Will There be Any Upsets?
MOUNT LAUREL: Quarterfinals Predictions
By Kevin Kolodziej | Mount Laurel Media Associate
7:30 PM - No. 3 Kobe’s Rebounders (5-3) v. No. 6 All Buckets (1-7)
Kobe’s Rebounders have had the league’s most dominant player this season in Michael Kouser, whose 48.9 PPR is third-highest in the entire country. That’s just ridiculous. Both times these two teams met, Kobe’s Rebounders came out victorious by a single-digit margin. And while the reigning-champion All Buckets only won one game this year, don’t count them out.
If there’s anyone in the league who might be able to contain Kouser, it’s All Buckets big man and reigning MVP Dame Gross. It’s going to take a lot for them to pull off the upset, but it’s not impossible. Expect another single-digit margin during round three between these two teams.
PREDICTION: Kobe’s Rebounders 69, All Buckets 62
8:30 PM - No. 4 South Jersey Dynasty (4-4) v. No. 5 Jesus Disciples (2-6)
Both of these teams are coming off big wins to close their regular season schedules. During Week 7, Jesus Disciples had its biggest win of the season, a 19-point victory over All Buckets, while South Jersey Dynasty handed the Jay-Hawks their only loss of the year 69-65. In two games playing each other this season, South Jersey Dynasty won both by a combined total of four points.
In order for SJD to win a third time, they’ll need big games from Jabree Jackson, Ruben Edouard, Justin DeJoseph and Mike Martin. For Jesus Disciples to win, they’ll need big games from Tim Robinson, Mike Nelson and Tory Whiting. It’s going to be an absolute slugfest from start to finish, and will certainly be one of the best games of the season. That being said, Justin DeJoseph and Jabree Jackson have more combined banners than any other duo in the league, and I’m not going to bet against that much post season experience just yet.
PREDICTION: South Jersey Dynasty 65, Jesus Disciples 63