Game Picks: Week 8

Saraceno vs. Walsh
Prediction: Walsh 55 Saraceno 52

Walsh put up a number last week, becoming the first team all season to eclipse the 70 point mark.  Now they must avoid a let down against a struggling Team Saraceno.  The guard matchup of Ben Walsh and Tom DeNatale against Matt Ferro and Doug Smith should be fairly balanced, so the real difference in the game should be down low.  For Team Saraceno, Matt Foster should be able to hold his own, but I expect Jake Wertheimer and Mark Shea to help Team Walsh squeak out a close victory.

Hegeman vs. Jarboe
Prediction: Jarboe 58 Hegeman 56 (OT)

This should be the matchup of the week, with each team having a record of 5-2.  Jarboe loves to play uptempo, while Hegeman has the size advantage down low.  Brandon Orlando has been somewhat inconsistent in some games, but when he really comes to play he can be a monster on the boards.  However, I think Jackson Jarboe can neutralize him enough to allow Pete Ellerkamp to lead his troops to a hard fought victory.

Stevens vs. Stewart
Prediction: Stevens 62 Stewart 52

Alex Dhionis will need to have a huge game if the Stewies are going to upset Team Stevens.  That means that Team Stewart will have to dictate the tempo by slowing down Team Stevens' relentless offensive attack and defensive pressure.  Although Willy Stewart has had success against this team in the past (he made a game winning and-one in the final seconds of last year's matchup) I think Team Stevens will be able to continue their winning ways and get revenge on Team Stewart from last year's heartbreaker.

Stark vs. K Dawson
Prediction: K Dawson 51 Stark 26

List of biggest sports upsets ever:
1.) Stark defeats K Dawson
2.) USA beats USSR in "Miracle on Ice"
3.) Red Sox comeback from 3-0 series deficit to beat Yankees

D Dawson vs. Naughton
Prediction: Naughton 44 D Dawson 40

Naughton has been hot recently and come into this game looking to improve their record to an even 4-4 and finish the regular season with a respectable .500 record.  On the other side, Diane Dawson's team is going in the opposite direction without top pick Conor Enright.  Chaz Hallock and Cedric Wirta will need to step up their games if Team Dawson is going to stop their skid. For Team Naughton, Matt Hanagan presents a huge matchup problem, as I don't think that Mitch Dawson has the agility to prevent him from driving to the basket.  With Hanagan inside I would expect the three point arc to open up, so you might see Greg Naughton or Danny Kessler hit a few threes to give Team Naughton the edge.

Mahan vs. DeLuca
Prediction: DeLuca 45 Mahan 39

Team Mahan is feeling good after pulling off a huge overtime win last weekend against Team D Dawson.    They have underperformed so far this year, and I think they might be getting hot just in time for the playoffs.  Team DeLuca has also shown flashes of potential this season, but failed to put it all together for a prolonged period of time.  I think this is a very big game in terms of momentum for each team as they prepare for the postseason.  That being said, I believe Team DeLuca will get it done in the end.  Tim Boudreau should present a problem for Ben Icenogle with his physicality, while iMac and Tim Grove should be able to out hustle Griffin Modzelewski and co.

Wright vs. Debreceni
Prediction: Debreceni 43 Wright 38

The key matchup of this game is down in the post, where the physical Kyle Karaska takes on the finesse and athletic AJ Wright.  I think it would benefit Team Wright to play some full court press and try to take away the advantage that Karaska gives Team Debreceni in the half court, but I'm not sure that they will end up doing this, based on the way I've seen them play in the past.  Ultimately I expect Karaska to cause the defense to collapse inside, leaving Kieleczawa open for a few threes on the perimeter that will be the difference in the end.