After one of the most perplexing regular season’s in recent memory, the WCBL playoff bracket is now set and scheduled to tip off on Sunday March 7th with four teams taking part in the first round. With the regular season champion Nielsen Golgis and the second seeded Runnin’ Rebels rewarded with a bye to the semi finals, we will preview the matchups for the first round.
10am – (3) Nevermore vs. (6) Assault
Regular Season: Nevermore 8-9, Assault 2-15
Head to Head: Nevermore 3-0
Preview – After years of purgatory in the WCBL basement, Nevermore has a strong opportunity to advance past the opening round of the WCBL playoffs for the first time in team history. However, not everything is roses for the third seed as they lost their leading scorer Sean Holland to a foot injury, and may be without their second leading point producer Jim Taylor to a unstable knee. Assault on the other hand has struggled in their inaugural season in so many different ways, that they might need to grab a couple of horse shoes, four leaf clovers and a rabbit’s foot to make something positive of their season. Look for big games from Nevermore’s Dexter McKnight and Tom Selak, while Assault’s offense will no doubt come from the outside shooting of Randip Singh, Nate Corneau and Dwayne Harrison. Look for Nevermore to capture the elusive playoff victory and move on to the second round.
11:15 am – (4) Wildcats vs. (5) Falcons
Regular Season: Wildcats 3-14, Falcons 8-9 (seeding based on defaults)
Head to Head: Tied 2-2
Preview – In a matchup featuring two teams that at the start of the season had high expectations placed upon them based on their play from the 08-09 season. However with roster changes and injuries, both teams did not meet the lofty standards. Splitting their regular season meetings, does not allow for much of a prediction for this affair, however based on their records against the other teams in the field, the nod leans towards the Falcons to come out of this one. In the past, the Falcons relied on beating teams from the outside, however this season that load is a little more balanced as Andy Khaira has stepped up his game in the paint. Harvey Brar has taken over the point guard reins this season, however beyond him, the backcourt depth is a tad thin. The Wildcats have seen their role players step up into starters spots this season, led by Lee Craven and Dave Morris, who are averaging 20 and 18 points per game. Both teams have the capability to move on to the second round, however based on their experience, the Falcons should be the ones still playing next week.
