And what a season #50 was. Needless to say, the Barbarians flamed out in the finals, as expected, but that says more about the Milwaukee Flash getting the job done, who seemed destined for Division III.
But the standard is now set. It's finals or bust. Now there are still some teams that are probably ahead of LA at the moment in terms of Championship and promotion. In the Big 8, the biggest challenger to the Barbarians is probably Cradlestone, led by MVP contender Strahinja Slović.
But the real quality of League IV.30 lies in the Great 8. Nanooks of the North look to inherit the throne from the recently departed Milwaukee Flash. But as teams get promoted up, teams also get demoted down. Sharks 13 is the newcomer this season from Division III and their squad is no joke. The Great 8 battles between those two top squads should be mouth watering affairs.
Of course, no team stays the same, as we have draftees to welcome. The Barbarians drafted a pair of guards in Kyle Knowles and Eddy Keyesj in the 1st and 2nd rounds respectively. Knowles in particular has been touted as a high upside player and manager K. Ramgops doesn't seem to be shying away from playing his young players.
"We're sticking them right in there! Trial by fire. But seriously, we've got a good squad and I think what Knowles and Keyesj will bring is youth, energy, and a willingness to push the other guys."
When asked what his plans are for the 18-year olds, K. Ramgops just winked and said "wait and see."
That might not be enough to placate the fans, who have been calling for a signing or four since K. Ramgops took over.
"Look, we're looking long term. We've got a plan. You've got to build from the ground up. What's the point of making the splash into the transfer market before you've got infrastructure in place to support growth and competitiveness?"
If he means arena expansion, well that's one area the Barbarians haven't been shy in spending money. And if the fans keep filling it, more renovations may be on the way.
All that aside, it seems K. Ramgops and his staff are looking to straddle that line between competitiveness and development. Hopefully, this team doesn't lose its balance in Season 51.