Games of the Week: Sal vs. Diamond

Diamond gives the inside presence of the Cadets the advantage this week. Sal disagrees.

After drubbing Joe Neuenfeldt last week (sorry Joe, couldn't help getting one last shot in), I wasn't sure if anyone would be up for the challenge of taking on the expert. Luckily, Steve "Diamond" Schmidt answered the call.

Tuesday - A.I.S. at Raptors

Diamond: This year's Raptors squad is the most unique Raptors squad in my mind in some time. You are seeing the core of this team come into formation...

Neal Anderson
Jeff Halbert
Greg Halbert

....add to that mix Brett Repasky and Michael Baker, BJ Lavelle, Brady Grundmeier and John Pashouwer.

There is no Jared Wells, Chuck Simspson or Kevin Hughes on this team. This is the Raptors core and I truly believe it's as good as any team that GM Michael Baker has put out in the past. Remember the early season bidding wars for Neal Anderson? Obviously Neal bleeds Raptor red and he should. This team has the formula to win a championship and dare I say they are well on there way to another cup? Double Dog Dare..., It's on.

AIS brings a formidable group to the mix, however, it's potentially the most inconsistent lineup I have ever seen from a UH team, (not inconsistent play, however; inconsistent attendance.) Sean Smith is one of the best shooters in the league and if he has the hot hand and can find 20-25 shots..., then I will be wrong in my prediction. Shot selection doesn't seem to matter for Sean as the basketball just seems to like the net a bit more when released from his fingertips. The Keating brothers will play solid and be a good matchup for Halbert and Anderson, BUT..., I'm not certain that Ryan Pederson will be able to contain Greg Halbert on the interior. If you give Greg room to shoot, "Boom goes the dynamite."

Adding Greg Halbert to this team was potentially the smartest move GM Mike Baker has made since the inception of this franchise. When Greg gets the ball in the low post it doesn't stop there. He is quick to decide to pass or square up and shoot. This flow is what the Raptors needed and I believe is what will lead this team to another gold cup..., however, there are plenty of great teams in their way but not one who has been able to stop them yet. Sorry AIS, I'd adding you to that list.


Sal: Not to be boring, but I think Diamond is pretty close to right on with this line. The Raptors have simply too many weapons to stop. They have four players that can consistently kill opponents with the long ball (Neal Anderson, Brett Repasky and both Halberts). It is impossible to give each one of these the attention they deserve from that deep. Plus, BJ LaVelle and Brady Grundmeier can punish you for concentrating too much on the marksmen with their aggressive drives to the basket.

I would, however, like some clarification on Diamond's "unique" characterization. If he means unique to be best, I strongly disagree. It has been stated before, but bears repeating: The Raptors are without a true point guard. While they have enough adequate ball handlers and talented passers to get by most teams, I still believe they are susceptible to a team with the ability to put 94 feet of pressure on them. I can already hear the groans from the Raptor faithful, but remember what happened in the Spring Season playoffs when the number one-seeded Raptors faced off against the Sonics in this exact scenario. I won't antagonize the Raptors with the details, but it didn't end their way.

That being said, I don't think A.I.S. is the type of squad that can cause the defensive disruptions that it takes to beat the Raptors. Their attendance issues seem to be settled for now (seven players in each of their last two contests), but even with a full squad, A.I.S. plays more of a ball control, slower-paced game than a full-court pressing run-and-gun style. I think we will see a tight game, but in the end, the Raptors will be the Top Flight's lone unbeaten squad.

Diamond's line: Raptors -3 over A.I.S.
Sal's line: Raptors -3 1/2 over A.I.S.

Wednesday - Pistons at Cadets

Diamond: Let me say this first..., I am a closet Pistons fan. I'm not ashamed. These guys are as gritty as the, "Bad Boys of the Motor City", from the 1980's, however; the major difference is that THESE Pistons are not finding ways to win. They are coming off a moral victory last week over a struggling Erbert's and Gerbert's team so there is potential to ride that tide and string a few victories together, but here are a few reasons I don't believe that they can...

1. PJ and KJ - like peanut butter and jelly this two brothers are bruisers on the inside. I'm even going to go out on a limb here and give these guys a nickname, "The Banger Brothers." PJ is averaging a double-double, (one short of an Ice Cube lyric), this season and uses his size and uncanny agility to power to the basket. KJ is one of the most effective post passers in the league and if this team can use the pass effectively and not settle for jump shots, (take note A Pop), then a victory is almost certain.

The loss of Justin Hamilton and the ineligibility of Nick Lendhart earlier this season hurt this squad, however; I'm not certain either of those hurt as bad as the injury of one of my favorite players in the league, Mr. "May Day", Chris May. Seeing May play through the injury is truly inspiring but I'm not certain that he shouldn't have sat out and let the hand heal to 100%. Opponents have been driving Chris weakside all year and making the injury even more frustrating for the Pistons.

On a final note, look for Jared Moen to have 12 points and 18 rebounds in this game..., but it's not enough for a victory in my mind. I expect this to be a battle of epic proportions as a loss certainly ends all playoff hopes.

Sal: Although I agree with Diamond's assessment of the Johnson brothers, I'm not sure comparing them to Goldie Hawn and Susan Sarandon is exactly flattering (which is which, by the way?). These two definitely create match-up problems, but they hardly ever see the floor at the same time. I think Jared Moen can neutralize the threat one of these two pose. If both are on the floor, it's kind of a Catch 22 - they will have the advantage offensively, but could have match-up problems on the other end. And you don't want to play a zone against the Pistons, they have too many guys that can hurt you from deep.

I also think that Chris May is back to 100% (or masking it quite well). Witness his 12 points, nine rebound, six assist game last week (while playing the full 44 minutes). He is as quick as ever, and doesn't seem to be favoring his hand at all - advantage Pistons.

Finally, keep in mind what the Pistons did last season. They started the season horribly before going on an inspiring run in the last weeks. I think last week's win over Erbert & Gerbert's Plymouth was just the tip of the iceberg for this squad. I like them to squeak out the win this week. I'll even take a shot in the dark and say Justin Lorence hits another miracle at the buzzer to get the win.

Diamond's line: Cadets -7 over Pistons
Sal's line: Pistons -1/2 over Cadets

I'm still looking for challengers for next week - if you think you have a chance to beat the expert, drop me a note and I will send you the details.