MICHIGAN KILLER BEEZ VS OHIO SHAMAN

THURSDAY - 8:30 PM ET

Written by H. Jarris

GSB S3 | Week 1

Week 1’s game of the week features a must see matchup between the Michigan Killer Beez and the Ohio Shaman. Going into S3, these two teams are in opposite positions as the Ohio Shaman are looking to punch their ticket to the playoffs for the first time, while the Michigan Killer Beez are hoping to return after making it to the semi-finals of the playoffs last season. 

Michigan’s roster has seen a major overhaul this offseason, highlighted by the departure of 2x All-Star Tim Riggins to Baltimore in free agency, where he was joined by two other former Beez in Ernesto Romero III and Jack Lawson via trade. The blow of losing 3 talented players was softened by the acquisitions of Bear Johnson and Grave Digga. For Ohio, the roster remains unchanged but each member of this team comes into the new season with another year of experience under their belt. This unit is hungry for success and is expected to make a considerable push for a playoff spot this year.

Players To Watch

Grave Digga, Michigan

The #1 pick of the S3 draft, all eyes are on Grave Digga as he makes his professional debut for the Killer Beez. A 2 year prospect in the GSPL, Digga was incredibly dominant in his last season with the Tulsa A&M Wolf Pups, finishing his strong season by leading his team to the GSPL Championship. Michigan will be looking for similar leadership from Digga this season as he’s expected to work alongside fellow center Bear Johnson in what should be a dominant big man pairing.

Joey Phillips, Ohio

For this Ohio offense, guard Joey Phillips operates as a silent but effective operator. During the preseason, Phillips put together a couple of impressive performances, highlighted by a 20 point, 9 rebound performance against the defending champions Oakland. Ohio will be depending on Joey Phillips to support their main offensive threat Scout Mitchell and to be a reliable scorer from 3. He will be key to Ohio’s success both this game and this season.

Greg Lake, Michigan

The top scorer from S1 saw a significant decrease in his scoring output in season 2. This was one of many factors that led to his trade from New Orleans to Michigan at the S2 trade deadline. With Tim Riggins’ departure, Michigan will be looking to both Lake and S1 MVP Truck Turner to provide the scoring for this team. Expect the ball to be in Greg’s hands quite often on offense.

Jordan Tribble, Ohio

One of the more underrated big men in GSB, Jordan Tribble opted to return to Ohio in free agency this season and try to help them push for the playoffs. Ohio will certainly need consistent play on the inside from the big man if they are to make it there. Jordan’s rebounding and interior defense will be a key part of this Ohio’s team performance to make sure they’re not giving any easy points to the Beez.

Score Prediction: Michigan 92  - 87 Ohio