Matt's Playoff Picks: Round 1

K Dawson (8-0) vs Mahan (4-4)
Score: Mahan 50-48

Dawson has a chance to knock out the defending champion Assistant Coach Werner in
this game. However, I think Mahan could pull the first round upset, just like a sub-.500 MacLeod did to an undefeated Calderan two years ago. Mahan has knocked off great teams this season like Hegeman and Jarboe, and if they have their big 4 there with Matt Werner, B-Ice, Dan McGuiness, and Griffin Modzelewski I think they have a good chance to win. Especially with so many go to guys to go to down the stretch, I don’t think Dawson has that type of player. It will be interesting to see Ryan Dawson matchup with Ben Icenogle down low. Whoever wins that matchup will have this game.

Jarboe (5-3) vs Debreceni (2-6)
Score: 45-30 Jarboe

I think this game won’t be to close unless Karaska and Kieleczawa have monster games, as
Jarboe is just too deep compared to Deb. I think the guards Peter Ellerkamp and Matt Aumais will
be able to open up shooting lanes for Mike Murphy to hit some three’s. The X-Factor for Jarboe
is Myles Markham. If Myles plays up to his potential and score 8-10 points per game like he did at the
beginning of the season, then Jarboe may be able to make a push at a title.

Hegeman (6-2) vs DeLuca (2-6)
Score: 60-50 Hegeman

DeLuca has been in a funk to say the least after winning their two games early. To make
this game competitive they need to be able to rebound the ball effectively, and Tim Grove needs
to get Ian Macpherson going offensively. Ian and Tim are going to both have big games for
DeLuca to move on.

Walsh(6-2) vs Naughton(3-5)
Score: 50-45 Walsh

I think this will be a very close game. Naughton riding a two game winning streak into
the playoff’s when it looked like Naughton was a non-factor in a title race. However Walsh’s
three point shooting ability with Ben Walsh and Tom DeNatale will pull Hanagan outside and
Pfenn will be able to get easy rebounds and buckets down low.

Saraceno (2-6) vs Stark(0-8)
Score: 50-30 Saraceno

I would really love to see Stark pull an upset but as long as Ferro, Roper, and Smith are
there I don’t see it happening. Then you don’t even know if Ryan Sheehan will even show up so
there’s that uncertainty with Stark. Saraceno is 2-6, however, they lost 2 or 3 close games so the
league shouldn’t underestimate Saraceno. Roper just has to stop taking low-percentage shots and give the
ball more often to Doug.

Stevens (7-1) vs Wright(3-5)
Score: 55-40 Stevens

Stevens begins their quest for another chance to play for the title and it starts with
Wright. Wright doesn’t have two guards to matchup with Doug Rosa and Patrick Stevens. The fast pace game and the depth of Stevens is just too overpowering for Wright to withstand.

D Dawson (6-2) vs Stewart (2-6)
Score: 55-50 Dawson

Stewart is going to have to play a fast paced tempo in order to beat Dawson, but they are more accustomed to playing a half court offense so this might be difficult for them. Mitch and Connor won’t be able to get back on defense and Team Stewart would have easy baskets if they are able to execute the press and run. Bunis and Stewart will need to have strong games for Stewart to win, and
Dhionis and Enright will be a good matchup. Another key is that Stewart has to shut down Dawsons third scorer, either Cedric Wirta or Alex Marken. Ultimately, I think there are too many adjustments for Team Stewart to make in one week, meaning Dawson will be able to edge them out.