While I wouldn't even wager a guess at what could happen across the country over the weekend, I can throw my opinions around on my own region, numero uno. This will be my third regional and, given past history, this could be a very competitive year. This year, 13 teams are scheduled to appear: Bentley, BU, Conn College, Dartmouth, Harvard, MIT, Middlebury, Northeastern, Providence, Roger Williams, UMass-Lowell, Williams and WPI. * WPI is a first-timer, so I a) know nothing about them and b) give them no chance. * Bentley, CT Coll, Northeastern and Roger Williams are always there, but never really make much noise. I have no reason to think this year will be any different. * UM-Lowell has personally given us trouble in the past (they were our only prelim loss in '99), but I don't think they'll have the firepower. * Middlebury makes infrequent appearances at circuit tourneys, but I think they're more of a trash team. All I remember about them is they often show up in costume. * That leaves the 5 circuit teams and Providence, who had one player (James) who I termed "Rain Man" after seeing him pull answer after answer straight from the air last year. If he comes back this year, they've got a shot at the playoffs. If not, it could be a long day. * BU will have Mr. Nielsen this weekend, despite his hatred of CBI. He tends to overthink in this format, but he gives us a good shot with our supporting cast. We can beat any team in this field on a given pack; whether or not the cards fall the right way is another story. * Dartmouth has looked good this year when we've seen them. However like BU, I think their best shot at winning Regionals has already past. * Defending champions Williams will have most, if not all, of their team back from last year. That withstanding, I think the other teams in the region have gotten better, to the point that I don't think Williams will defend. * Adding Mike Usher has turned MIT from a good team to a damn great team. They have as good a shot to win this weekend as anyone. * Harvard can be very dangerous depending on who they bring to Providence. David Farris and Vik Vaz really impressed me these past two weeks, and depending on who they have that's still eligible, they could be the team to beat. Vik's negging makes me hesitant, but I think they'll hold off the rest of the field. MY PICK: Harvard wins, followed by MIT and Williams. Course I'd love to be wrong... :) Cooch
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