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Ballincollig and Trinity Meteors Surge to top of Irish Basketball Leagues
Dominating performances across both the Men’s and women’s Super Leagues have seen Ballincollig and Trinity Meteors rise to contention, challenging for the top spots as the season heats up.
Ballincollig continued their remarkable form with a pair of weekend victories, defeating UCC Demons and EJ Sligo All-Stars to remain just one game behind league leaders Belfast Star. The team’s success is built on a potent offensive trio, with Josh Steel, Latrell Jossell, and Latavious mitchell consistently delivering standout performances. In their 88-80 win over UCC Demons, the trio combined for a remarkable 65 points. However, the loss for the defending champions UCC Demons leaves them at the bottom of the table with a concerning 1-7 record.
Ballincollig followed up their opening win with a convincing 94-77 victory against EJ Sligo All-Stars, maintaining control of the game from midway through the second quarter. Jossell led the scoring with 25 points, while Mitchell added 24 and Steel secured a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double. Despite a strong showing from Jazere Noel, who scored 26 points for Sligo, the team fell to 4-5 and will look to rebound against UCC Demons in three weeks.
Belfast Star narrowly held onto their top position with a hard-fought 115-110 overtime win against UCD Marian. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Marian leading by as much as 18 points during regulation. Aidan Quinn, Shane Bell, and Roger Wilson each contributed over 20 points for Belfast, propelling them to an 8-1 season record. UCD Marian, despite a strong performance from joshua Reynolds (25 points) and Tanner Graham (22 points, 9 assists), fell to 5-4.
elsewhere in the Men’s Super League, Griffith College Éanna secured a 76-69 victory over Flexachem KCYMS, with Irish international Seán Jenkins inspiring his team to a sixth win of the season. A remarkable comeback saw Éanna outscore Killorglin 23-2 in the final quarter,snatching a seven-point win despite Killorglin’s strong start. Limerick Celtics also enjoyed a agreeable 90-72 victory over UCC Demons, led by strong performances from AJ Williams and Abdul Wurie. Energywise ireland Neptune suffered their eighth loss of the campaign, falling 82-74 to St. Vincent’s, while Garvey’s Tralee Warriors defeated Killester 62-47.
Turning to the Women’s Super League, Trinity Meteors have joined Killester and Killarney at the top of the table following a 78-69 victory. Hazel Finn led the way with 24 points in a game that saw 11 lead changes. A strong fourth quarter, outscoring Killester 25-15, proved decisive for Trinity Meteors. Utility Trust St. Paul’s Killarney also secured a spot at the summit with an 81-68 win over FloMAX Liffey Celtics.
UCC glanmire dominated Catalyst Fr. Mathews with an 85-65 victory, handing Fr. Mathews their sixth consecutive defeat. viane Cumber’s impressive eight three-pointers contributed to her 32-point performance.Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell continued their strong form with a 78-63 triumph over Midlands Park Portlaoise Panthers, led by Brailyn Joseph’s 23 points. McEvoy’s Cavan Eagles secured a statement win in their maiden Super League season
