank Bill and Neal (McCotter) for their trust in appointing me to the role of head coach. It’s an honour to take on this responsibility, and I’m looking forward to building on the foundation laid by Adrian (Fulton) and Rafi. They’ve done an excellent job with the team so far.”

Bill McCotter, Belfast Star President, added: “We wish Rafi and his family well and welcome Sean to the club. Sean is a young, progressive coach who has huge pedigree through his father (Mark Ingle) and has been a student of the game for many years. His philosophy and identity are a perfect match for our club and have great confidence he will be a success this season.”

Ingle was appointed last week and first up for him in the Men’s Super League is Maree at the Newforge Sports Complex on Saturday. “We know Maree is a tough opponent with plenty of talent across their roster, including (Jarett) Haines and (Eoin) Rockall at guard, and size and experience in (Bernat) Vanaclocha and (Zvonimir) Cutuk inside. It’s going to be a tough battle, but the team are up for the challenge.

Conor Quinn will be back in action for Belfast Star after his stint with the Ireland team last week.

A Cork derby has already kickstarted the week, with Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig @MTU edging Energywise Ireland Neptune 78-71 on Thursday, with their American Quashawn Lane hitting 18 points and eight rebounds in the win, while Irish international Adrian O’Sullivan contributed 15 points. Next up for Ballincollig is another home tie against current league leaders Garvey’s Tralee Warriors on Saturday.

UCC Demons are on a four-game winning streak ahead of their Friday meeting with Flexachem KCYMS. After that it’s a trip to Killester on Saturday, who themselves are on a five-game winning run. Demons’ American Sean Clancey has missed their last two games and head coach Danny O’Mahony says “no decision has been made” on his fitness ahead of the weekend. He added, “Another double header this weekend and bit more challenging as we travel for game two. Both Killorglin and Killester will be very tough assignments, both teams have an array of talent and have big scorers. We hope to fill the Mardyke on Friday night and get the win and then turn our attention to Killester.”

Energywise Ireland’s second game of the weekend sees them host Bright St. Vincent’s, while Templeogue host EJ Sligo All-Stars at the National Basketball Arena.

Men’s Division One leaders Limerick Celtics (8-0) host Scotts Lakers Killarney (6-2), while the other unbeaten side the division - ND Audit Portlaoise Panthers (7-0) - have a tricky trip to fourth-placed Moy Tolka Rovers (6-2). Titans BC the other team on a 6-2 record face National League newcomers Tipp Talons. Carrick Cruisers will be seeking their first win of the season when they make the trip to Drogheda Wolves, Mater Private Malahide host Team NorthWest, with both sides having equal 5-3 records coming into the fixture. Elsewhere Ulster University face Joels Dublin Lions, Maigh Cuilinn take on SETU Waterford Vikings and Killarney Cougars have a home fixture with Limerick Sport Eagles.

Fixtures

Men’s Super League

Friday November 29th

UCC Demons vs Flexachem KCYMS, Mardyke Arena, 2000

Saturday November 30th

Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig @MTU vs Garvey’s Tralee Warriors, MTU Arena, 1600

Belfast Star vs Maree, Newforge Sports Complex, 1830

Griffith College Éanna vs UCD Marian, Coláiste Éanna, 1900

Killester vs UCC Demons, IWA Clontarf, 1915

Templeogue vs EJ Sligo All-Stars, National Basketball Arena, 1930

Energywise Ireland Neptune vs Bright St. Vincent’s, Neptune Stadium, 1930

Men’s Division One