BLOOMINGTON SOUTH, MN: Can the Blue Chips Stop the Rebels Run? Check Hawkins Week 5 Predictions

Predictions By Eric Hawkins @conanhawk

Another good week in making my predictions at 6-1, but I do have to get the lines a little better. Maybe this week is the week that we go perfect on predictions and the lines are close too.

WatchaMaCallits (F.A.) Vs. Red Devils

The WatchaMaCallits are on a two game winning streak. For this to continue the WatchMaCallits will need Ryan Kelley to keep shooting like he did in the last game (65% from the field). As Ryan is putting up nearly 40% of the free agents shot if he is off they will have a hard time scoring.

The Red Devils two game winning streak ended last week, but they are looking to start a new streak this week. The Red Devils will have the advantage of size and strength. I would look for them to bully the free agents squad to get their victory. While the free agents have some height they lack in strength with only having two guys on the roster that are over 200 pounds.

Unless the free agents get hot and Ryan Kelley plays very well I see the Red Devils getting easier shots and winning this game.

Red Devils by 10

Clem's Kidz Vs. Tropics

The Clem's Kidz best chance for a non-forfeit win came and went last week with the WatchMaCallits. They are some good guys but lack the talents to compete against most of the teams in Bloomington. I wish them the best of luck proving me wrong.

Tropics by 20

Riddlers Vs. Lockdown

The Riddlers had a tough game last week against the very stingy defense of the Rebels. There only offense seemed to come from the long range threes jacked up by Nick Roell. This week they should get some better looks as Lockdown is lacking the size to stop the big men for the Riddlers. With Nick Roell getting the ball into the post I look for Don Kahl and Cory Rablin to have the same success that other big men have had against Lockdown.

For Lockdown to win the game we will have to play better team ball. This is on both ends of the court. This is even more important on defense. As it is we have a problem stopping big men from other teams as we lack the height or size or both to do so most games. To overcome this we will need to start doubling the big guys and playing better help defense. If we can limit the number of point scored in the paint this will go a long way to beating the better teams in this league.

Riddlers by 12

Guerrillas Vs. Supersonics

The Guerrillas most of taken offense to my article last week as there wasn't a second half collapse and they were only playing with five guys. They also consistently went to the post and the post either got a good shot or found the open guy. If this trend watch out for the Guerrillas in the playoffs.

While watching the Supersonics game there were somethings that I didn't expect to see. The biggest one was how well the moved the ball. Even though they shot a poor percentage (33% from the field and 17% from three) most of the shots they took were open shots. If they can start knocking those down they could surprise some teams.

I haven't seen enough of the Supersonics to quite make a statement either way whether they are good or bad. But after seeing them shoot last week I don't think they will beat the Guerrillas, but if they get hot they could put up a good fight.

Guerrillas by 16

St. Baul Vs. Huskies

The Huskies got there first win of the season. They looked good last week. Their offense moved well they found open shots and hit them. This could be due to the match-up problem that is Joe Epple, being a 6'4” point guard, or maybe everything just clicked last week. Whatever it is they will need it and more if they want to win this week versus St. Baul.

St. Baul is back. With a win over the Timberpuppies they showed that they are still one of the better teams in Bloomington South. With a great offensive effort by Greg Regenscheid and good team defense they beat last season runner up to the gold cup.

This game will be more of the same for St. Baul. Force turnovers and find the hot hand and they should win this game.

St. Baul by 14

Rebels Vs. Blue Chips

Two weeks ago I wrote that I thought that the Blue Chips needed to add some depth to stay competitive. Well then they added a former league MVP in Chris Maher. This definitely changes some things. It opens up the offense so much more having him on the court. You now have multiple guys that can be down in the post which opens up their shooters up top. This offense that is already ranked number one in the league just got a little better.

After the Rebels held the Riddlers to 28% shooting from the floor last week they get another great challenge this week going up against the best offensive team in the league. There is the age old debate on which is more important, a good offense or good defense. Maybe we will get to find out this Wednesday when these two meet.

In what should be the match-up of the week I believe that the Rebels will do enough to win this game. I don't think it will be anywhere near the blowouts it has been so far for the Rebels however. Chris Daly does a very good job controlling the ball and the tempo of the game. Also almost everyone on the Blue Chips can knock a shot down from almost anywhere on the court. This means there will be less fast break opportunities for the Rebels. This will make for a much closer game and maybe even an upset. But as I said I don't think that the upset is going to happen.

Rebels by 8

Lakers Vs. Thunder

The Thunder are looking to stay undefeated this week and continue the three game losing streak of the Lakers. While the Thunder have had some close games they came out and crushed the winless Supersonics last week. Hopefully for the Thunder that is what they need to turn the close games in to easier victories.

Watching the Lakers last week was interesting. They seem to put all their effort in on the offensive side of the ball. When watching them on offense they hustle and move well on the court while on defense it is like they are moving in slow motion (worst in points against at 82.5). There isn't any help defense or fighting to get through picks, a bad combination by the way. If they want to win they are going to need to put the same effort into both sides of the ball.

Thunder by 18