From
Divisional Play
SHAMROCK DIVISION
ROUND-ROBIN PLAY PREDICTIONS
1)
2)
3) Midland Explorers – despite strong early season play, a tough division schedule may keep the Explorers from their traditional scramble into Sunday’s elimination round.
4)
5)
CLASSIC DIVISION
ROUND-ROBIN PLAY PREDICTIONS
1)
2) Ballston Lake Gremlins – creative line-up often results in success for Gremlins – could make the cross-over finals, or bow out meekly.
3) Innerkip Eagles – steadily improving each year, winning 2005 ISC pool, and finished 12th – vocal host fans could make a difference.
4) Jarvis Merchants – need to take their game up a notch – Sunday play could occur if team displays effort to makes its own breaks/fortune.
5)
ODDS TO WIN
From Harrah’s of Mildmay
The Sharks have combined veterans and youth, depth on the mound, firepower at the plate, an experienced coach, and back-up support at every position, on and off the field, to ensure an appearance in Sunday’s televised finale. Win, place or show money a solid lock this weekend for this multi-national squad of Canucks, Americans and Kiwis.
Twins will host 2006 ISC World Club Tournament in August, and have mildly tinkered with 2005 ISC & Canadians Bronze medalist line-ups. Paul Koert can log tons of innings supporting crafty, but injury-prone, Todd Martin.
Massepaqua
The Patsy’s are anything but, featuring significant excellence and depth on the mounds – many roster players are new to opposing pitchers, and will provide quality plate appearances after adjustment is made from popular modified competition in the
Four countries represented in line-up.
The Gremlins are aptly named, as pre-tourney line-up is often phantom-like, some favorable results can be attributed to leprechaun-ish luck and some devilish behavior. Prone to being the victim of upsets, but has tradition of cashing weekly tournament prize cheques.
Midland Explorers 5-1
Great start to the season (8-2) including strong play in Jarvis and
Last year’s tourney long-shots were able to “Git ‘er Done”, advancing to the finals and losing a nail-biter to the Spirit. Roster has strong team chemistry and squad is basking in after-glow of 2005 Canadian Championship.
Innerkip Bright Cheese House Eagles 12-1
Home-brew SW Ontario line-up that represents its community professionally, and is making climb in ISC rankings – can play occasional spoiler to the big-name squads, but needs “Herculean” effort to make the final four.
Jarvis Merchants 14-1
Team that enjoyed considerable success in
junior ranks is often competitive, but has history of inability to close out the big “must-win” matches. Always entertaining, but seeks game-to-game consistency.
Big step for a team that retained the ISC II title back for
Host team for the ISC II Tournament of Champions has all the trappings off the field and before the first pitch – an extremely tough weekend schedule may be huge hurdle for this mix of friends sprinkled with new-comers. The adage that a team with chemistry that is strong off the field can do wonders on the field will be tested every inning.
John Thompson
519-884-4050
sstj99@yahoo.com