D8 Monday: Phoenix, Eagles Face off in Big Matchup

YTD D8 Picks:  4-0

Back after last week's hiatus with a couple games on tap (5:00pm starts) in the D8 league today.

The most notable, of course, is the Resurrection Phoenix (2-0) hosting the St. Mary's Eagles (3-0) in a rematch of last year's D8 championship game.

The bulk of each squad's roster returns from a year ago, although both St. Mary's and Resurrection have had to account for some key graduations (Ben Bankazo - SMHS; Andrew Mwangi - Rez).  Both have had some early-season growing pains, which have included each squad dropping a close game (1 - SMHS; 2 - RCSS) to the Forest Heights Trojans.  Surprisingly, the Phoenix finished tied for last at the Heinbuch by dropping all 3 of their contests.

Here's a quick preview on what to expect if you're making it out to RCSS today for this one:

Projected Starters

SMHS:  Isaac Lance (PG - 5th Year), Alex Thompson (SG - 5th Year), Henry Bankazo (G/F - 4th Year), Tyler Hergott (G/F - 3rd Year), Adam Voll (C - 4th Year).

RCSS:  Adam Schneider (PG - 3rd Year), Tyler Schneider (SG - 5th Year), Cam Gibbs (SF - 5th Year), Mike Pereira (PF - 5th Year), Cory Kenning (C - 4th Year).

Note:  Rez's usual starting PG, John Moi, is out with a thumb injury.

What to Expect

Pace of play will play a big role in determining the winner of this one.  The squads are quite different, with St. Mary's edge being at the guard positions but the Phoenix having an overall edge in the front-court.  An up-and-down game favours the run-and-gun Eagles, while a half-court game would give a slight edge to Rez.  Something to keep an eye on early.

Of course, the revenge factor is another issue here.  The Eagles lost last year's D8 final to Rez in heartbreaking fashion, and I'm sure they are itching for the opportunity to try to take them out on their home floor this time around.

Rez will need a big performance from grade eleven rookie Adam Schneider, stepping into the starting lineup with the absence of John Moi (dislocated thumb).  He doesn't need to score double digits, but he must control the flow of the game and make good decisions for Rez to have success.  On the flip side, the Eagles will need to do a solid job on the boards --- although the squads were relatively even on the boards (33-29 Rez advantage) in last year's D8 final, Rez had a decisive edge in offensive rebounds and some key put-backs that resulted from those opportunities. 

Mark's Pick:  I'll stay true to my rankings --- plus with the revenge factor and Moi out for Rez, that solidifies my selection.  St. Mary's by 6.

 

Pick #2

As for today's other game, I'll take the St. Benedict Saints (1-1) over the Monsignor Doyle Mustangs (1-1) in the D8's all-Cambridge affair.