SUGARLOAF, GA: Regional Playoffs | Win or Go Home

This is what we have been waiting for all year, THE PLAYOFFS! We will see which teams are battle tested and have what it takes to call themselves champions. The road to the championship will be difficult. Your team has to be prepared not only physically, but most importantly mentally. There will be some scratching, some clawing, and some trash talking, but to get to raise the banner at your club is worth all the handwork. The question is are you a true champion? If you feel that you are, this is your time to prove it.


#2 Team Duke vs. #5 Rainmakers 7:15pm
Team Duke did not finish off the regular season strong, and lost by 24 on the last game of the season. Is this team mentally prepared to battle for a championship title? They only lost two games all season, but some mid-season trades could hurt this team during the playoffs. They have what looks on paper as an easy match-up in the regional round. During the season Team Duke beat the Rainmakers easily by 29 points. All starters were in double figures and as a team they forced the Rainmakers out of there comfort zone. The Rainmakers have a slight, and I do mean a slight, chance to upset the #2 seeded team. They will have to slow the game down and force this game to be in the mid 50’s. If they play sound help side defense, they will give Team Duke problems. Do the Rainmakers have the mental stamina to execute for 44 minutes? The answer is No No No!
Prediction: Team Duke advances by 29

#3 Spartans vs #4 Team USA 8:15pm
This is my “Popcorn” playoff game to watch. I am excited to see these two teams battle for a chance to play in the Atlanta OPEN Championship. It reminds me of the Spurs and Clippers this year battling in the first round. The Spartans are the defending champions, but will being undersized cause them problems against Devon “You Better Guard Me” Scott? In order for the Spartans to win, they will have to do what Steve Kerr is currently doing against Lebron James, have him get his points but limit the rest of the team. If Scott scores his average of 20.7 points, the Spartans can live with that as long as he does not dish out 8 assists as well. The Spartans will advance only with the leadership of Dominique “The General” Bland. He is the vocal leader of this team and they respond well to his leadership style. He has the heart of a champion, but can he will his undersized team to a back to back championship? The Spartans have beaten Team USA twice in the regular season, and seem to have a blueprint on how to defend this team. Even though it is extremely hard to beat a team three times, I see them getting it done. Can’t count out a champion.
Prediction: Spartans advances by 3 in OT