btsh.org

Ignore That Glum Fellow in the Back

That second win was pretty sweet!

2013 Record: 3-11-2-2

Strengths: Although Cobra Kai enters this season on the heels of a disappointing 2013 campaign that ended with a demotion to the Greene Division, it stills boasts one of the most established core of players in BTSH. Will Kuhns, J.J. Murphy, Mark Talercio, and captain Greg Altman have now played together for several seasons, including several runs in MOFO. As a result, these veterans’ chemistry and experience are enough to keep the Dojo in any game. Also, the (white!) chick with the dreads is potentially one of the ten best women in the league and helped the Mathematics beat the Happy Little Elves last season (on Rich Glanzer’s birthday).

Weaknesses: Although these guys were once considered just a shade away from elite (think Joe Flacco), BTSH’s overall talent level has vastly improved over the last few seasons, leaving Cobra Kai in the dust with a merely average team. Teamwork and game intelligence will only take them so far, but eventually, the Dojo will need to add some extra talent to regain its status as a legitimate contender. As the Kais’ top players head into the twilight of their careers, it’s time to mine the free agent pool and find the next Jason Eitel. Or do that Gabe for Rachel “The Infiltrator” trade that Fresh Kills keeps proposing.

Not quite elite.

Fun Fact: Two of your humble writers at The ORG, Derek and Eli, began their BTSH careers on Cobra Kai, way back in the day when it was called Henry Motion. The duo is actually credited with changing the team name to the 80s movie reference (along with former captain Peter “Ski” Oblamski).

Dark Rainbows

2013 Record: 10-7-1

Strengths: The Rainbows finished second in the division last season with a strong ten win performance, so the hockey skills are obviously there. However, with last season’s acquisitions of Abby “Tayne” Meisterman (happy to bring that nickname back!) and David Bernstein, their true strength is useless trivia. While Abby is unmatched in her knowledge of Clueless and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Bernstein knows Tupac’s entire catalogue by heart. Plus, Bernstein went to Duke, so he probably knows J.J. Redick.

Also from Duke.

Weaknesses: Really, it’s the pink uniforms. Yeah, I know, that’s the joke, because “irony” or whatever, but when’s the last time you faced the Dark Rainbows and actually felt intimidated?  Not that you should feel intimidated facing any team, but the faded pink really isn’t helping.  Then they do that pre-game “whoo-whooooooo” cheer, which is even worse than the Mathematics’ pre-game barking. I know it’s a beer league, but you guys can pump yourselves up better than that.

Fun Fact: Former Rainbows, Trevor and Libby, will attend the ceremony for their daughter’s graduation from NYU this May. She is now 22 years old and living with her fiancé inside a small tent between the East and West courts at Tompkins Square Park. My, how time flies!

(more…)