Portland Pioneers vs Seattle Orcas

Wednesday - 9:30 PM ET

Written by H. Jarris

GSB S3 | Week 1

This Wednesday’s late game sees a rematch of last year’s playoff semi-finals, with the Portland Pioneers traveling to face off against their divisional rivals, the Seattle Orcas. After splitting their season series in S2, the Pioneers won a tightly contested series 2 games to 1 and punched their way into the GSB finals for the first time. With changes on both sides, this game promises new dynamics and fierce competition.

The Portland Pioneers come into this season with a revamped squad which saw the departures of Hoe Jarris, Tolany Velez, and Quan-WuLong Chi. This trio all were important pieces of the team that made it to the GSB finals in S2. With the acquisition of former DPOY Slimer Puffenstuff as well as acquiring Sean Robinson and Brody Cait through free agency and the draft respectively, the team looks to fill any voids left by the departing trio with the signing of 3 versatile players. With a major core of this team remaining unchanged, the Pioneers hope these new players will mesh into the existing dynamics and chemistry of the squad.

On the other side of the coin are the Seattle Orcas who are looking to return in S3 with a largely unchanged squad. The only difference between the current roster is the loss of S1 All-Star Brennen McGinty who has left the Orcas for Michigan, and has been replaced by the aforementioned Quan WuLong-Chi. Chi, a fan favorite in Portland, will be looking to bring the same hustle, versatility, and energy that earned him plaudits to his new team.

Players to Watch

Devan Davis, Portland

Last season’s Sixth Man of the year recipient, Devan Davis had a huge impact off the bench for the Pioneers in S2 behind Hoe Jarris. With Jarris’ departure to Atlantic City, Devan Davis will be expected to step up and replace Hoe’s scoring prowess and playmaking. Davis has shown he’s capable of this in a supporting role, but will he be able to step up and be the first choice ball handler for Portland?

Steele Stern,Seattle

Seattle defensive linchpin Steele Stern's ability to stifle opposing offenses earned himself All-GSB honors in S2. He faces a tough task against Portland’s high flying Rashadi Ish who continues to blossom as a 3-level offensive threat. With these two having gone toe to toe on many occasions in GSB, this clash of styles promises to be another electrifying addition to a long history of battles between these two stars.

Milton Heinkel-Francis, Portland

The former #1 pick, MFH will be hoping to establish himself as a leader for this Portland team in the new season. While he impressed with his shot swatting abilities, MFH had an underwhelming rookie season for a 1st overall pick. With his first season in the past, Portland will be looking for him, as well as S1 All-Star Pharoah Dotson, to hold down the paint for the Pioneers and establish themselves as an interior threat on both sides of the ball. They face a tough test against two seasoned centers in Orca’s Williams and Nox.

Nick Hill, Seattle

One of the most talented scorers in all of GSB, Nick Hill took a step up in his efficiency in S2 for the Orcas. A large burden of the scoring for Seattle lies on Hill’s shoulders and he will continue to be one of the go-to men for the Orcas offense this season. Will Nick continue his efficient ways, limiting the poor attempts from the field or will we see the return of the Nick Hill we all know and love?

Score Prediction: Portland 94 - 89 Seattle