As for the rest of the league, it would appear that the early consensus is that the field will again be chasing the perennial powerhouse WCI Vikings for the league title. Led by some quality returnees (Lindsay Lessard, Lindsay Taylor & Alex Klein), the Vikes rolled through their first tournament on the weekend, taking the JF Ross Tournament with an average victory margin of about 20 points per contest.
So who are the teams that might give the Vikes a run for their money? Well, it may not be who you expect. A couple of last year's semifinalists, the KCI Raiders and Cameron Heights Golden Gaels, are both trying to overcome significant losses. Both squads lost at least 2 players each to university rosters (Skye Johns & Kate MacTavish - KCI; Camille Gardner, Erin Robbins & Siki Jez - CHCI) --- but do still have pieces in place to be competing for a possible homecourt playoff date.
The Eastwood Rebels, fresh off of a victory in their home tournament, seem poised to make a step up from their 8-4 finish a season ago. Led by MVP candidate Michelle Hudyn, the Rebs return a total of 4 starters from last year's semifinal squad (Caitlyn Schlegel, Lindsay Ward and Erika Gardner being the others).
A trio of "middle of the pack teams" from a season ago all appear poised to make the jump up the standings as well. Leading the way are the Preston Panthers, who finished at 7-5 but return the bulk of their scoring offense, including Nikea Worrell, Kirsten Leach and Alex Aguiar. They also add in the top junior scorer in the league a season ago, Ashley White. Look for the Panthers to be in contention for a spot on semifinal Saturday.
The traditionally strong Bluevale Knights and Grand River Renegades are also set to try and grab one of the CWOSSA "AAAA" playoff berths. The Knights do lose their all-star forward Elissa Dent to graduation, but do bring up the bulk of their CWOSSA "AAAA" silver medalist squad to senior, including all-CWOSSA performer Natalie Bishop.
The Rens, meanwhile, lose a key starter in Aileen MacLellan but do return their top scorer from a season ago, Kailey DeBoer. Candice Scott and Lily Broderick (returning starters) will combine with incoming junior leading scorer Ana Milanovic to provide the Rens with a great shot of improving upon their 6-6 mark from a season ago.
Another team to potentially keep an eye out for are the Elmira Lancers. Though they did lose the bulk of their scoring offense from a season ago (including first-team WCSSAA all-star Lydia Frey), the Lancers still have 2 returning starters and bring up a ton of talent from their 10-2 junior squad including Krista Weins and Lydia's younger sister, Julia. At the very least, the Lancers should be in a fight for a CWOSSA spot.
Tuesday's Games and Picks (all 5:00pm starts):
Elmira at SJAM
Pick: EDSS
I'll take the Lancers to open their season with a close win over SJAM.
Preston at Eastwood (**Game of the Day**)
Pick: ECI
This is the game of the day as far as the matchups are concerned. I'll take the Rebs at home here.
Southwood at WCI
Pick: WCI
The Vikes will continue their winning ways with a comfortable victory at home over Southwood.
Huron Heights at Forest Heights
Pick: FHCI
Congrats to the HHHS Huskies, who are returning to the league after a year's absence. I think Blair McNaughton and the FHCI Trojans will pick up a close win here as they look to improve upon last year's 1-11 record.
Jacob Hespeler at Bluevale
Pick: BCI
Look for both of these squads to be improved this year, with a tremendous influx of junior talent. The Hawks took the AAA junior crown, backed by Taylor Dennis and Brooklynn Wright. I'll give the edge here to the Knights at home.
Galt at Grand River
Pick: GRCI
Though the Ghosts finished 9-4 last year, it might be a difficult year this season with many key components of that squad having been lost to graduation. Look for the Rens to pick up the opening day win.
Glenview Park at Cameron Heights
Pick: CHCI
The Gaels should still have enough pieces in place to get past the GPSS Panthers.
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