**USA IV.13 Update**
We're 10 games into the season, and some people may be entertained by a near mid-season report.
IV.13 isn't one of the most hyper-competitive leagues in division IV, but there is enough health competition and enough managers who know what they're doing to make this a very entertaining league. In addition, the conferences are balanced differently in that my conference is pretty balanced between teams ranked from 1-7 whereas the other conference is top loaded with two very strong teams (Team WWE & The Arlington All Stars).
Here are the Top 5 teams in our division based on my own personal opinion:
(1) Team WWE (10-0)
It was pretty surprising to see Team WWE fall to the reedeem team last season since they had a 20-2 record (with my team Glugly being one of the two upsets). They are looking to "redeem" themselves this season and have thus far gone undefeated, and have already beaten the main contender in their conference. So far they are in a league of their own, although they will have some stiff challenges in the next 2 weeks, facing off against team Glugly (8-2) & McArthur's Fury (7-3), the top two teams in the other conference. Also, 6 of their players are in the top 15 as ranked by Player Rating in our division. Definitely the favorite to win the whole she-bang and promote to D.III
(2) The Arlington All Stars (8-2)
One of the D.III teams that got relegated to our division, the AAS are a strong team in terms of their players and also seem to know how to work the transfer list. Although they lost to Team WWE, they remain the strongest contenders to unseat the favorite with their all-star cast of players. However, they will also get to know how competitive this division is since they will also be playing the top 2 teams from the opposing conference in the coming week. It's also of interest to note that they lost to the bottom-ranked team in my conference...
(3) McArthur's Fury (7-3)
Although they lost to team Glugly in the battle for conference supremacy a few weeks ago, it is important to note that they TIE'd the game whereas Glugly normaled. That being said, the game was very very close and it would be interesting to see how the match will play out when they play at the same enthusiasm levels. Arguably the closest to unseating Team WWE, although they did already lose to them once this season...
(4) Glugly (8-2)
My own team ranks in at #4 midway through the season. At the start of the season I was pretty excited at having a decent chance at promoting. However, due to injuries and ill-timed tactics (such as TIE'ing my first game and losing it), I'm not even completely guaranteed to make the division finals. However, one of the advantages that my team has is that it is one of only 2 teams left in the NT, leaving me with the chance of having a higher enthusiasm during a critical time in my schedule (playing the Arlington All Stars and Team WWE). My stud guards give me a chance at winning every game, but my weaknesses in big men and in FT shooting may hinder my chances to close out games (especially in the playoffs). Grabbing an experienced and skilled big man before the playoffs will be key to challenging the other top teams in the league.
(5) Buffalo Cobras (5-5)
The Cobras are a bit of a wildcard in that they are sitting at 5-5 currently, but capable of beating some very good teams in both conferences. They have yet to win a statement game against any of the top 4 teams as of yet, but they have the players and the management to shock someone in the playoffs. I hope it isnt me! If they could just better manage their gameshape & purchase one superstar to lead their team, they could become a very dangerous team during playoff time.
Listing some of the remaining teams here:
(6) Starburys (7-3)
(7) El Puerco Grande (4-6)
(8) Phoenix Suns (4-6)
(9) Happy Helpers (4-6)
(10) Raining 3's (4-6)