How about this playoff schedule?If the regular season was any indication, we could be in for some close games, and potential upsets, as the WCSSAA Junior playoff schedule tips-off today. The only teams that didn't play during the regular schedule were GRCI & WCI, so I'll start the discussion with that one.
Grand River, a #6 seed, played arguably the toughest schedule in the junior ranks --- in fact, they played the top 5 teams (WODSS/KCI/SJAM/EDSS/CHCI). Interestingly enough, they lost by just one point to both EDSS & SJAM, lost by single digits to KCI and also defeated Cameron Heights. If you're looking for a potential playoff "darkhorse", GRCI may just fit the bill.
On the flip side, the #11 WCI Vikings weren't even on the playoff radar for most of the season before catching fire down the stretch. Sure, three of the wins that got them into the playoffs were against teams below them in the standings, but they did hang with Elmira in their finale, losing by only 10.
I think Grand River should win that one, although it has the potential to be close if WCI's Adri Kellerman (league's leading scorer) catches fire. I'll go Grand River by 9.
No #12 seed has ever defeated a #5 since WCSSAA's change to a 12-team playoff format, although there is as good a chance of any of that happening today.
Huron Heights, the #12 seed, lost by only one point (24-23) at #5 Cameron Heights one month ago, and the two teams are back at it today. Having only scored in excess of 40 points one time during the season, Cameron Heights has relied on their defense to pile up the wins and a home playoff game this season.
Of course, you can also read that as "they don't blow many teams out" meaning that Huron could certainly stick around today. I think they will, but I'll say Cameron by 6.
Another team that has had their struggles at times on the offensive end has been the Southwood Sabres, who are the #7 seed and taking on #10 Glenview Park. The Sabres' season high was just 34 points, and they actually lost handily at GPSS (36-21) during the regular season. I'm sure Southwood will be a bit more comfortable in their home gym; they did score 3 PPG more during home games this past year, but Glenview Park's confidence should be high knowing that they did pick up the "W" during the regular season.
As an obligatory upset pick, I'll take the Panthers by 5.
Galt Collegiate, the #8 seed, hosts #9 Bluevale in the other game today. Bluevale defeated GCI in Waterloo last week, 28-23, so you have to figure that this too has the potential to be a tight, hard-fought affair. Both teams' star players (Juleyanna Dunlop - GCI & Avery Webster - BCI) had 14 and 13 point efforts respectively, so the team that gets added contributions today from their second, third, and fourth scoring options will be victorious.
I'll go with Galt by 2.
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