Fast Takes with Fast Break: South Super Series
Authors: Jacob Ehrlich, Isabel Roseth, & Tad Walters
PC: Major League Quadball
Preseason Is Over - Austin
At the start of the season, it was abundantly clear that the Austin Outlaws had the most talented roster in the league. While their roster is loaded with stars, the most difficult endeavor for the coaching staff has been bringing together players that are primarily from teams that are stylistically polar opposites. The results so far (compared to preseason expectations) have been underwhelming to say the least. While their first series against the League City Legends proved to be uncompetitive, the Outlaws didn’t show a cohesive strategy in the offensive half court- scoring the majority of their goals in transition. In their next series against San Antonio, the Soldados were tied with the league favorites at the time Austin pulled the flag runner in Game 1 and then were competitive throughout Game 3. While the Soldados rose to the occasion and exceeded expectations, the real story coming out of their series was the overall disappointing play of the Outlaws. They are coasting on both offense and defense resulting in lethargic and undisciplined play. On defense, the team consistently failed to convert 50-50 loose balls, allowing San Antonio second and third chances at an offense. On offense, the Outlaws continuously rushed possessions where they relied on being more athletic than the opposition. This was a significant divergence from previous iterations of the program that only attacked on guaranteed scoring opportunities. Even with these criticisms, we saw Jackson Johnson, Bailee Fields, and Miguel Esparza take over the game when necessary. However, the reason this team has been positioned as the league favorites all summer is that the roster is littered with players that should be able to take over games when required.
The first player that we want to see more out of is Daniel Willaims. During the 2022 USQ season, Williams ascended to possibly the best beater in the world. His gameplay was a key reason Texas Country Hill Heat were crowned USQ champions in Salt Lake City. While still playing at an elite level, in the following USQ, and this current MLQ season, Williams has not been able to reach those same highs. Luckily for Austin, we saw a return to form for Williams at the IQA World Cup. In Team USA’s Day 1 game against Belgium, Williams put on a dominant performance and carried the momentum through the championship bracket on Day 2. If Williams can carry this form back to MLQ it gives Austin the best 1-2 punch in the league with Jackson.
Next, this team has to get more production out of its female chaser core. In the San Antonio series, the combined trio of Jenna Adams Tracy, Kasye Beavers, and Mel Kite only accounted for four goals. This statistic has less to do with the individual performances of the aforementioned players and more to do with the overall state of Austin’s offense. The rushed offenses and ball carriers trying to take on defenders one on one have not put them in positions to succeed.
Another player that we want to see be put in better positions to succeed is Kyzer Polzin. After being a key piece in their championship run last year, Polzin has been pushed to fourth in the depth chart and has not been given a ton of minutes. With Taylor Tracy not on the roster this weekend, Polzin will get the chance to prove to the coaching staff why he should be utilized at a higher rate. When he is not pressing himself, Polzin is one of the league's most dangerous beaters, efficiently working with his chasers to execute both offensive and defensive schemes. With the skills to play with any beater in the league, it would be beneficial to see him accompanied by a line of Calvary chasers whose methodical-style play into Polzin’s strengths and would allow him to thrive in a similar way that he did last year.
While it would be the upset of the season if either Kansas City or New Orleans take a game against Austin this weekend the Outlaws should not be going in just looking for wins. This weekend should be about building toward MLQ Championships by finding a team identity and building cohesion. If the Outlaws can’t establish those this weekend then they will have a lot of work to do before Championship weekend.
Prediction:
Austin v KC: 3-0
Austin v NO: 3-0
As has been the case for the Curse this season, another 13-person roster will take the field; and unlike their 3-0 sweep against League City, playing six games with only 13 players will be an issue. The Curse is a capable team, and have been on the upswing for the past few years. We can expect improved performance and smart measured play. However, the lack of Charlton Tramel, one of Curse’s leaders in the quadball game is a huge blow and while the return of their Head Coach, Ben Mertens will help with adjustments, it will be difficult to try and match the athleticism and speed that Kansas City and Austin will throw at New Orleans. If the Curse can turn this into half court sets, they have a shot against anyone. However, things can quickly get out of hand if these games end up a track meet.
As most people in the South division will tell you, the way to beat New Orleans is to beat Josh Mansfield. It's a task easier said than done, especially with a big athletic chasing corps capitalizing on Mansfield's successes in the beater game. Preventing or at least minimizing those successes will be the name of the game for this young Kansas City roster. Kansas City has a very deep beater line, however with the exception of Justin Dewick, almost every dedicated beater is a college player. After all this beater corps includes three USNTDA beaters in Lauren Curry, Madi Namanny, and Keighlyn Johnson. Brenna Duncan, Vincent Reyes, and Brian McLanahan are listed as utility, and could end up in either headband at any time. Their decisions will probably be based on what's needed come game time and how hot Josh Mansfield is. If the younger beaters can contain Mansfield and partner Sarah Kneiling and let the vets join the chaser line, these games could get out of hand quickly. However New Orleans is known for capitalizing on a dominating shift from Kneiling and Mansfield, and can easily swing the score on a dime, which is what makes them a scary team to face. Luck is on Kansas City's side because if this was a regular series Curse could have enough depth to hang with Stampede for just three games. However, now Curse has to beat a deep and very fast Kansas City team, with three games against the reigning MLQ champions the Austin Outlaws in between. These games will take their toll on New Orleans, and by games 2 and 3 Kansas City could be literally and figuratively running away with it. The chaser line is also very young, led by veterans Aaron Stout and Robbie Wallace. While not as deep talent-wise as the beaters, the chasers play aggressive defense and are very dynamic. Players like Riley Usami and Matt Gulick are quick to D up the opposing offense after their beaters win exchanges, which will be stifling to a New Orleans team used to having the space to work on offense. If Kansas City can play with pace, contain Mansfield, and utilize dodgeball control on defense to create transition opportunities, they could very well see themselves take this series from a New Orleans team coming off a high from their sweep of League City.
Prediction: Kansas City 2-1 Curse
The Austin Outlaws are headed north in an effort to win the South division and Kansas City is looking to fend off the Outlaws with the Stampede's best roster yet. While Austin will be looking to press often while dominating the dodgeball game, Kansas City has the tools needed to break presses and tear apart zones with shooting. They’ll look to cut hard off-ball, take open space, and make crisp passes to break the press. Kansas City doesn't turn the ball over a ton, with Riley Usami leading the team with 11 turnovers but also 23 goals to show for it. The goal here should be to value possessions and not let Austin successfully press and play in transition multiple drives in a row. Stampede is averaging just 51% of dodgeball control after their series with League City and San Antonio, which isn't terrible but will desperately need to be at least maintained against the very talented beater line from Austin. Attacking the paint and mid-range shots are gonna be the way to score on this Austin defense, so Stampede will probably look to Vincent Reyes and Riley Usami. However, Reyes could find himself paired with USNTDA beater and Mizzou teammate Keighlyn Johnson to take on the dreaded matchup in Jackson Johnson and Bailee Fields. This may be their best hope at limiting Johnson's and Fields’ domination, while still putting talent in the chasing game to match the all-star lineup the Outlaws are bringing to the Cattledome. To stay competitive with Austin they'll need a catch from Zero Scarborough, who has yet to catch a flag runner this season. With multiple games this weekend and lots of reps, Scarborough should be able to snag a couple of catches between the two series, giving Kansas City a much-needed edge this weekend on their home field.
Prediction: 3-0 Austin
