Monday, May 25, 2009

4.0 Takes Center Stage

It's already been touched upon in the previous thread, but there are at least 3 big matches in 4.0 this week.  

For my money, the Lakeside-Smokers battle is the biggest.  Many people "in the know" feel that Lakeside has the most dangerous team in the division, but has had its back against the wall since its week one loss to Chancellor's.  A Smokers win will make it almost a foregone conclusion that Chancellor's and the Smokers will be the division's city playoff representatives.  A win by Lakeside makes it a three horse race.

Sienna and the Hurricanes have their second battle of 2009 after round one went down to the wire. I expect that both teams will have radically different lineups this time.  The loser will still have a big leg up on JCC for the second playoff slot.  Look for the Hurricanes to exact some revenge in this one.  

Bear Creek and Copperfield both put their spotless records on the line in a match that is mainly for bragging rights.  With the way the playoffs have been set up in recent years, there really is no advantage to winning your regular season flight.  Both of these teams have fallen somewhat under the radar and will have a chance to earn some much-needed respect this week.  

There have been a few lineup additions to some 4.5 rosters again in recent weeks that I failed to mention.   Sam Holmes and league veteran Chris Lubrano (who introduced me to USTA league way back in 1997) have joined the Copperfield roster and the 4.5 Hurricanes have added former SuperChamp and Aggie Soong Hay Tam.  Holmes crushed Jochen Moser in his 2009 debut and will be a nice addition for the Lobsters.  

The Hurricane 4.5 team faces Sugar Creek this week...hopefully Sean Straley will be available for this one.  The Deucebags travel to Sienna in the other match in that Division.  Not too much else of interest in 4.5 this week. 

5.0 is a runaway at this point.  The battle is for second.  Willowfork has a chance to get in the conversation if they can beat Westside this week.  

69 comments:

  1. anyone who beats moser that bad has to be really good. good timing that holmes joined copperfield, cuz bergmann seems like he might be in a slump. good job on behalf of lindroff for beating a tough player.

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  2. I'll take lakeside to win 3-2, the smokers havents played anyone that hard. It will be chancellors and lakeside out of their division. Further more the hurricanes will crush sienna this time 5-0.

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  3. Any prediction on Copperfield/Bear Creek dropping lines to conceal strength?

    The rest of that division looks weak. Based on what seen so far, this is the weakest division with what will be the weakest playoff teams

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  4. True, Scott Foster would eat anyone on either of those rosters for lunch.

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  5. Does Sienna have anyone to contend with Scott Foster in singles?

    Should we assume Hurricanes will be starting 1-0, with Scott taking out his Sienna counter part?

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  6. Foster is about the sixth best player on the Hurricane's. Sienna has a lot to worry about. Foster lost to Jcc last week.

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  7. Did he lose or did he Freeman "lose"?

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  8. He lost. I'll play with Foster anyday in 4.5 league. Pool Play doesn't matter as much as Playoffs/Sectionals. When its time to play you better bring a catcher's mitt because your racquet won't protect you from his serve!

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  9. Yes, Foster was trying. He basically lost his composure in the second set after double faulting at set point against in the first set.

    As far as strokes go, he's a 4.5 easily. However, his mental game still needs some work.

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  10. bla bla bla...Foster is a 4.0 with a big serve. As you can see from last weeks straight sets loss in "4.0" he can't play doubles. Freeman will be forced to use him in singles and hope he can win based on his serve alone.

    Just like last time, Sienna splits the singles and takes 2 out of 3 doubles. The Hurricanes don't scare anyone anymore.

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  11. Why do they have to scare someone? Freeman's Teams have always represented Houston at Sectionals. Until that changes Sienna will just have their 24 man roster wondering why they donate all that $$$ to HTA.

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  12. Having play both Sienna and the Hurricanes this season, let me give my assessment of the matchup:

    The Hurricanes appear to have better singles talent and are a threat to take both singles lines.

    Sienna appears to have better overall doubles talent, but will have lots of trouble winning whatever doubles line Bruce Inting plays.

    My prediction is 3-2 Hurricanes with the Hurricanes winning both singles and 1 doubles line.

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  13. I agree, Inting is a force in 4.0 singles or doubles. How did Freeman get him? As long as Foster and Greene in singles and Inting and anyone in a doubles line then they should win 3 lines.

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  14. Is Greene better than Vargus, Rice and Nguyen?

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  15. Don't know about Vargas, but he is definitely stronger than Nguyen or Rice. Nguyen is a strong 4.0 tournament singles player but not league.

    Key difference being stamina. Nguyen plays a strong player after both have played 4 matches, he is fresher and has the advantage.

    However, head to head with those players in round 1, Nguyen would not fair as well.

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  16. Doesn't matter, none of those folks can beat Sienna's singles guys. Foster, maybe, but not Vargas, Rice, Nguyen or Green.

    There won't be so much Hurricane talk after Thursday night. They will be put in their place (i.e., 2nd).

    Go SP!

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  17. if foster is so good, why don't he try playing top 4.5 players and let's see how good he really is. he beat a good 4.5 doubles player in singles, but it went 3 sets. not too impressive.

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  18. Are there any good matches in 4.5?

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  19. It is a matter of perspective. That is an impressive result for a 4.0 rated player.

    All of the top 4.0 players are above average to good 4.5 players. They aren't going to be dominant at the 4.5 level, but the whole point is they would be a tough out at 4.5 and damn tough out at 4.0.

    Just like the top 4.5 can be very tough in the 5.0.

    Such is life in USTA league.

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  20. the 4.5 league will welcome any new hot shots. sign up and let the games begin

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  21. enough said. I guess it all depends how you look at it and if everyone knows the difference between " a tough out " and "damn tough out" lol

    Too Funny!!! LOL

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  22. Sienna 4.5 sucks.

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  23. In 5.0 Tennis last week Willowfork beat Westside 2-1. It just hasn't been recorded yet. This week starts the 2nd half of the season with a big showdown between The Met & Willowfork. -And next week is another big showdown between the Met & Westside. Other matches this week in 5.0: Westside plays Copperfield & Lost Forest plays the Upsetters. Craig

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  24. There are no BIG matches in 5.0. Hurricanes have already clinched the Sectionals Spot.

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  25. Sienna 4.0 have some crazy awesome Double players ! Lots of experience and craftiness, fantastic mix of power and touch !
    Some of their 4.0 double team should be in 4.5 easily !

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  26. LOL. Boarman, Cushing Andersons and Kwan are OK. High 4.0's or low 4.5's.

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  27. Boarman/Kwan got destroyed last year at City Playoffs vs Hurricanes. Nothing will change this coming Thursday!

    Your right though some of Sienna's 4.0 doubles players should be at 4.5. When they come up expect 4.5 Hurricanes to welcome them.

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  28. If you are playing in 5.0, you find out quickly that they are all big matches to us old-timers. -And yes you are correct, Copperfield has wrapped it up. However, we still planning on lacing 'em up and going out to compete... even if it's just for a consolation prize. Craig

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  29. This controversy over who the best 4.0 & 4.5 Teams boils down to one thing in the summer... who has experience at building a team that can finish strong and compete at Sectionals and hopefully Nationals. Unfortunately, Because of the way that the USTA/HTA have leagues currently set up in our area, most people become accustomed to doing well at a certain level in the Spring and Fall, and feel like they are the Elite for that level. But Summer comes along, the stakes are higher and everyone essentially gets bumped down a line or two talent wise. A good example is: My 5.0 Teams, which converted to 4.5 Plus this past Spring... We have won the the last 2 Fall & Spring Season's... They were fun and somewhat competitive seasons. However, summer is a whole new ball game... -and it's getting more and more compacted and more saturated at each level with quality players. Every level will get tougher each year in the summer, especially at the Sectional level unless the USTA does something about the rating system. However, if the HTA would implement a Wild Card into City Playoffs for the Fall and Spring winners like Dallas does, then there would be more year round consistency at each level of play, thus rectifying some of the huge peaks and valleys in level of play. Shoot... After playing the Copperfield Team, which is made up of a few 5.5's that got bumped down, and a few 5.0's left from last year's National Team. Many of us that got bumped up from 4.5 to 5.0 last year will be bumped back down to 4.5 for next year. My predictions: Hurricanes win 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0 Divisions. Sienna 4.0 is strong and I am friends with a few of them, but 4.0 Hurricanes have re-loaded with some new top notch talent. In 4.5.. as I said, Green/Freeman/Benzon Team is too strong, too deep, and well captained. With the addition of Wayne 'Chance' Morgan they have a team to make it to Vegas. So, IMO all the other teams are playing for 2nd. In 5.0, it's done, we are all playing for 2nd. See you on the courts. Craig Bobo

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  30. Is Bobo a Good Captain?

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  31. Craig you spend to much time writing and tennis. Don't you have anything else?

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  32. Everyone's a critic nowadays. I think Bobo has like 5 kids and a good job as tennis director somewhere.

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  33. Well said Craig!

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  34. Wayne is not even one of the top four or five players on the Hurricanes. Chance would destroy Wayne and the two should not be compared.

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  35. Does Craig join the Kingwood 4.5 or Hurricane 4.5 team in 2010?

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  36. No offense to Wayne but he would not be one of the 4 or 5 best players on the 4.0 Hurricanes.

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  37. Craig you play 5.0, why are you still talking about 4.0 and 4.5?

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  38. Craig you play 5.0, why are you still talking about 4.0 and 4.5?

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  39. It doesn't look like Hurricane 4.5 has talent to make it to Nats so they won't have to split up. Bobo and Whitseett will join in 2010

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  40. Red's Hurricane doesn't need Bobo. Red knows all the new young talent, they are on his payroll.

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  41. Craig can't win a match in 5.0's so he talks about 4.5 and 4.0. It's still too early to declare who has the best team. Although Freeman has surrounded the Hurricanes with Good Players.

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  42. 4.5 Hurricane is the strongest and Sugar Creek is probably in second.

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  43. Sugar Creek has lost twice already this season. They could lose a 3rd time this week against Hurricanes. Where is the logic that Sugar Creek is 2nd best?

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  44. I am mistaken then... I thought Wayne was Chance. If I am back down at 4.5 next year, we will have a National caliber team again... recruiting's already been done. -And BTW my record at 5.0 over the last few years speaks for itself. Excluding Fall's and Spring's, I am at about 500 in 5.0. However, you are right for '09 Summer... It's tough and I am struggling to get a "W". Only losers post something like that with no name attached it, but I like it. It makes everyone's day including my own to see the pot stirred a little. However, I am missing 4.5, because I don't get a few cupcake matches like you. Craig

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  45. Hmmm... Why am I posting about 4.0's and 4.5's. I know most of the 4.0's... -And let's see I play with many of the stronger 4.5's on a regular basis. -And I thought this was a blog. I am confused... Why are you asking? Craig

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  46. You are correct... If Ben & I hadn't been bumped up, Freeman, Red & I were planning on putting together a team. We'll see how '09 plays out, and wait to talk about 2010 in November. Right now I am playing 5.0 & helping my buddy Ken Douds to build a better team to make 4.5 a little more competitive. Hurricanes are still head and shoulders above the rest. Won 7 out of 8 seasons as a Captain in 4.5 & 5.0 Will be 7-2 after this summer's 5.0 league. One Sectionals win... a trip to nationals. Not in Benzon's, Green's, or Freeman's league yet, but not bad. Come on... take another shot. Craig

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  47. Craig, You need to realize that the 4.0's don't care about your opinion. You believe you play with the strong 4.5 talent and you don't. You will not be able to field another team to Nationals ever! You had your chances last year and you blew it at 5-2 in both sets.

    Enuff Said!!

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  48. Cupcake!!! Yes we know you eat a lot of those.

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  49. Bobo, Green, Red, and Freeman how sad already talking about 2010 tennis and 2009 hasn't even finished.

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  50. Bobo is the only one talking about 2010. As for Bobo helping Douds it won't matter. They will not advance to City Playoffs!

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  51. Good one's... That's what makes this blog so fun. Just once post with your name, so we can see who the real cupcake is. You're right... Whitsett & I blew one at Nationals that probably prevented us from winning it all, but we enjoyed the experience. Were you there? Craig

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  52. Texas Sectionals is the toughest comp to navigate through. Any team that makes it through in 2009 & 2010 has a great shot at winning 4.5 Nationals. Craig

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  53. Enjoyed blogging with you over lunch. I am sure we have made the blog fun for everyone to read today. All the Best, Craig

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  54. Craig did you have any cupcakes for lunch?

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  55. The team Craig took to Nationals was mostly a team he did not create.

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  56. Nice post. Blogging and stirring the pot are one thing, but using this for personal attacks are another. What a low life. Never know you were so low that you'd post under my name. Don't know who you are now, but I know how to find out who submitted it. -And I am sure that H-town Hacker will take your low blow off the blog. Craig

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  57. What is this high school? grown men talking about cupcakes and so many personal low blows.
    give us all a break and talk tennis.

    It is super important you know 4.0,4.5, 5.0 tennis!!!!!

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  58. div 3...big match tomorrow with the improved sugar creek vs hurricanes. sugar creek can seal their spot in the playoffs with a win. duecebag's season might end tomorrow with a lost to sienna. i'm predicting two upsets. sugar creek wins and sienna wins.

    div 2...kingwood only has a one match lead in first place. they need to step it up, otherwise i can see wsts nwo sweeping lakeside and taking over the #1 spot

    anythoughts?

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  59. Cupcakes are my favorite!

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  60. They are delicious

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  61. Remembering Remi

    He always took time to say hello and made me happy just to talk to him. He was someone I will remember. Always had a smile.

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  62. I posted some misinformation a few minutes ago, which I've since deleted. Remi Osho, who has been at Lee Leclear for 16 years, has suffered a heart attack and is in critical condition, on life support.

    He was friendly to everyone, and never failed to have a smile or a laugh and was a great ambassador for the game we love. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

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  63. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  64. Remi's Wednesday night tennis drills helped me become the tennis player I am today.

    I will dedicate tonight's tennis match in honor of Remi. Hopefully I will get the emotionally motivated victory.

    LH

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  65. Remi ALWAYS made me feel welcomed at LLTC and is a great tennis representative. I hope that he has a quick and full recovery.

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  66. Is Remi one of the black guys or the ole' cracker behind the counter?

    They are all pretty cool, just trying to match a name with a face.

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  67. Lots of interesting 4.0 matches this week.

    Good luck to all.

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  68. Westside NWO won 5-0

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  69. Remi was one of the black guys. Nigerian I think.

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