Game Picks: Week 7

***NOTE THAT THE TIMES OF SATURDAY'S GAMES AT LA HAVE BEEN MOVED UP A FEW MINUTES EACH, DUE TO AN LA VARSITY GAME THAT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR NOON. PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY AND BE READY TO PLAY.***

Dawson (5-1) vs. MacLeod (1-5)-- Saturday, 8:00am @ LA 
All you have to do is look at each team's record for this game. Team MacLeod has struggled mightily without their leader, Tynan MacLeod. Last week, Evan Pfenninger stepped up and scored 15 points-- he'll need to do that again to keep this one close. As long as Team Dawson's players know what time their game is at (unlike last week), then they should have no trouble handling Team MacLeod. Look for Conor Enright to use his size and have a big game.
Dawson 53 MacLeod 36

Jarboe (3-3) vs. O'Malley (4-2)-- Saturday, 9:10am @ LA
Playing without Shane O'Malley, Will Lamy and Steve Leonardo stepped up for Team O'Malley and led them to an exciting overtime victory last week over Team Wright. This week, they will have to duplicate their efforts against a confident Team Jarboe. I anticipate that this will be a tight game, which is something that plays to Team O'Malley's advantage, as Team Jarboe hasn't been in many close games. I think Jon Wolfe has a solid game, but Matt Hanagan plays even better, and leads his team to a win.
O'Malley 46 Jarboe 44

Werner (2-4) vs. Hegeman (1-5)-- Saturday, 10:20am @ LA
Although their records are quite similar, I think there is a significant difference in the talent level of each team. Team Werner has the potential to beat anyone when they're on their game, while Team Hegeman is sure to have a solid effort from Anthony Cotoni every week, but the potential is lacking. Team Hegeman may have the advantage in the matchup of star players, but Curran Huff and Matt Plausse provide size and scoring ability that Team Hegeman cannot match. I see Matty "Ice" Werner burying a few threes in his team's victory.
Werner 58 Hegeman 49

Stewart (6-0) vs. Icenogle (3-3)-- Saturday, 1:20pm @ MSN
With Team Stewart coming off a big win last week versus Team Calderan, I think they might sleep a little on Team Icenogle, so it could be a closer than people expect. If Tom DeNatale and Matt Ferro can hit some threes, to balance the inside scoring of Team Stewart, Team Icenogle could hang around. However, I anticipate that the size advantage of Team Stewart will be too much in the end.
Stewart 54 Icenogle 47

Fotino (3-3) vs. Mahan (0-6)-- Saturday, 2:40pm @ MSN 
There is really no need to explain this one. Sorry Mike Shea....
Fotino 61 Mahan 40

Wright (4-2) vs. DeLuca (4-2)-- Sunday, 9:00am @ MSN
Team DeLuca has been scorching hot, as they come into this game on a four game winning streak. They've been distributing the ball nicely amongst themselves, and have had key contributions from several players. I haven't seen a lot of Team Wright this year, but I think they match up well with Team DeLuca, based on size. Neither team has a dominant big man to present a scoring threat down low, and each has a solid tandem of guards. I anticipate that this will be a tight game, but I will give the edge to Team DeLuca, based on the unselfish play and solid defense that they've shown recently.
DeLuca 48 Wright 47
 
Stevens (2-4) vs. Hill (5-1)-- Sunday, 10:15am @ MSN
Team Stevens and Team Hill match up very well. Each team has incorporated the three pointer as a large part of its offense-- thanks to Alex Marken for Team Hill, and Patrick Stevens for Team Stevens. Team Hill's advantage comes with their inside scoring ability, thanks to the Hill Bros. taking it hard to the hoop. I really think Team Stevens has a solid chance to pull the upset, but with Pete Ellerkamp questionable due to a big skiing weekend, I suppose I would have to go with Team Hill if I was a betting man. 
Hill 52 Stevens 48

Calderan (4-2) vs. Debreceni (1-5)-- Sunday, 10:15am @ MSS 
Reigning Baller of the Week Award winner Dustin McEvoy will need another outstanding performance, and some help from his supporting cast to give his team a shot. The difference in this game should be Team Calderan's aggressiveness, which will lead to turnovers and fast break opportunities. Playing at a small gym like Middle School South should help out Team Debreceni a little, because Team Calderan won't be able to run them quite as much, but I think Kevin Thompson has a big game to lead his team to victory.
Calderan 61 Debreceni 45