By Fredric Hinkle
Maroon and White Classic VI
Preview
Maroon and White Classic VI Preview
It is time to officially start the 2020 Texas Roundnet year with a bang! This tournament is traditionally at the end of January and we will be out on the drill field once again! The drill field has been home to many highlights and many exciting events, we are looking forward to making more tomorrow with the first utilization of the Texas Gold Division! We will be running pool play in the morning then Gold will play double elim, and advanced single elim with consolation.
Gold+1
Texaners - Fredric Hinkle and Grant Laughlin
Grant Laughlin has been cutting up everyone left and right this semester! After introducing his reverse cut serve last year, he has now integrated this serve into his game. His serves are broader than ever and Grant will be looking to show off his newfound setting prowess. Fredric will be supporting Grant with some defense of his own and his experienced serve receive.
WySpike ButterFingers - Colton Mowry and Garrett Hornok
Colton and Garrett have been on the results rollercoaster as of late. Garrett had his signature win over Lake Effect at nationals before ButterFingers crumbled under PROUDFEET at Texas Nationals. Garrett & Grant mashed up at Strake Jesuit while Rahul & Colton did as well. Strake was a challenge as both teams played some of the worst roundnet I’ve ever seen them play. Colton bounced back and beat David & Logan in some extended sessions during Dallas meetups.
WySpike MirrorStage - Matthew Burrows and Luke Mowry
This team played unbelievably well at Strake! Luke looked like a real two-handed serveballer. Every time I look anywhere now, Luke Mowry seems to be playing exceptionally quality roundnet. Matthew is continuing to find success with strong lefty serving and is improving his defensive ability. This will be a real test for these players looking to build momentum!
Millennial Falcon - David Louis and Joseph St. Cyr
David comes off a great Sectionals performance, 3rd at Texas Nationals, and a big Strake Jesuit win! David has never played such a clean game. Every aspect of his game has come together! Joseph St. Cyr’s serve receive will be tested this weekend. He doesn’t have the most practice against effective servers and if he cannot find a way to bear down for big side-outs this could be a disappointing day. Joe is getting better fast, and it will be exciting to see if he can hold his own.
I Speak for the Trees - Dylan Keen and Rich Tarpey
Dylan has found a push. He played well with Weinbach at Texas Nationals and has only gotten better since. Dylan is getting more power out of his frame and is poised to finally make the run. Rich is fully recovered from his injury and is beginning to look like the player A&M hoped he would become. His touch is better than ever and his crafty hitting off of Dylan’s sets will give them much needed holds late in the day. This team needs to find a big win for confidence and Saturday on home turf may be that day.
Stank on ‘Em Inc. - Cooper Brown and Ryan Canfield
THE Cooper Brown is making his roundnet return. This might just be more exciting than Brett Favre’s comeback. He is practicing hard, serving wide, and clownin’ on fools harder than ever. “I’m coming for heads, you, Rahul, everyone”, Cooper Brown. Meanwhile, his partner Ryan is making headway in everything that is not serving. A mid to high premier level serve and a whole lot of potential walks into a loaded field, a recipe for learning.
“Incompetence-Luke Marshall” - Ethan McWhirter and Josh Weinbach
Josh has been working on his serve very hard. It is hard to say if he is quite ready for the level of talent he will see today. Ethan played exceptionally well in Round Rock last weekend. Ethan might be the most improved Texas player over the winter break. His improvement hitting-wise is spectacular. His serve receive is more resilient, his serve is faster, and his setting is making progress.
Krazy Kids - Luke Marshall and Nic Noguez
Nic is coming off of his big win with David at Strake. Luke Marshall comes off of a very weak performance in Round Rock. This team seems very complimentary, Nic is very good at support and Luke needs some support. Simultaneously, they work with partners extremely well to generate breaks. I see lots of opportunities for synergy on Defense.
My Predictions
Texaners
WySpike Butterfingers
Millenial Falcons
Luke Marshall