D

DESPITE an impressive start, Scotts Lakers were overpowered by Ballincollig in the Hula Hoops President’s Cup semi-final in the Neptune Stadium Cork last Saturday night, Scotts Lakers St Paul’s Killarney 74, Ballincollig BC 98.

The Cork side took over in the second quarter and never looked back. Cameron Clark was the star man as he showcased his shooting touch to carry Ballincollig to triumph.

Scotts Lakers came out of the blocks with all guns blazing. Ballincollig were unable to keep up with their pace for the first few minutes but they settled fairly soon afterwards. Dailian Mason of St Paul’s did a fantastic job of controlling the pace of the game as he ran the point. For Ballincollig, both Ronan and Ciaran O’Sullivan moved the ball well and created shots for themselves to lead at the end of the first, 19-22.

Ballincollig’s American Cameron Clark absolutely ignited in the second quarter; it seemed like he was unable to miss. Ballincollig completely controlled the tempo for the remainder of the half with thanks to the O’Sullivans and Clark. Dan Griffin and Antuan Bootle contributed for St Paul’s but it was Ballincollig who led at the half, 39-55.

No matter what Scotts Lakers managed to do, Ballincollig were able to match them. Cameron Clark continued to dominate on both sides of the floor due to his sheer athleticism. Ballincollig made shot after shot and committed little to no violations in what was an extremely strong quarter for the Corkmen, where they led 53-79.

Both teams played the same style of basketball as they had in the previous three. The problem for St Paul’s was that they were playing with a substantial deficit and they weren’t doing anything extraordinary to claw at Ballincollig’s lead. Big shots from Ballincollig’s main men, the O’Sullivan’s, Clark and Dylan Corkery, ensured that they ran out eventual winners, 74-98.

Scotts Lakers St Paul’s Killarney top scorers: Antuan Bootle 27, Dailian Mason 13, Padraig Lucey 12, Mark Greene 9, Dan Griffin 8, Philip O'Connor 3, Andrew Fitzgerald 2.

Ballincollig BC top scorers: Cameron Clark 39, Ciaran O’Sullivan 18, Ronan O’Sullivan 18
 

 
Above: Padraig Lucey, Scotts Lakers  St Paul's Killarney, breaks away from Ciaran O'Sullivan and Cameron Clark, Ballincollig, in the President’s National Cup semi-final in  The Neptune Stadium, Cork last Saturday night. Pic: Eamonn Keogh