Electric
The atmosphere created in Neptune reached new levels compared to recent years; many compared the weekend to the golden era. With a queue outside an hour-plus before the game and extra seating added behind the team benches, Neptune Stadium found a new capacity at 1300. Credit goes to the Basketball Ireland staff and local club volunteers at the venues for their hours of work behind the scenes, which can go unnoticed by many. Without them, we can’t enjoy the weekend - Thank you all!
Frustration
The 2024 semi-finals were one of the best weekends of basketball in years; however, the overarching headlines surround officiating. The lack of flow to games left players, coaches, fans, and officials frustrated. Women’s Super League games are officiated by two referees, and the semi-finals were officiated by a three-person crew, bringing a new dynamic to the game for players & officials. While the semi-finals have been officiated by three referees for the last number of years, it remains seldom that Women’s games are officiated by a 3 person crew. Could three officials be brought in more regularly for women’s league games? The alternative side of the debate the increase in difficulty in recruiting officials and the disruption of seasons since 2020 delaying the development of referees. Without the officials, both referees and table the games could not take place. Hopefully, this can be soon rectified for all involved and benefit the game.
Impact of the Professionals
It’s easy to say that professionals should impact a big game with the standard of player arriving in Ireland improving in recent times. But it’s well known that it’s Irish players that make the difference in cup games, such as James Hannigan (Demons), the first player in the Cork derby on Friday night to reach double figures in scoring (10 points in 7 minutes). However, this weekend, professionals dominated the games, and some individual performances caught the eyes of many.
Standout Pat Duffy & Paudie O’Connor Performances:
Andre Nation (Ballincollig): 27 points, 6 rebounds
Ariel Johnson (Fr. Matthews): 24 points, 9 rebounds
Caleb Jordan (Tralee Warriors): 28 points
Elijah Tillman (Demons): 24 points, 11 rebounds
Jayla Johnson (Brunell): 31 points, 5 rebounds
Jiselle Thomas (Killester): 37 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists (First-year pro)
Seventh Woods (Demons): 25 points, 8 rebounds
Shawndale Jones Jr (Ballincollig): 26 points
Underage Talent
As noted by many over the weekend the standard of underage players in Ireland continues to rise. COVID-19 stalled Irish basketball for almost 18 months, and clubs have seen the effects of this, losing players & coaches since returning to play. The lack of depth and numbers on teams is evident; however, the future of Irish basketball is bright across the U18 & U20 Competitions. Performances to over the weekend: Harry Scully (Dublin Lions), Sarah Hickey (Waterford Wildcats), Martin Frawley (Limerick Celtics), Ava Walshe (Brunell), Grace Prenter (Meteors), Emma Tolan (Cavan Eagles), Katie O’Sullivan (Liffey Celtics), Lelani Turner (Killester), Rebecca Sexton (Brunell) Rory O’Flynn (Ballincollig) Clodagh Downey (Brunell), Fiontan Rogers (Phoenix)
Growth in the game
Both Pat Duffy games were sold out with an increased capacity in Neptune Stadium (1300 total) and an increase in support at the Paudie O'Connor cup games. Upsets, overtimes and buzzer beaters across the weekend provided entertainment for all with many calling for Semi Finals to be broadcasted on national television. Speaking with Basketball Ireland CEO John Feehan recently (Listen here) the plan is to televise more games as a recent deal with TG4 included League Superleague finals for the first time in 2023. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come as the game continues to grow on the island!
Gallery: All credit to Inpho photography who provided exceptional coverage of the weekend!
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