Tralee v Templeogue: A Deep Dive Into One Of The Hottest Rivalries In Irish Basketball

This weekend sees two Super League heavyweights, Tralee Warriors and Templeogue, go toe to toe again in a game that could have major implications in the title race.

Over the past three seasons, a strong rivalry has developed between the two teams with big games ultimately deciding the direction of major trophies, as the two teams have combined to win six of the nine available trophies. Here's a look at the evolution of the rivalry and how both teams are poised this season.

2016/17

The first major chapter of the rivalry came in 2016 as Templeogue went to Tralee and became the first away team to win in Tralee since the Warriors’ creation began. Neil Randolph and Lorcan Murphy combined for 40 points and 21 rebounds in the big win that set Templeogue on course for their first ever league title. Later that season, Templeogue managed another dramatic win against Tralee 96-93 in the Oblate Hall on a night that would see them lift the league title with one game to spare. Tralee did manage to get a small amount of revenge by winning their first ever silverware that same season with a dramatic Champions Trophy final in Donegal that saw the Kerrymen prevail in overtime 74-73.

2017-18

In the 2017-18 season, Templeogue’s dominance in the league over Tralee continued as they won the double against the Warriors. The second game was a particular classic as it looked as though Templeogue were dead and buried, yet a late rally saw them come back and force overtime. In overtime, they did just enough to deal Tralee a critical loss that would take them out of the title race and leave UCD Marian and Killester to battle it out for league honours. Again though, the Champions Trophy proved to be a more friendly home for Tralee as they managed to beat Templeogue in the final yet again, denying them a Champions Trophy/National Cup double. Paul Dick was MVP on the day after missing the majority of the season.

2018-19

In 2018-19, a new coach on the sideline for Tralee and a full season for Paul Dick were the perfect combination for the Kerry outfit. They finally reversed their league pain against the Dubliners, and also ended Templeogue’s Cup defense. In the space of two weeks, Tralee came to Dublin twice and beat their rivals. Paul Dick ran both games and was particularly dominant in the second game, with 29 points, ten assists and ten rebounds as Tralee won 99-93. In tight physical game last March, Tralee did enough in front of a capacity crowd to beat Templeogue 88-77 in one of their final hurdles on the way to their first ever league title.

2019/20 Season

This season, both teams started the league as likely joint favourites for the title. Both have already stumbled which makes this weekend even more intriguing. Tralee dropped their opening game of the season to UCD Marian by a point at home and also lost on the road to DBS Eanna two weeks ago. A demolition of DCU Saints last week by almost 40 points looks to have steadied the ship. In their two losses, they were without either Paul Dick or Kieran Donaghy so having the two together this weekend will be a major factor. For Templeogue, they dropped their opening game of the season to Belfast Star in a thriller. Despite being in control of the game and up 13 points, it ultimately went to overtime before Star hit some big three pointers to seal the win. Since then, Templeogue have had two home games against Dublin Lions and Killorglin and have had little difficulty dispatching them.

Ahead of this weekend’s battle, we take a look at some of the key matchups and battles to key an eye out for.

Coaches: Pat Price (Tralee) vs Mark Keenan (Templeogue)

Two of the Irish head coaches go head to head on the sideline. Price leads the U16 Irish team while Keenan coaches the Senior Men’s team that this past summer included Tralee’s Eoin Quigley. The two coaches have incredible resumes with league and cup titles between them. Keenan would be considered by many a more traditional coach who gets the most out of his star players. He has a long history with big man Jason Killeen and has been able to get the most out of Jason while also freeing Lorcan Murphy and Neil Randolph to express themselves. Price historically wouldn’t be afraid to mix up what his teams do and tactically he definitely got it right against Templeogue last season as the Tralee press and zone defense both had success. Both have big tactical decisions ahead of them this weekend but have the experience to make the big calls.

American Players

This year, both teams have two Americans that they have to rotate (only one American player is allowed on court at any time). Both also have a big man and a guard so they can vary up what they are doing tactically. Jonathan Lawton is Tralee’s guard who looks to score whenever he can. Last weekend, he had 35 points against DCU and he will be expected to produce a lot again this weekend. On the inside, Keith Jumper returns for his second season. The man they call Geansai, is an athletic big man who can block shots and rebound. He has started the season well and could well see big minutes this weekend. For Templeogue, the experienced American guard Puff Summers is again there and showing no signs of slowing up. Last weekend, he played the majority of the minutes and he gives Templeogue much better balance by being a natural point guard. The second American is Darren Townes who has experience in the Irish league with Neptune and is back after a number of years in Portugal. Like Jumper, Townes is an athletic big who can attack the basket and is physically very strong. Whether he fits perfectly with Jason Killeen is the big question mark at the moment. It will be an interesting tactical battle between the coaches to see which Americans play more. Initially, it looks like both guards will see more time but that could easily change.

Irish stars

For Templeogue, Neil Randolph and Lorcan Murphy will be crucial on the perimeter. Murphy is the best athlete in the league by far and has caused problems for every defense he’s faced this year. Randolph is one of the top shooters in the country and together, they compliment each other perfectly. On the other end, Paul Dick was the x-factor in these games last year and he will be expected to have a huge impact again. Stephen James for Templeogue will likely get the assignment of slowing him down. Eoin Quigley is the other man to watch for Tralee. Last season, Quigley reached a new level of performance that helped Tralee seal the title. He has length and can shoot a tough combination to match up with.

Europeans

Both teams have European players who could make a significant impact. Daniel Jokubaitis and Ivan Bogdanovic both came over from Killorglin to Tralee this summer and neither has yet shown what they are capable of. Jokubaitis can be a dead eye shooter but he has struggled from the field so far. A big shooting night from him could be a momentum swing for Tralee. Bogdanovic will be expected to battle with Jason Killeen in the middle. He has the height but whether or not he can match Jason’s physicality will be telling. For Templeogue Spanish newcomer Xabier Arriaga has been a major addition this year. He has size to compete inside but he has great shooting ability too which helps spread the floor and create room for Lorcan Murphy and Jason Killeen to operate.

X Factor

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Two well known Irish stars could provide the x factor this weekend. For Tralee, Kieran Donaghy brings a grit and determination that is impossible to quantify. He constantly finds ways to compete with bigger players and come away with huge plays. When things aren’t going well, it’s often Donaghy who comes up with a telling play. On the other end, last year’s Player of the Year Jason Killeen creates a huge match up problem for almost every Irish team. He’s incredibly effective in the mid range and around the basket. Tralee will have to try and drag him away from the ring and get him moving as much as possible. It may be a case that playing smaller is the best way to counteract him.

What the players say

Puff Summers (Templeogue): “Tralee has been a team we’ve circled on our calendar for the four years that I’ve been here. Both teams have been very successful and this weekend there is two great coaches and some tasty matchups that fans will be excited to see. It’s a game the players want to be part of. We have to have the mentality that they are the champs and won’t give up that title easily, but we have some experience as champions too so we’re excited to go to the kingdom and battle with them.”

Kieran Donaghy (Tralee): “Templeogue in Tralee is always a great occasion, it will be the biggest crowd we will have this season. We have had a shaky start and last week’s road win was badly needed. We beat them three times last year so they will be very hungry to avenge them defeats so it’s going to be a really tough battle for us.”