Half way through the season, we're able to get a good indication of where leagues may finish up, so let's take a quick peek back at the pre-season predictions and see how each league has done thus far.
Atlantic Conference
1st - Beer Ball Masters
So far, so good for Tyler & co. After escaping a week one upset, and last week getting past FTW in 9 games, they see themselves undefeated but in tough to finish first. They cannot afford any slip ups in their conference, but if Brent is able to stay on his MVP-like form, BBM are certainly the team to beat.
Current prediction - 1st
2nd - Freedom
After what was an atrocious start allowing a big upset to collapse, Nish has turned this ship around quickly. While they do sit in third currently, with the likes of Adam, Andy, Cam, DJ, Matt, Pete, Serena and Scotty having showed already when there were many question marks regarding whether or not they would play this season, gives Nish the depth necessary for yet another playoff run.
Current prediction - 2nd
3rd - Straight Shots
The addition of both Sid and Dante has proven to be key for SS this season as they have gotten off to a great start, and with the pick up of Brice Straight Shots look to be a solid playoff team, and while they do hold a game and tie break over Freedom for second, I don't see this squad keeping it together all season long and if it comes down to the final week, they'll be in tough against BBM.
Current prediction - 3rd
4th - Pool Hall Pros
While they've yet to pick up a win, they've showed great promise keeping a few matches close with flashes of brilliance. While they have yet to be eliminated yet, a lot will have to fall in place for them to make the post-season. Hopefully this season acts as a learning experience for Candi & co. who should finish stronger than they started.
Current prediction - 4th
Pacific Conference
1st - For The Win
While they suffered a tough loss last week, they still have a comfortable lead in their conference and with 2 of the top 3 players in PRO, Danielle & co. shouldn't have to worry the rest of the way. The only issue they may encounter is having a full roster, and while it may not be necessary now, they do have 5 weeks to try and find some depth for the playoffs.
Current prediction - 1st
2nd - Break and Run
Currently on a 3 game slide which should end this week, but Break and Run have shown a different side this season. The last time Ross & co. endured a 3 match losing streak may be the last time I made up a stat, it's been a while, and in a 10 game season, that can make or break the season. While Jordy has been Jordy, Jim has stepped up to help but with DS right on their tails, it'll be a close one but with DS having to face both FR and BBM still in cross conference, that could be the difference.
Current prediction - 2nd
3rd - Dead Strokes
Yet another rough start for Dead Strokes in PRO, and while they are in a better position than seasons past, they still have two tough cross conference opponents to go but the ball is certainly in their court.Omar and Ogges will have to step up and lead the team as it seems no one else is, but it's tough to see them doing it by themselves.
Current prediction - 4th
4th - Deep Pockets
While the Brice and Joe marriage did not work out, they have shown some promise taking teams to games 8 and 9, but unfortunately, all that matters are W's and L's. They are in a position to play spoiler and can do so if teams take them lightly.
Current prediction - 4th
Either I'm great at predicting, or I'm stubborn.. Onto this weeks predictions!
Straight Shots [4-1] @ Deep Pockets [0-5]
Last week: SS def. BNR 5-2, DP lost to FR 3-5
Sid & co. come into this weeks match up fresh off a big win over Break and Run last week, and they'll look to keep the wins coming in this cross conference portion of the schedule as they look to keep up with BBM. Deep Pockets were able to take Freedom deep last week showing their talent when they're underestimated, so look for Joe to lead his troops into this fired up for the possibility of an upset. New comer Brice will look to beat up on his old team while Sid looks to hope JJ can turn his season around with a couple of wins. DP should win enough to keep it interesting, but not enough to scare SS.
Prediction - 5-3 SS
Freedom [3-2] @ For The Win [4-1]
Last week: FR def. DP 5-3, FTW lost to BBM 4-5
Certainly the match of the week as a hot Freedom squad take on the defending champions, who took out Freedom in the finals to earn it. Freedom comes in as the second hottest team in PRO, with a roster that seems to be growing in depth every week, last week with both Andy and Pete making their first appearance of the season. Those two and others will be needed this week as they take on Ant, Brian and the rest of FTW. Like I mentioned earlier, FTW is a strong squad that doesn't need to worry about their play in season, they just need to worry about depth for the playoffs. A big match-up like this though I'm sure will get everyone on the FTW squad fired up to assure themselves and Freedom that the finals last season was not a fluke. I imagine Ant and Brian will be played early to help defeat Freedom quickly.
Prediction - 5-3 For The Win
Beer Ball Masters [5-0] @ Dead Strokes [2-3]
Last week: BBM def. FTW 5-4, DS def. PHP 5-2
This has the makings for a great match if DS are able to carry over the momentum from last weeks win and come out strong against Brent and whoever tags along. Certainly after having to carry so many times, we see Brent is no fluke and is a big reason why BBM are where they are currently in PRO. As strange as it is with all the depth and talent BBM have, Brent has shown resilience this season and is breezing through opponents. Omar and George have the talent to slow him down, but it doesn't look like DS have the talent to slow down BBM.
Prediction - 5-3 BBM
Pool Hall Pros [0-5] @ Break and Run [2-3]
Last week: PHP lost to DS 2-5, BNR lost to SS 2-5
On paper this match doesn't look to be close, but this is the same PHP squad that was able to take FTW to game 9, and Break and Run are in a bit of a slide right now. Actually a major slide. This may be a good opportunity for the likes of Craig, Mina and Ross to get back to their old self and pick up some W's, but they'll need to focus as Candi & co. are a strong side. Ash will be out looking for revenge, and as long as he stays focused he is certainly capable of it, but it's tough to do it solo.
Prediction - 5-3 Break and Run
No comments:
Post a Comment