PRINCETON: Week 1 Predictions

By Phil Jackson | Princeton League Coordinator

7 p.m. - Da Nets vs. Princeton Generals

The Generals are the favorite to win in the winter league season opener vs. Da Nets. For Da Nets, returning players Bryan Wilson, Peter Cerito, Angelo Sosa, and Mark Krowiak will look to set the tone for the season. This game should be interesting though as they have a few new players that can really elevate this team to victory.

For the Generals, they return to defend their undefeated championship season. Returning players Mike Montella, Eric Puchon, Kevin Gengler, and Gilberto Parker will look to establish dominance early. Newcomers Greg Ford, Christian Simeon, Michael Stout, and Stanley Tang will look to add to the mix and are expected to produce.

Prediction: Princeton Generals 62, Da Nets 51

8 p.m. - Life Time Hoodlums vs. Life Time Lakers

This matchup should see the Lakers victorious in their season opener. The Life Time Hoodlums have clear inside presence with Leo Przewlocki leading the charge, and outside scoring ability from Vadim Romanovskiy and Nakul Rao who were 3-point studs last season. Sean Mitchell will provide leadership and guidance with a solid midrange shot, and the newcomers to the squad will hope to contribute to the mix.

The Life Time Lakers are definitely going to be a force to be reckoned with this winter. Kosty Yablon, last season’s leading scorer, is poised with an even better supporting group this season. Joe Durante, Marquis Noble, and Nate Grande are all returning players from last season and Kerry Foderingham will look to show and prove his worth as a solid addition as well. With only two newcomers to this squad, we can expect high production and high energy from this team.

Prediction: Life Time Lakers 58, Life Time Hoodlums 48

9 p.m. - Princeton Generals vs. The Fundamentals

This is my pick for the game of the night. It might come down to the wire, but should see the Generals prevail. The fundamentals will be led by their first-overall pick Ilya Fedyainov. He has been a Princeton pickup regular since the club opened and is well respected for his solid scoring ability. Marcus Lotierzo, Matt Mislan, and Savion Sweeney are all returning players for the Fundamentals and are expected to produce on the offensive and defensive ends.

Newly added Dan Disario, Jordan Mitchell, Joe Shovlin, and Menghan Xu are the big unknown for this team. Their play will heavily dictate whether this team is ready for a possible championship run, or much of the same from last season. We need not to go into further detail on Generals, but I think this team may suffer a bit from the addition of the first double header game of the season.

Prediction: Princeton Generals 54, Life Time Lakers 51