By Cody Borst
🏀 Opening Round Showdown! 🏀
The wait is over — 16 teams enter, only 8 will survive. Tonight, the court comes alive as rivalries ignite, newcomers make their mark, and every bucket counts. It’s win or go home, heart over hype, hustle over headlines. Who’s got the drive, the grit, and the game to keep dancing into the next round?
Tip-off starts now. Let the madness begin. 🧡🔥
🏀 Playoff Preview: Goldstein Dental vs. Play For A Cause — 6:00 PM Tip-Off!
Fresh off an insane half-court buzzer beater by Lavell Tyree last week (watch it here in the last 30 seconds of the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKG4EyGjF-Q&t=4s), the defending champs square off in the first action of the night as Goldstein Dental matches up against Play For A Cause in the opening round! Goldstein leans on the balanced attack of Jamess Plata (16.6 PPG) and the all-around dominance of Lavell Tyree, who leads the team in rebounds, assists, and steals.
But they’ll have their hands full with Airrington Harris, the league’s scoring machine at 27.7 PPG, and his wingman Trent Baar, who’s been crashing the glass all season.
Expect fireworks from the opening tip — will GD’s inside strength overpower PFAC’s high-octane offense, or will Harris light it up again and carry his squad into the Elite 8?
🏀 Playoff Preview: Datasite vs. Equitable — 6:00 PM Tip-Off!
Two well-rounded squads collide as Datasite takes on Equitable in a first-round matchup loaded with star power and intensity. Alex Phillips has been Mr. Everything for Datasite — leading the team in points (16.7), rebounds (7.8), and assists (4.6) — while Taylor Robson sets the defensive tone with quick hands and relentless energy.
But Equitable’s TJ Morris is a one-man wrecking crew, nearly averaging a double-double at 18.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, and he’s got a deep supporting cast led by Eric Fishman and Lester Houge Jr. ready to make some noise.
This one’s shaping up to be a grind-it-out battle between two teams that do it all. Can Phillips carry Datasite to the next round, or will Morris and Equitable keep their playoff dreams rolling?
🏀 Playoff Preview: KIG vs. Come Play Detroit — 7:00 PM Tip-Off!
It’s primetime playoff action as KIG faces off against Come Play Detroit in what promises to be a heavyweight clash. Ryan Otis has been electric all season, pouring in 22 points per game and bringing the energy on both ends, while Dustin Koelzer dominates the paint with nearly 9 boards a night. Add in Eric Matecun’s steady playmaking, and KIG has a balanced, battle-tested lineup.
Come Play Detroit, though, is no pushover. Andre Frederick is a double-double threat every time he steps on the floor, averaging 15.3 points and 9.9 rebounds, while floor general Shaun Jerdel orchestrates the offense with 5.4 assists per game.
With KIG’s firepower meeting CPD’s inside strength and chemistry, this matchup could go down to the wire.
🏀 Playoff Preview: LitFinancial vs. SurgicalOne — 7:00 PM Tip-Off!
The stakes are sky-high as LitFinancial battles SurgicalOne in a first-round showdown loaded with star talent. Karim Murray has been a force all season, averaging 19 points and 8.8 rebounds, while Michael Campbell keeps the offense humming and Jon Radner leads the defensive charge.
But SurgicalOne brings serious firepower of its own — Jordan Robbins is one of the league’s top scorers at 22.1 points per game, and Mark McShannock is a rebounding machine, hauling in over 10 boards a night. Add in David Williams, a playmaker who also leads the team in steals, and SG1 is built to make a deep run.
Expect a fast-paced, physical battle where every possession counts.
🏀 Playoff Preview: Benzinga vs. Stride/S.I.G. — 8:00 PM Tip-Off!
The nightcap features a clash of heavyweights as Benzinga takes on Stride/S.I.G. with a trip to the Elite 8 on the line. Tommy Cotter has been a double-double machine for Benzinga, averaging 17.2 points and 13 rebounds, while Connor Cleary runs the offense with precision at 5.6 assists per game. Expect Max Sturm and company to bring defensive grit and intensity.
But Stride/S.I.G. is led by pure star power — Mark Ghafari has been unstoppable at 25.4 points per game, and Cody Borst fills up the stat sheet with 11.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.9 steals a night. With a deep, versatile roster, SS can beat you in a dozen different ways.
This one has “instant classic” written all over it — high skill, high energy, and high stakes.
🏀 Playoff Preview: Athletico vs. Rock City Logistics — 8:00 PM Tip-Off!
The final game of the night brings pure playoff energy as Athletico takes on Rock City Logistics in a high-stakes battle of star big men. Bennie Szczepkowski has been lighting it up for Athletico, averaging 21.1 points and 4.6 assists, while RJ Kelly anchors the paint with 9.1 rebounds per game and relentless hustle. Aaron Ginther adds defensive grit, giving Athletico a tough, balanced core.
On the other side, Logan Ryan has been a walking double-double for Rock City, posting 18.8 points and a league-leading 13.9 rebounds, while Ryan Tokowitz keeps the offense in rhythm with 3.4 assists per game. With a deep supporting cast, RCL is built to grind out wins when it matters most.
Expect a battle of wills, with every rebound, pass, and drive carrying playoff weight.
🏀 Playoff Preview: Swift Home Loans vs. Wallside Windows — 9:00 PM Tip-Off!
The lights stay bright for this late-night thriller as Swift Home Loans battles Wallside Windows in a high-scoring playoff showdown. Antonio Green leads the charge for SHL with 19 points per game, while Nicholas Margetic does it all — controlling the glass (7.7 rebounds) and setting up teammates with his playmaking. Ayman Youssef brings defensive spark, giving Swift a tough edge on both ends.
But Wallside Windows enters with some serious star power. Dylan Bressler has been unstoppable, dropping a jaw-dropping 31 points per game, while Sean Bednarsh owns the boards at 8.1 rebounds per contest. Add in the crafty Josh Birnberg, who dishes a league-best 7.9 assists and leads in steals, and Wallside’s offense hums like a machine.
This one’s got fireworks written all over it — elite scorers, fast pace, and no shortage of swagger.
🏀 Playoff Preview: Gatorade vs. Dedicated Real Estate — 9:00 PM Tip-Off!
The final game of the night promises fireworks as Gatorade squares off against Dedicated Real Estate in a clash of elite scorers and interior power. Josh Faehner has been the heartbeat of Gatorade, putting up 22.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, while Nnamdi Onuigbo controls the paint and sets the tone inside. Expect Rhoynald Clay and Jalen Wells to bring energy and pace on the perimeter.
Dedicated Real Estate, though, boasts serious firepower. Zef Dema is a proven closer, averaging 25 points per game and leading by example on both ends, while Bryan Jones dominates the boards with 10.9 rebounds a night. Add in Jordan Buchanan, the team’s floor general with 5.3 assists per game, and DRE’s offense runs like clockwork.
It’s power vs. precision, hustle vs. highlight plays — a perfect way to close out opening night.
Good luck to everyone tonight trying to punch their ticket into the Elite 8 and I will see you there!!