The new basketball season gets under way on Saturday night in Ballina Sports and Leisure Centre (tip-off 7.30pm ) when the home team, Loftus Recycling, host Blue Demons, Cork, in the opening round of division one in the National Basketball League. The Ballina side also have their second and third round fixtures at home as they entertain Garvey’s St Mary’s (Tralee ) on Saturday week, October 9, and Ballon (Carlow ) the following Saturday night, October 16.
Given the intense rivalry between Loftus Recycling and Blue Demons in recent years, Saturday night’s encounter promises to provide a lively opening for the new season and should give an indication of what supporters can expect from the home side over the coming months.
While the Ballina club is still considering the possibility of recruiting a new player, they are likely to commence the new season with the same panel as last year but plan to place more emphasis on development of some of the younger members of the squad. The possibility of recruiting a player/coach is being considered but veteran Liam MacHale has been preparing the team for the new season and is likely to tog out yet again for the home side as the need arises. Ballina also expect to have Ronan McGarrity available for at least some fixtures. Season tickets will be on sale on Saturday night for the 2010/11 season which will involve at least eight home games with home cup games, also a possibility.
