DISTRICT PREVIEW: NEW JERSEY SHORE

We are going to be checking out all of the districts. This preview covers NJ Shore in the Northeast Conference. Just in case you didn’t check out the Season Brawl, here’s how this works:

FAVORITES: One of the teams I think will win the district and should be a lock to place in the Top 4 and make the playoffs.
LEGITIMATE THREAT: Could win the District. Should be in the running to make the playoffs.
CONTENDERS: They could stick around for a while, but certain unexpected things need to swing their way for them to win
DARK HORSE: They COULD win, but A LOT of things need to swing their way – like going to Asbury Park to watch Southside Johnny and the Jukes (and if you ever feel like doing that, ask me for Tix. I got the hook-up. Tee hee hee.).

There’s one thing we can tell you with certainty – NJ Drillers will be in the Top 4. Everyone else…well…hmmm….I got nothing. Well, I got something, because I have to make predictions here.

FAVORITES
TEAM MATRIX: Ok, regardless of the number of people who talk trash on this team – they can back it up. And until someone knocks them out, they will stay in first place in this district ad make a deep play-off run, like they usually do every season.

STRIKE CITY: We are going to ignore the fact that they were a giant dumpster fire last season and focus more on their Season Brawl For All run during the Summer. They are incredibly dangerous and have a mountain of talent.

TOM’S RIVER RATS: Last season they put all of their talent together for a second placed finish. Can they keep the level of success up this season?

LEGITIMATE THREAT
POWERHOUSE: They are always near the top – except last season, where they finished in the middle. They should bounce back this season.

THE REPLACEMENTS: Two years ago they finished on top of the heap. Last season….notsomuch. Like Strike City, this should be a bounce-back season for them.

OCEAN WAVE: Assuming this is Ocean Thrashers 2.0 (and based on the roster, they are), they should contend for a playoff spot. They have more than enough talent to not do again what they did last season.

ALTER EGO: Averages suggest they should be in the Top 4. Regular season dictates otherwise. Do they figure it all out this season?

CONTENDERS
GOON SQUAD: The Goonies made a lot of noise – especially on the low average side – to claim some nice money. But can they do it again?

CHOZEN GENERATION: New Team! Welcome to the Shore District!

TRAIN WRECK: Another new team! Hi there! Usually I put new teams in Dark Horses but they are in Contenders because…

DARK HORSE
ABOUT THAT MONEY: They used the ATM for a withdrawal, not a deposit. That being said, there’s enough in the till to make some bling bling. Can they?

WE’VE BEEN FRAMED: They were riiiight behind the main pack, so they have an opportunity to improve. How much can they do to improve will be the difference between top 4…and being in this spot again next season.