BLOOMINGTON SOUTH: Week 8 Predictions

By Ken Farmer | Bloomington South League Coordinator

6:30 p.m. - Guerrillas (5-2) vs Player’s Club (2-4)

The Guerrillas and Player’s Club are both coming off defeats in their previous game. The Guerrillas didn’t have their best performance when they faced the Rebels and will be looking to finish the season on a strong note before the playoffs. They are first in the league in points (77.6) and third in points allowed (64.3) per game. Dajon McKnight (18.3 PPG) leads the team in scoring and is one of four Guerrillas averaging double figures. Chris Maher (15.2 PPG) and Bryant Marmol (14.4 PPG) can fill up the score sheet and add the the dynamic, balanced offense of the Guerrillas.

Player’s Club are led by two primary scorers -- Steven Kelsey (18.3 PPG) and Tony DeBoer (17.0 PPG). They will undoubtedly draw a lot of the defensive focus from the Guerrillas so another contributor will likely have to step up in order to get a win. Keith Ford is connecting on 39 percent of this 3-pointers and will need to make an impact on the score sheet. I think the Guerrillas put in a good performance and come out with the victory.

Guerrillas by 9

6:30 p.m. - Free Agents (1-6) vs Rebels (6-1)

The Rebels are currently on a three-game winning streak and will be looking to make that four as they face the Free Agents. The Rebels have the best record in the league and have been great on both sides of the ball -- they rank third in points (74.0) and second in points allowed (63.0) per game. They have a three-headed monster on offense with Ryan McGuire (19.7 PPG), Cody Heinz (18.3 PPG), and Ryan Jansen (16.3 PPG).

The Free Agents will have a tough time guarding these three, but they must also make sure to box out Paul Ferber, who averages 12.0 rebounds per game. The Free Agents have had their struggles on the defensive end and will need a team effort to slow down the Rebels. Offensively, they are led by Matthew Bertsch (17.2 PPG) and Vernon Simmons (17.0 PPG). They have had streaks where they get hot offensively, usually with the help of Howard Lucas (2.7 3PM). Still, I think the Rebels are too much for the Free Agents and get the win.

Rebels by 16

7:30 p.m. - Muskies (5-2) vs Aardvarks (4-2)

The Aardvarks are on a two-game skid and the Muskies are coming off a poor offensive display. Both teams will be motivated to execute and put together a complete game. This game has seeding implications and I expect both teams to come out focused and energized. After scoring a season-low 48 points, the Muskies now rank fifth in points (69.9) per game and are shooting 36 percent from beyond the arc. The 3-point shot is a big part of the Muskies’ offense, averaging 30.6 attempts per game, and the Aardvarks must defend the outside shot.

Glen Fair is averaging a team-best 21.0 points per game and is one of four Muskies averaging at least 2.0 three’s per game. Sonny Young-Graves is one to watch out for and is averaging 16.0 PPG and 3.8 3s per game. The Aardvarks, meanwhile, are second in points (77.2) and have four players averaging double-figures in points. Thomas Hoistad leads the way with 18.3 points per game and Chris Kampmeyer is averaging 15.0 points while shooting 55 percent from the field. Adam Hoven leads the league in assists and rebounds and is a focal points the Aardvarks on both ends of the floor. I think this will be a close contest that the Aardvarks ultimately win.

Aardvarks by 4

7:30 p.m. - Red Devils (2-5) vs Lightning (1-6)

The Red Devils had a big win the week before with a terrific display on both ends of the floor and will be looking to carry that momentum as they face the Lightning. The Red Devils shot 48 percent from the floor and 40 percent from 3-point range while holding their opponent to 30 percent shooting. It was a balanced scoring effort with five players finishing with double-figures. They did so without leading scorer Ben Davis, who’s averaging 16.8 points per game. Luke Bruun is their leader on the boards and is averaging 10.8 points to go along with his 11.3 rebounds.

They’re a team that shoots a lot of 3s, averaging 30.3 attempts per game, and the Lightning will need to limit their open looks. The Lightning are led by Jake Gave, who is averaging a team-best 16.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Their at their best offensively when the ball finds his hands so I expect the Red Devils to put their focus on him. That could potentially leave some of their shooters open, such as Chuck Harvey and Mike Healey. They only convert on 29 percent of their 3s as a team, but they’re capable of making them in streaks. I think the Red Devils come out with the win.

Red Devils by 6

8:30 p.m. - Loons (4-3) vs THEM (4-3)

The Loons and THEM are both coming off decisive victories in the prior week. With both teams having the same record, this game has seeding implications with the playoffs right around the corner. The Loons put up 94 points last week, by far their best performance offensively. However, this team’s identity is on the defensive end and they are first in the league in points allowed (60.9) per game this season.

Tom Anderson leads the team in scoring averaging 18.8 points per game and is a physical presence down low that is also shooting 38 percent from beyond the arc. Aaron Lukitsch (16.0 PPG) and Walt Richard (15.4 PPG) shoulder the scoring load from the perimeter and connect on over 45 percent of their 3-pointers. THEM are also coming off their best offensive performance with 97 points scored in Week 7. Devin Stensrude upped his average to 28.9 points per game and leads the league in scoring. Stensrude will be a priority for the Loons, so it’ll be up to players like Nirav Sura (13.7 PPG) and Sam Hanson (12.0 PPG) to have a big night. I think this will be another close game, but I’ll take the Loons to come out victors.

Loons by 5

8:30 p.m. - Aardvarks (4-2) vs Player’s Club (2-4)

The Aardvarks and Player’s Club will be playing their second game of the evening. Tired legs will surely come into play and we’ll see which team plays with more energy and intensity. The Player’s Club average 29.0 3-pointers per game and their outside shooting could be affected by fatigue. However, they are more than capable of knocking down a number of outside shots and the Aardvarks will need to make sure that they don’t get too many open looks. The Aardvarks can get it rolling offensively with their combination of shooting and ball movement. I could see them giving the Player’s Club a tough time on that side of the ball. I think the Aardvarks come out with the win.

Aardvarks by 11