It's that time of year again! Let's take a look at some of the award previews and get some discussion going!
There has been some stellar play at the top of both sides or league IV.52. Perennial powers Red Peppers, Missouri City Sounders, and ETBU Tigers are almost always in the discussion for league champion and this year is no different. There is a newcomer to the group and Ron Swanson All-Stars has more than held their own in one of the toughest IV leagues there is.
Preview for the Playoffs:
Big 8
#1: ETBU 21-1 vs. #4 TPB 12-10
#2: MCS 21-1 vs. #3: Nebraska 12-10
Both of these tiebreakers came down to PD with ETBU holding at projected 935 over MCS projected 875 and Nebraska edging TPB 360-335.
ETBU is making their 10 straight playoff appearance only missing in their inaugural season. While MCS will be making the 5th straight trip to the postseason. True Philly Ballers has been holding down residency in IV.52 for a remarkable 20 seasons now qualifying for the playoffs 11 of those seasons and the last 4 in a row. This would be Nebraska's first trip to the playoffs.
I don't see anything that suggests to me that either matchup will be close as ETBU and MCS cruise to the semifinals. ETBU would be making it's 5 appearance in the SF in the last 6 years with a win.
In the Great 8
While Ron Swanson's and Red Pepper have been 1-2 for the entire year and just as dominant as the Big 8 power couple, the Great 8 offers a much more competitive 3, 4 and 5 seed. Little Dragons is riding a 2 year playoff streak and hopes to hold off Detroit Mercy Mavericks who is vying for their 1st playoff appearance after coming close the previous few years. Quack Attack is tied for the second longest tenured team in IV.52 now competing for an 11th year. Making the playoffs 7 of those years and hoping to make this the 8 appearance in 11 years.
#1 Ron Swanson 20-2 vs. #4 Quack Attack 15-7
#2 Red Peppers 18-4 vs. #3 Little Dragons 15-7
Little Dragons wins the tie breaker with a better PD but both the favorites move on to the SF's.
Semifinals
#1 ETBU hosting #2 MCS
#1 Ron Swanson hosting #2 Red Pepper
Both #1 seeds advance with decisive wins and ETBU secures their spot in III.
Let me know how you see it playing out...
Poll:
Who do you see winning it all this year?