By Daniel Fernald
As we enter the inaugural East Coast Dodgeball Cup, it is truly a tournament that anyone can win. While JMU and Penn State come in as definite favorites, UMD and UVA are sleeper teams who can hang with anyone if they get hot. Given the nature of the 4 team round robin format, there could be some intriguing storylines. Let’s talk more about who will be competing to cement their name as the first-ever East Coast champion.
JMU
The hosts and perennial East Coast juggernaut will be looking to defend their home court in this tournament. Led by All-American hopefuls, Trent Shaffer and Joel Froyen, this top team is champion or bust for this tournament. The Dukes’ last tournament was nearly 2 months ago at Beast and a fresh squad is expected to come out hitting hard. Seniors Nick Foss and Patrick Schwab will have to be sleeper difference makers if JMU is to take home the trophy.
Penn State
The Nittany Lions have shown they are one of the more talented groups in the league. When they play at a chaotic, frenetic pace they can rattle top opponents (or themselves) and truly win or lose any matchup. Hunter Stewart is of course the superstar of this group. However, opponents will likely game plan around him after his February Baller of the Month performance at BEAST. Look for Joey Tiger and Ian Robb to make some big plays as the rest of the region tries to keep Hunter in check.
UMD
Maryland is a hard group to gauge sometimes. When the Terps play hard and pressure in the neutral zone, they are a tough opponent. This team often struggles with keeping focus throughout the game once fatigue starts to set in, which tends to let them drop leads or momentum. In their last two tournaments, UMD has owned late leads over JMU and Cincinnati but were unable to finish them off. This is the first time in a while this group has their full team in attendance which may help their odds and allow them to pull off an upset. Keep an eye out for Caleb Dixon and Brian Sherwood to complement Adam Butz with some clutch plays.
UVA
Virginia is one of the younger up-and-coming programs in the NCDA. Carrying only a handful of upperclassmen, the Cavaliers are young and hungry to move away from being known as the bottom of the East Coast. Similar to UMD, this group has had some great results this season. While they do not have a great identity as a team, the Cavaliers have a plethora of talent that will make highlight plays. Some under-the-radar names to watch out for are sophomores Grady Holmes and Arden Levin. These are two of the better young players in the game and will be looking to make some noise and potentially even take home the cup in the first-ever East Coast Dodgeball Cup.
Awesome for the league, and awesome for the East.
I know Shadeed is going to do a great job, like always.
My money is on JMU, but when PSU is on, they really do look like they can beat anyone.
Hopefully next year there will be even more teams.