What would a postseason amateur basketball tournament be without a completed bracket?
Sure, the only tournament most people submit predictions for is the 64-team March Madness NCAA Division I competition. But I don't stop there. I fill out conference tournament brackets. The NIT bracket. Even the NCAA Division I women's tournament bracket. Who cares that I have no idea who will win the Southland tournament? It's still fun to throw some guesses out there.
I like to think I know a little bit more about the teams participating in the YAIAA Tournament this week, having seen most of them several times this season. Of course, my claim to expert status might be ruined if I make the wrong picks. But I'm not scared to put myself out there. Because what do I have to lose, besides my reputation?
Remember, these picks are for recreational purposes only.
Girls' quarterfinals: The Red Lion girls have been close to unstoppable this season, and should roll past Eastern York without much problem. Delone Catholic and South Western should be a battle to the finish, but I think the Squires will pull it out. York Catholic girls should not have much trouble taking down New Oxford. Even though Northeastern beat West York easily earlier this season, rumor is that Amber Lau won't be healthy enough to play after hurting her ankle earlier this week and the Bulldogs should prevail.
Girls' semfinals: Red Lion over Delone and York Catholic over West York. The Lions and the Irish have played on a different plain than the rest of the YAIAA this season.
Girls' finals: As impressive as the York Catholic girls have played this season, I think Red Lion is too strong, too fast and too deep for the Irish to handle. Red Lion claims the championship.
Boys' quarterfinals: I think Red Lion should take down Suburban pretty easily, despite how much the young Trojans have improved throughout the season. William Penn is just too big and too deep for Iati and York Catholic to handle, so the Bearcats should advance. Delone Catholic has been flawless in Division II play this season and should be able to knock out an inconsistent New Oxford squad. West York should move on against a tough-luck Eastern York squad that has stayed close in almost every league game this year, but has struggled to pile up the wins.
Boys' semifinals: William Penn has beaten Red Lion twice this season, handing the Lions their only two league defeats this season, but I think Red Lion will finally be able to get the job done in contest No. 3. West York against Delone is another tough one to pick, but I don't see anyone on the West York roster who will be able to stop the Squires's Chris Hartmann.
Boys' final: Give the title to Delone in a close one, with Hartmann's paint prowess and the Squires' ability to run the floor giving DC just enough to earn the title.
Agree? Disagree? Think I'm completely out of my mind? Submit your own predictions in the comments section below.
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