Final Tour Stop Predictions!

It’s Monday and we don’t have any time to waste. Let’s get right to it because we have a few things to discuss. First, we will look at my predictions for the Final Tour Stop matches for the DMV North and Central. Lastly, we will look at what this new VA District can mean for us in the DMV next year.

My prediction numbers are 127 out of 212 for 60% for the year (this includes Ranking Match predictions).

Playoff Picture (as of today Monday, June 5, 2023)

Round 1

Sunday, July 9, 2023, at Bowl America Shirley at 12PM EST

#5 Magna Carta vs. #12 Kryptonite
#8 N.W.O. Wolfpack vs. #9 Apex Predators
#6 DC Mafia vs. #11 Mutiny
#7 Hot Pockets vs. #10 Da Stoners

Round 2

Sunday, July 16, 2023, at Bowl America Shirley at 11AM EST

#1 Outrage vs. winner of #8 N.W.O. Wolfpack and #9 Apex Predators
#2 Str8 Bizness Cartel vs. winner of #7 Hot Pockets and #10 Da Stoners
#3 Impact vs. winner of #6 DC Mafia and #11 Mutiny
#4 High Powered vs. winner of #5 Magna Carta and #12 Kryptonite

DMV North Position Round Match-Ups

Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 12PM EST at Forest Hill Lanes

Match 1: #1 Outrage vs. #8 Vipers -This is a tune-up match for Outrage. They will likely try to get bowlers in that may not have enough tour stops so they are available for the Playoffs. Vipers will show up to fellowship and end their season the right away. The outcome is not relevant, but I believe Outrage wins, 30-10, to make sure they have the most points in all of the DMV and secure the #1 Position for Round 2 of the Playoffs.

Match 2: #2 Apex Predators vs. #3 Da Stoners – Last time Apex and Stoners met, Stoners got the better of Apex, 32 to 8. Unfortunately for Stoners, one of their best is out injured. Apex has playoff pedigree and knows what must be done to secure their spot. Forest Hill is an interesting alley and few are familiar with it. Stoners will have to be at their best to keep this one close because Apex will be sending their best. I believe Apex wins this one, 28-12.

Match 3: #4 Mutiny vs. #5 Pin Krushers – PK won against Mutiny, 28-12, the last time they faced each other. However, PK has not looked particularly good against the better teams in their District this season. PK has the personnel to get the job done, but Mutiny seems to be refocused and geared up for a Playoff push. I believe Mutiny wins this one, 26-14.

Match 4: #6 Killer Keglers vs. #7 Charm City Chaos – It appears that CCC has let a promising season slip through their grasp and KK beat them pretty convincingly in their last meeting, 34-6. CCC will try to play spoiler for KK’s playoff hopes, in which KK has looked great over the last few stops. I believe KK wins this one, 28-12.

DMV Central Position Round Match-Ups

Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 12PM EST at Bowlero Normandy

Match 1: #1 Impact vs. #2 Hot Pockets – Normandy has not been particularly good to Impact, and Hot Pockets did beat Impact, 22-18, earlier this season. However, Impact is under no pressure as they need only win 2 points to clinch the district as DMV Central Champs. Ultimately, I believe Hot Pockets will win this match, 24-16, and lock themselves in as #2 or #3 in the DMV Central for the Playoffs.

Match 2: #3 N.W.O. Wolfpack vs. #4 Kryptonite – In this situation, N.W.O. has fairly little to lose. They are already in the Playoffs, but they have everything to win by keeping Kryptonite out, which they can do with a nice win. An added bonus, they can bump themselves into 2nd in the District, as well. Now, Kryptonite can determine their own fate by getting a big win. Unfortunately, Kryptonite has an injury to one of their best, but we know Kryptonite has bowlers who love the big moment. I expect Kryptonite to give it their all, but it may not be enough. I believe N.W.O. gets a good win here, 26-14.

Match 3: #5 The Expendables vs. #6 Most Wanted – If history serves, Most Wanted should win this match by a lot. However, Expendables made the most of the position round and have put themselves in a great position to make the playoffs with a little help from N.W.O. Wolfpack. Most Wanted and The Expendables must bring their A game and get as much points as they can and hope for a favorable outcome. I believe Most Wanted will outperform Expendables, 24-16.

Match 4: #7 Body Bagz vs. #8 Boardwalk Empire – BE is looking to finish their season strong and upset BB in the process. BB needs to have the best tour stop of their lives to give themselves a chance at the Playoffs. Should be a fun and exciting match.

With the Tour Stop business out of the way, let’s talk the new VA District. What does this mean for teams in the DMV with VA Home Houses [DC Mafia (BA Fairfax), High Powered (BA Shirley), Contract Killaz (Dale City), NoVa Beastmode (BA Woodbridge), No Clowns Allowed (BA Woodbridge), and Dynasty (BA Shirley)]?

Honest answer is that I have no clue. The new VA District seems to consider the VA teams that are much further south nearing the Richmond area (i.e., the Capital District in the Southeast Region). I cannot imagine having teams, once considered part of the DMV, commuting 3 plus hours nearly every Tour Stop, but there are teams that actually do this.

The answer could simply be changing a Franchises home house. However, a few Franchises may want to try their hand in this VA District. If some DMV South teams decide to do this, what does that mean for DMV? Do we revert back to a two District conference? I do not believe we will expand to 4 Districts here, but I do know some changes to the Districts will need to occur. I guess we will have to wait and see.