The St Paul’s men’s and women’s teams got their respective National League Division 1 campaigns up and running with a double-header in Carlow on Sunday last and they came home to Killarney with one impressive win and one disappointing yet encouraging defeat.

The Utility Trust St Paul’s ladies overcame the hosts, SETU Carlow, on an emphatic scoreline of 83-50 with new American signing Jess Huber racking up a whopping 35 points. Coach James Fleming was without the services of several GAA-tied players like Rheanne O’Shea, Leah McMahon, Lorraine Scanlon, Denise Dunlea and Cliona Coffey so the manner of the victory will no doubt be encouraging to him and his backroom team.

Huber dropped in 14 first-quarter points as the home team struggled to keep in touch early on. They trailed by 14 at half-time (40-26) and with Niamh Ní Chonchúir, Alexa Naessens and Lynn Jones to the fore, the Killarney side accelerated even further ahead in the second half.

When Huber nailed the final basket of the game – a three-pointer – Paul’s led by 33 points. The squad can be pleased with this opening day win; it serves as an early marker of their intentions for the 2023/24 season.

ST PAUL’S SCORERS: Jess Huber 35, Alexa Naessens 12, Niamh Ní Chonchúir 10, Lynn Jones 9, Meabh Barry 7, Mary Kate Smith 7, Tara Donnellan 3.

LAKERS

The St Paul’s men’s team, operating under the Scotts Lakers banner, also took on SETU Carlow on Sunday but they were unable to make it a double as they fell to a 12-point defeat (99-87).

Despite losing, the away team played with a competitive spirit, structure and purpose that could have led to a more fruitful outcome. They trailed by 11 points at half-time (61-50) but they came back into contention by the end of the third with new signings Terion Moss (25 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists) and Braden Bell (28 points, 8 rebounds) leading the way.

The deficit was just three points in the closing seconds of the period when a controversial buzzer-beater, plus a free throw, was awarded to Carlow.

Now trailing by six, the Lakers fought hard at the start of the fourth quarter, but the home side managed to plough ahead and capture the points.

Nevertheless it was a positive enough start for the Lakers with several young local players showing what they’re capable of. Jack O’Sullivan scored 13 points, Paul Clarke played a captain’s role and Jamie O’Sullivan also caught the eye. Ronan Collins will have benefitted from his first outing in a while and Mark Sheehan and Eoin O’Carroll added to their burgeoning reputations. Young Chris Healy made his National League debut while Oisín Spring again saw court time.

SCOTTS LAKERS SCORERS: Braden Bell 28, Terion Moss 25, Jack O’Sullivan 13, Paul Clarke 7, Jamie O’Sullivan 7, Eoin O’Carroll 6, Ronan Collins 1.

SATURDAY

Both St Paul’s teams are in action at home at the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre on Saturday. The St Paul’s ladies host the Limerick Celtics 4.30pm and the Lakers will take on the Limerick Sport Eagles at the same venue at 7.30pm.

The Eagles will be a tough assignment; they have brought in Da’Kquan Davis and Keelen Coats, two quality players who combined for 68 points in their opening night win over the Titans.