BASKETBALL: In many aspects, the Superleague can be compared to its domestic soccer counterparts. Financial struggles are an obvious parallel but the whole swings and roundabouts mentality also exists in abundance. Clubs rise and fall in a season. In the case of Shamrock Rovers, it takes a little longer to rediscover the winning formula but this finally appears to have occurred, in basketball at least.
The Hoops are leading the northern conference this season. This was recognised recently with Jonathan Reed named player of the month for October, alongside Neptune's Richard Joyce, while player coach Kevin Young won the coaching accolade.
They will attempt to build on their newly discovered consistency under Young, although his 19 minutes of court time means he is focusing more on guiding the talent from the huddle, when they travel to Ballina for tomorrow's round six encounter.
"Last time we played Ballina it was a great game," said Young. "I'm sure Terry and his guys will be ready to go for this one. I've heard a lot about playing at Ballina. I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Ballina's dual sporting star Ronan McGarrity returned to training on Tuesday and is expected to play some part in the game. Chris Smith should be back after missing out against Neptune with flu.
New arrival Robert Taylor impressed coach Terry Kennedy and with a full house and with the prospect of Scott Kinevane facing his former club plenty of subplots exist.
Mark Keenan also has a date with his former club when Killester meet UCD Marian tomorrow in Oblate Hall in Inchicore.
John Quigley remains doubtful for Killester with a knee injury, while Keith Anderson, Darren O'Moore and Robbie Clarke are required for the under-20s cup quarter-final against Demons in the curtain raiser.
UCD are without Barry Glover and Pat Glover.
Belfast Star are still searching for victory in the current campaign and the arrival of defending champions St Vincent's to Jordanstown provides little hope of it being this weekend.
Neither team have a paid up Bosman signing on their rosters at present.
Leading southern conference club Neptune host the Tralee Tigers and the UCC Demons travel to Limerick to face the Lions in a repeat of last season's cup final.
FIXTURES: Saturday: Men's Superleague: Belfast Star v St Vincent's, Jordanstown, 7.15 Ballina v Shamrock Rovers, Ballina, 8.0 Killester v UCD Marian, Oblate Hall, 7.30 Limerick Lions v UCC Demons, Oblate Hall, 7.30 Neptune v Tralee Tigers, Neptune Stadium, 7.0. Woman's Superleague: UL Aughinish v Tolka Rovers, UL Arena, 5.0 Sunday Woman's Superleague DCU Mercy v Cork, DCU, 3.30.
