SHELBY REC: Playoff Preview/Predictions | " 3-peat or Defeat "

Playoff Preview/Predictions

The playoffs are set, while the two top seeded teams, 2Deep (7-0) and House of Skillz (5-3) enjoy their bye week. This Wednesday will showcase the other teams in the first round.

Performance Issues (4-4) VS. Wildcats (4-4):

It was the Wildcats who bested Performance Issues in week nine, seventy to sixty-six. With this rematch in the first round, Performance faces a tough challenge on their road to winning their third consecutive championship. A strong performance from Mckinsey Golfin and Steve Maceri is key to a first round victory for Performance Issues. Both players can shoot the ball very well, but with Golfin’s ability to attack the rim, and drawing defenses. He will find an open Steve Maceri who has been shooting lights out from the three. Mckinsey Golfin, also has a solid supporting cast, with Evan Wilson and Bill Treece, which can be a nightmare for defenses defending the three point shot.

Wildcats have broken their slump winning two straight games, heading into the first round can be a real confidence booster for a team that has a lot of talent. Brian Olley has been a solid pick up, and a great player this season for the Wildcats. Averaging almost a double-double a game, Brian Olley is not the key for Wildcats upsetting Performance Issues. Edin Muhtarevic is the x-factor in this game, who needs a strong performance complementing Brian Olley’s play. Muhtarevic and the rest of the Wildcats need to play through Brian Olley if they want to knock off the defending champs.

Prediction:

Performance Issues - 78 | Wildcats – 70

Performance Issues knows what is at stake. They seem to turn it on during the playoffs and can be very difficult to beat. With the offensive power this team holds with Golfin, Maceri, Wilson, and Treece, along with Jason Sawinski down low. Wildcats will put up a good fight, it will be an entertaining game to watch, but Performance Issues experience will overcome them in the end.

YLIE (5-3) VS. House of Money (3-5):

Hit the gate running! YLie understands what needs to be done. No Mercy should be the mindset as the players pull up to Lifetime Fitness. A team that has lost in the championship game, twice in a row is on a mission to reclaim their title that was taken away from them in the summer. The Key for them is to come out strong, and fast. A backcourt with Tyrone Jordan and Johnnie Brown, a down low presences in Rob Villanueva and David Stephens can lift YLie into the second round. YLie has been on a three game losing skid. Favorites to be in the championship game early this season, has now been questioned since they’ve been in this slump. YLie is a championship caliber team, but cannot afford to shoot themselves in the foot during these playoffs.

House of Money has had an up and down season. Only playoff team they have beaten are the Wildcats. House of Money lacks an identity, especially on offense. Hustling is the key to winning. A team like House of Money can be a scary match-up to go up against. With players like Steve Mann, Alex Dzierbicki, and Marcello Mastracco. This team can beat you with their physicality and athleticism which that alone can build momentum to carry this team to victory.

Prediction:

YLie - 65 | House of Money - 54

I expect a great performance from Tyrone Jordan, to take control and set the tone in this game. With No offensive identity, House of Money face a real problem scoring and with no true point guard to lead their team. YLie will use that to their advantage and come out with a victory.