Midseason Testing
PALM VALLEY: Week 4 Predictions
By Daniel Thomas | Palm Valley Media Associate
The halfway mark of the season is upon us already and there are some key matchups on today’s slate of games. The time is now for a couple squads to pick up a statement W. Will they get it done?
5 P.M. - YLie (1-3) Vs. Laces & Braces (1-2)
YLie is coming off a letdown defeat last week and will aim to end the skid tonight. Isaiah Lopez has been tearing up PV and someone will have to slow him down for L&B to win this matchup. Xavier Carter returned for YLie and he resumed doing X things, although it didn’t equate to a W, if the team chemistry can improve this team will be a force. For L&B, Frank Contreras exploded for a monster 29/11/5 game last weekend and will be out to continue that success. Darrylon Lane had a quiet 20/10 and is liable to go for more when on his game. We may see a big night from Jacque Collins who will have lots of room to work in the paint tonight.
Pick: Laces & Braces by 6
6 P.M. - Buckets & Stops (0-3) Vs. Laces & Braces (1-2)
Eric Green and his Buckets & Stops squad is yet to be rewarded with a victory but that is not for a lack of effort. They have battled every game and came up short in some close battles. Lavoine West has been cruising to a solid average but may need to rev it up another gear to will his side to its first win. If D.J. Hamilton is present, this team has one of the toughest 1-2-3 combos in PV and a win is inevitable. They will have L&B on the back end of their double header so they will have a chance to come out gunning and build an early advantage.
Pick: Buckets & Stops by 3
7 P.M. - HitMen (2-1) Vs. Hard Work (3-0)
Tonight’s game of the Week is one which has ramifications on the top end of the standings as Hard Work looks to keep its undefeated mark. The trio of Shawn Scott, Gabriel Cunningham and Kasey Ruiz has been a menace for the league and its hard to see them being slowed down. Don’t tell that to Cap Adam Hamilton and HitMen though. Adam and KJ Davis make us one of the best defensive combos and they will be tested in this game. Success for HitMen will come down to team defense and receiving big games from guys like Manning Watts and Skyler Laird. Who wants first Place?
Pick: HitMen by 2
8 P.M. - Always Reppin’ (2-2) Vs. Free Smoke (3-1)
Our finisher is just as entertaining as Alan Mitchell and Always Reppin’ look to give Free Smoke another loss on their record. Both teams are talented top to bottom with shooters and bigs alike so this one has the makings for another close game. Free Smoke has the lowest margin total so it can be said they will be locked in come crunch time. Powered by do-it-all PG Tyler Gibbs and Sean Boston this team can beat anyone in UH Arizona. I expect them to take care of business in this one.
Pick: Free Smoke by 5