A new #1 is in town! Red Sun has been one of the most interesting team to follow. Their upward trajectory looks very steep, reminiscent of the togue runs up Mount Fuji! This week we clearly see the value of Mr. 88, Andrew Dai, who finished week 2 as #2 bowler of the week, despite finishing #33 in raw pins. The previous week, Andrew finished 40th in raw pins and was #13 bowler of week 1. With a top 25 finish, Mr. 88 will be the clear cut #1. Red Sun has 2 potential bowler that can obtain that — backed with the top 2 raw bowlers. When I think about a championship team there is always an ideal recipe of the total pin count I’m expecting and how those pins are obtained. Are players performing at an extreme outlier to reach that overall pin count or all players just doing slightly above average. That being said, Red Sun has several routes to obtain that ideal pin count, leaving them at #1. 

Back to back sweeps! Wow! Such a dominating start puts them in prime position for a playoff spot. I know that it is kind of early to talk playoffs, but what history tells us is that the magic number of points needed to make playoffs tends to be around 22-24 points, and they have more than half! So then why do I have them 2nd?? This is not to take away from anything that they have done but to remind them that there is more to prove. While this isn’t by choice, StarCraft has not been put to a real test so far. They are poised to take on whomever, and to be honest, they likely haven’t even shown their full potential. I mean why should they when they can just flex Carson. I met the guy last week and even shook his hand (which BTW felt like grabbing a bunch of bananas!) — he’s real, 6’5” brown eyes, not in Finance but reminds me of the founder of Binance. Let’s also not forget rookie Shelby who flashed his true form with top 3 finish. Andy — take it easy, your role here is to lead your team and keep the energy high. I know there’s still a weapon X on your team… no names though. 

For every team you need a player that has the DAWG in them. That player is Le, his ability to clutch is just insane. The focus and ability to zone every noise out and hit a 8-10 split is what you really want in your first pick. This week was the rivalry of the Le Brothers, idk if it’s an actual thing cause they’re so cordial with each other but it’s a match I’m always looking forward to watch. Onix proved that a 5th man is no problem to them, Shy Guy getting +131 didn’t scare Onix one bit. Okay maybe Tony, but speaking of Tony — I think it’s safe to say this guy found a team to call home. A team that lets him be who he truly is. With the two most hated guys in the league, Le and Will are necessary pieces to balance out the chaos of talent on this team. #3 on the power ranking, #10 on fan favorite. 

Shadow is one win from exorcising the  pesky Tho Curse. This is a great start to the season and not a normal one if you’re familiar with the curse. Tho really flexed his skills in the 3rd game with a 209 finish and top 4 bowler of the week. Even though the variation of the ideal total pin count is limited on this team — they do fit the mold of a championship team. Tango has evolved a lot in this league and has lived up to being the anchor of this team. Queen Bee B might act like a casual but he is the true backbone of the team, especially with Hieu by his side to make decision when he’s plastered drunk. 

The dust has settle a bit here and the murky water is still indeed murky. The Shy Guys are one of the most volatile team in the league and still has a lot to figure out. fortunately for them, it’s still early in the season and the 5th man isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. This team will definitely be out destroying hopes and dream this season, but do they have a greater purpose than that? What are they in it for?? As the veteran of this team, Van needs to lead by example. However, his example has been non-existent so far. Everyone knows after week 2 there’s no more excuses and the truth will show. I don’t know if I’m going to have this team higher or lower next week, and that actually makes it exciting! 

Eager to prove themselves, I think the X-men really showed their true form. While it may be too early to tell, this win provided the confidence boost this team needed. Isaac and team had 1 objective in week 2, and that objective was to win, even in the unfortunate event of Vu's injury. Isaac still made sure as the leader of his team to negotiate terms that would keep his team in sweeping position. Everything that can go right was going, taco, drinks, high fives! I stood watching this team and literally could not leave, the energy was just too strong. The way they were rolling, I hope those bowling balls got a good rest as X-men continue to climb the ladder. One last thing to note, getting swept and sweeping the following week speaks on the nature of this team — they are an all or nothing team. Pray that you catch them on nothing because I don’t think a single team can handle the heat if they were all on! 

It was a complete disaster week for Alliance. The confidence was sucked out of them and Vu injury didn’t help. I’m going to scratch this week and keep it as an outlier. That doesn’t change that they fell from the power rankings. I trust Tony to lead this team and hopefully Vu is able to bounce back this week. Ado is finding his groove and I don’t doubt he’ll be a huge asset to this team. Don’t sleep on Dan either, he’s built to have the DAWG in him but he’s just not quite there and maybe doesn’t need to…yet. 

When I watch this team they always seem to look better than the results. GTA took a game from Red Sun but still could not find their first win. Perhaps a softer schedule ahead will allow them to capitalize on some Ws. I am confident they will turn this around and end up as a contender. My eyes are still on the duo, Tatum & Brown. (Jimmy and Johnny) This is a team people will forget about but will be quickly reminded of how seasoned the talent is on this team. 

This is a team I like more than what I believe is going to happen. If this was a dynasty league I would keep them much higher but unfortunately it’s not. I admit I need to watch more of their games but what I’ve seen thus far — they are a team of individual bowlers on a team. The synergy needs to be stronger and a leader needs to be lifted up from this squad. They have the ability to win literally every week so far but just can’t walk away with the W. I will be watching them more and will look for the following — Are they calculating pins and keeping every players head in the game?? Are the vibes strong to encourage closed frame?? Any high fives left behind?? Is Dillion a better bowler than a leader or a better leader than a bowler?? It’s a lot to ask from a rookie but I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t think he was capable, respectfully. 

If I wrote a pre-season power ranking I would’ve been so wrong on this. Can’t believe I have this team last and I bet they can’t believe it either. Angelique was out and had to bowl her make up but that’s no excuse for the talent they have on this team. The strategy here is clear, and the issue is quite obvious. They have 3 heavy hitters on deck, but for some reason, they are rarely often on the same page. Angelique is the cherry on top, but the core needs to start showing out before it really gets too late. Ball is life, I’m starting to think they’re playing with the wrong balls..