LEAGUE UPDATE - MIDWEST DIVISION

Written by Joey Phillips | Edited by WeRBadGamers

A LOADED MIDWEST DIVISION FEATURES TWO OF THE LEAGUE'S TOP TEAMS AND SOME POTENTIAL LATE SEASON DARK HORSES. WITH KENTUCKY AND OHIO PULLING AWAY, IS THERE ANY HOPE FOR MICHIGAN AND VIRGINIA TO CLIMB BACK IN THE HUNT?  

CURRENT MIDWEST DIVISION STANDINGS

1. Kentucky Reserve (6-1)
2. Ohio Shaman (5-2)
3. Michigan Killer Beez (2-5)
4. Virginia Merfolk (1-6)

*Team breakdowns are in alphabetical order.

Kentucky Reserve 

Things could not be better for the Reserve as they sit with a league best 6-1 record and are top of the league in point differential. Standout performers Josh Young, Kobe Johnson, and Dime Hardaway form a terrific scoring trio while Bo Mambo and Col. E. H. Taylor lock down the glass. Their near perfect season includes milestone victories over Ohio, Michigan, and Atlantic City. After falling victim to the Merfolk early in the season, this team has been on a heater as of late. With their advantage over Ohio in record and point differential, it is going to be difficult to see them relinquishing this division lead.

Michigan Killer Beez

It was inevitable that this roster would have a bit of reconstruction after an ownership transition in the offseason but after a 2-0 start, the roster looked like they may be as good as ever. Unfortunately for Michigan, it would not last as they have dropped their last 5 games. Perhaps more concerning, the team is losing by an average of 23 points during this five game skid. If Michigan has hopes of retaining their early season form, they will need to get more support scoring behind that of McGinty, Turner, and Chambers. Don’t rule them out yet but the next 3 weeks will be critical in telling the tale of their season. Is there still a chance at restoring hope for this franchise that has enjoyed plenty of playoff basketball?

Ohio Shaman

Breakout player of the year Muddy Blunts leads the Shaman to their best start in franchise history at 5-2. Blunts currently ranks top-10 in points, and top-3 in assists with a stat line few in the league can match. Perhaps the most impressive part of the Ohio offense is their combined scoring power. 7 of 10 players average 10 points per game or better and the others are not far off. This is a team that has a clear pass-first approach that has led them to a four game win streak. If the Ohio offense continues on their current trajectory, this team will be one of the tougher playoff matchups. 

Virginia Merfolk

Unfortunately, it seems to be one step forward, two steps back for the Merfolk this season. Virginia started the season off with a resounding win over Kentucky but have struggled to find their groove since. They currently rank a league worst -176 in point differential. Losing by this margin consistently has to be exhausting for a roster desperately trying to establish an identity it can build around. Aaron Hughes and Prince Revels have been some of the lone bright spots for a roster seeking a dominant presence on the interior. While their season may not be over, the Merfolk should use these remaining few games to determine which young pieces they can build around and which players should be shipped off for additional draft capital.

Notable Players

• Josh Young (KEN): 17.4 PPG, 2.1 APG, 1.9 RPG

• Dime Hardaway (KEN): 14.3 PPG, 6.0 APG, 0.9 SPG

• Muddy Blunts (OH): 18.3 PPG, 7.4 APG, 0.9 RPG

• Jerry Filbin (OH): 10.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 0.9 BPG

• Brennan McGinty (MICH): 16.6 PPG, 3.4 APG, 0.9 SPG

• Aaron Hughes (VA): 14.1 PPG, 5.0 APG, 1.7 SPG

Final Standings Prediction

1. Kentucky
2. Ohio
3. Michigan
4. Virginia