It's On

GREEN VALLEY DRAFT: Quarterfinals Predictions

By Michael Palmer | Green Valley Media Associate

No. 4 Black Panther (4-4) vs. No. 5 Captain America (2-6) - Winner Plays #1 Ironman

This is going to be a very high-scoring game as the last time these two teams played each other, Black Panther came out winners with a 114-95 final. The two biggest tasks for Black Panther will be to guard the duo of Kerry Knoll and Kenny McNeil. Both are superb 3-point shooters and will be aggressive from the get-go. We'll probably see at least 20 3-pointers attempted from the duo, so Black Panther needs to be careful guarding them. Watch out for Brian Stanton and Anthony Khotsikian to be aggressive in the paint and I really want to see them be confident in going up against big guys from Black Panther. 

Eric Redeaux and Stefan Hanania will potentially have the task of stopping Stanton and Khotsikian down low, and I know the duo can slow them down. The biggest threat by far for Captain America will be stopping Anthony Livingston. He's fast, quick and so agile each and every time he steps foot on the floor. Watch out for Robert Lew to attempt numerous 3s and Luis Maceira to be explosive all game long. I really like what Black Panther has to offer and they should be able to move onto the next round.

Prediction: Black Panther -6

No. 3 Thor (4-4) vs. No. 6 Hulk (2-6) - Winner Plays No. 2 Spiderman

This will be the third matchup of the season between the two squads as the season series is all tied at one apiece. Hulk beat Thor in week one by 11 points, while Thor got their revenge and beat Hulk last week by 36 points. Hulk was without Daniel Bower last week and could really use his transition offense as the man is so fast. Hulk is going to need a lot from Marcus Wilson and Ben Carey as Carey drilled nine 3s last week, while Wilson scored 21 points, but only shot 38 percent from the field (as did Carey). Sam Earl will also have to step up for Hulk and I know this team is capable of slowing down Thor.

The duo of Juan Carter at the point and Kodiak Yazzie down low is something special. The two of them really feed off each other and will need to be on the same page all game long. Carter scored an incredible 40 points last week, while Yazzie collected a triple-double of 33 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists. He'll be guarded like crazy and if he's in trouble, he has plenty of other guys that will back him up. Dominic Pedotto is such a valuable player as he also put up a triple-double last week. His defense is pure and so important for this team. Watch out for Evan Hunt to make some threes and Milo Berger to have confidence in his shot. I have Thor winning this one as they should care another 100-plus points for sure.

Prediction: Thor -4