pmp1959

Rather than use the running game to set-up the pass (like in past years), I'd be surprised if MBA doesn't leverage the pass to set up the run. I thought Tanner was one of the biggest surprises on last year's team and I think he could have a bigger year with a qb like Colbert.

I believe people are going to be very surprised by MBA's new quarterback. He is tall, deceptively quick and a strong right arm.

No one likes to see a nomad football team. I believe all true football fans are thrilled for Father Ryan. They have a loyal and dedicated following and its great to see them in what appears to be a great setting. Congratulations.

It really is up to MUS to lose. I don't believe you'll find anyone that will not see them as a notch (at least) above everyone else. But they may be just one injury or a few bad breaks from not repeating. I believe Ensworth (if they remain healthy) will be a handful for everyone. MBA has maybe their best talent in years at the skill positions but may be vulnerable on the OL and DL (their traditional strength). BA is going to really improve as they finally settle in with their coaching staff. It could be an interesting season. I'd go MUS first with Ensworth, MBA and BA in a toss-up with the rest a notch or two below. But hey - it's teenagers - anything can happen.

Ensworth played a 10 or so player rotation most nights. They are graduating several game breaking types of seniors and will be a different type of team next year but these returning guys can play. All of them have extensive AAU experience and seem ready to take the reins. I believe they will be talented enough to beat anyone on any given night - that includes the emerging powerhouse at MBA.

MBA returns virtually their entire 17-8 team. The highly touted Junior class will lead the way but will be supported by a strong freshman class and some select sophomores. The Juniors return leading scorer Mobley, tough point guard Paslick, versatile swingmen Colbert & Sietz and frontline tough guys Bars and Lassing. Freshmen point guard Simonis and swingman Blackwell played big time minutes this past year and will play bigger roles next. Mid-season transfer 6'7" freshman Howard and 6'7" freshman Watts will provide the Big Red an added presence in the middle. The sophomores lead a JV team that lost only one game last season. The Big Red should be talented and deep but it's all on paper right now. It will be interesting to see how their summer basketball goes. Ensworth looks to reload rather than rebuild. With McFadden back and McDermott having such a great season, they look to be very good again. Hill and Carter should begin to round out a pretty strong starting five. BA and Father Ryan could surprise but are both looking more like a rebuilding effort. Both teams have good guard play but will be searching for front line stability. BGA still will have solid guard play with Shellnut leading the way. JPII will be searching for some answers. From out in the state, Baylor loses some really talented Seniors, but McCallie was very young last year and will show improvement and might surprise teams.

I agree with your point about the Thunder having as much talent as anyone in this substate. I saw them in pool play and thought they had a legitmate shot. The difference between them and the Travelers is discipline. The Travelers are very skilled at understanding how to properly pace a game and they play emotionally on a very even keel. The Thunder simply didn't have those skills.