The senior men’s team will be looking to retain their title, as will the under-21 side, while the U17’s and the ladies team will be hoping to snatch the honours from their Sarnian opposition.
After three consecutive victories under coach Rick Blakemore, the men’s team will be looking to make it four in a row, with veteran Island player Mike Whitfield having taken up the coaching chalice a few months ago.
The side will feature experienced senior players reinforced with some new faces including Spanish, French and Polish players and should be a thrilling culmination to the day’s basketball.
While the ladies’ tie will produce a tough challenge for Jersey, coach Byron Hatton, who has been pleased with his team’s progress this year acknowledged that Guernsey are a formidable team.
‘They’ve been together for so long and have a big advantage with the home crowd behind them,’ he said.
‘Our team hasn’t been together long but they’ve bonded well and have worked very hard for this year’s match and I’m confident they’ll give Guernsey a really good game.
‘This time last year we only had ten women playing at island level and this year I’ve had to pick from a squad of 20 – this is a fantastic victory in itself and hopefully a sign of good things to come for local ladies basketball.’ At junior level, the U17’s are anxious to make an impact this year after losing the tie in 2006.
Several players will make their Island debut while many of last year’s names are on the team sheet again for their final year before moving up to U21’s.
Coach Stuart Gilmour is confident that his team will do well against the strong opposition and said: ‘They’ve been working really hard as a team and have been playing regularly in our men’s league which has had a real impact on their shooting.
‘I know it’s given them confidence and hopefully it should stand them in good stead for Saturday’s game.’ Gilmour also coaches the U21 side which boasts a wealth of talent.
Pioto Uznanski, who was MVP in last year’s home win, will captain the side this year as they look to bring the trophy back with them.
While several of the U17’s have made such an impact in the league that they will be stepping up to take on a very strong and consistent Guernsey U21 side.
U17s: James Reed (captain), Carlo Ranieri, Max Burnett, John Monserez, Liam Barry, Dom Choapadith, Tareq Hadadd, Chris Radzimski, John Lane.
Ladies: Frankie Le Quelenec, Jackie Delph, Catherine Small, Natacha Morgan-Pasquali, Gill Dempsey, Kerry Helwig, Helen Birrell, Emma Lawton, Jodie Botterill, Myra Hall, Aneta Kasprzyk, Claire Le Maistre.
U21s: Pioto Uznanski (captain), Alex Henderson, Didzis Lauskis, Glen McKenna, Andy Blake, J Reed, C Ranieri, L Barry.
Men: Greg Ruellan, Chris Byrne, Paul Graf, Dave Middleton, D Lauskis, A Blake, P Uznanski, Jonathan Gilmore, Michael Pusz, Matthew Du Bourg, Byron Hatton, Gerardo Garcia.
