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Bold Predictions: L-L Round 1


The L-L Tournament is among us and with the brackets finally set, it’s time to start breaking down some games. Let’s start with the boys bracket where there are some very intriguing matchups right out of the gates.

Also, be sure to enter the L-L Bracket Challenge for a chance to win some GameTimePA.com gear!

THE GAME: Northern Lebanon at Cedar Crest

PREDICTED WINNER: Cedar Crest

THE REASON: The Falcons were able to claim Section One in a tiebreaker with JP McCaskey and I expect them to continue their success against the Vikings. Cedar Crest will have to at least contain Sam Light who helped Northern Lebanon ride into this game on a four-game winning streak. Crest plays too well as a team to slip up this early, however.

THE GAME: Cocalico at Lancaster Mennonite

PREDICTED WINNER: Lancaster Mennonite

THE REASON: The Blazers are riding high after winning their first section title in 11 years and they are primed to make some noise in the L-L tournament. Cocalico has a chance if they pound the ball inside but Mennonite has too many weapons and experience with all five starters being seniors.

THE GAME: Lancaster Catholic at Lebanon

PREDICTED WINNER: Lancaster Catholic

THE REASON: Here is my first “upset” pick. Catholic is mostly likely feeling the need for to release some anger after their section title streak was ruined by Lancaster Mennonite. Catholic has plenty of size with seniors Harry Heise (6’5) and Evan Purvis (6’3) while 6’2 G/F Omar Lopez could cause some matchup problems for the Cedars.

THE GAME: McCaskey at Manheim Central

PREDICTED WINNER: Manheim Central

THE REASON: This has the making of a very entertaining game. McCaskey is filled with young talent but their unpredictability could be their downfall. The Barons are too long and fundamentally sound for the Red Tornado to keep stride for four full quarters.

GIRLS

THE GAME: Lampeter-Strasburg at Manheim Township

PREDICTED WINNER: Manheim Township

THE REASON: L-S is scrappy team that adjusted well to a lot of issues this year but they are running into a buzzsaw in the first round. At 22-0, Township has way too many weapons and will have a perennial advantage in the paint with 6’3 forward Al Leslie.

 

THE GAME: Cocalico vs Lancaster Catholic

PREDICTED WINNER: Lancaster Catholic

THE REASON: Much like L-S/Township, Cocalico is a very solid team (equipped with recent 1000-point scorer Marissa Gingrich) that is running into an opponent on a mission. At 21-1, I can’t pick against Catholic while looking forward to a Crusaders/Township semifinal game.

THE GAME: Annville-Cleona at Lebanon

PREDICTED WINNER: Lebanon

THE REASON: Annville-Cleona squeaked into the league playoffs with a 7-8 Section Four record and that is probably as far as they go in this bracket. The Cedars took Section Two by four games and have just one loss since Christmas.

THE GAME: Cedar Crest at Donegal

PREDICTED WINNER: Cedar Crest

THE REASON: Donegal had some things fall into place for them to claim Section Three but they could be hitting a real road block in Cedar Crest whose four losses came to Manheim Township twice (22-0), Palmyra (19-3) and Hempfield (14-8).