2024-25 Pre Season Power Rankings
GUEST BLOGGER: Drew Lied
Oct. 1st 2024
***Don’t like your ranking? Prove me wrong***
#1
DAVID BROCK after a disappointing 2022-2023 campaign, David reclaimed his throne last season. As the competition continues to improve, Brock will have his hands full this season but without a doubt he’s a surefire EOY Top 3.
#2
DREW LIED had a breakout season last year but absolutely shit the bed in the last 7 weeks of the season. Look for him to right the ship, tighten up a few things and make a push for #1.
#3
MICHAEL JOHNSON my favorite as the most talented player at the club but can struggle with consistency. If he can stay healthy and in form, I like him to be back to his 2022-23 self.
#4
DANNY ‘DADDY’ MAMALAT made his way into the top 5 last year for the first time and I don’t see that changing for the foreseeable future. With the club’s best serve and forehand rip, opponents will struggle… especially as the weather gets colder.
#5
MIKEY AIKEN if the rumors are true, the philosopher has been meditating daily in preparation for the new season. Geared with that advantage along with bringing back his forehand swinging volley, I like him to crack the Top 5.
#6
ERIK ZIPPER the patient veteran is always a force and everyone’s favorite partner. I’m fearful his 30 year old paddle may struggle with the spin these new paddles are generating.
#7
ANDREW BAYLISS *one to watch* word around the club is this guys an absolute animal on the court and a potential EOY #1. Will he be able to come back to that same form after a prolonged hiatus? Have other players improved? Excited to see how this storyline unfolds.
#8
TEDDY STUCKSLAGER prime example that nice guys don’t finish last… they finish in the top ten. Teddy’s inserted himself in Top 10 and he’s not going anywhere this season. When paired with the right partner, watch out for the upsets.
#9
NICK PIOTROWSKI as the competition stiffens, will he be able to rise up? I like him to fluctuate between 8-14 throughout the season until he realizes he shouldn’t drive with a chip. Once he figures that out, who knows where we’ll see him.
#10
CJ ARMBRUST absolutely no one was surprised with CJ’s first season end of the year push. I like for him to continue the momentum, even with a newborn. In year 3, CJ will be making a push for EOY Top 5. You heard it here first.
#11
ERIC ARVOLD if memory suits me, arvie played his fewest matches in recent history in his 2023-2024 campaign. Is he sneaking off to the pickleball courts when no one is looking? If he hangs up the picklepaddle, this crafty vet will surely put the young bucks in their place.
#12
BRAD BROGAN with retirement right around the corner, I suspect Brad will have a clear mind and continue his winning ways. Newbies seek advice from this wise one.
#13
JOHNNY KASNER *one to watch* not much is known about this newcomer but I’m solely basing this off (1) the words of Brock, “yeah, he’s good” (2) having played tennis Case Western, and most importantly (3) finding us on google. He must be dedicated. Hoping he surprises us all and makes a push to the Top 10.
#14
BRIAN KLEIN racquet skills? check athleticism? double check patience? massive question mark. Let’s see what this guy can do in his second season.
#15
TREVOR KATZBAN fresh off summer paddle and allegedly playing 40+ hrs of racquet sports per week, he will undoubtedly be ready for the season. After getting a well deserved 10 spot ranking boost this season, how will he fare against the big dogs? Will his body hold up? Will he be able to avoid vaping mid point?
#16
TRAVIS MURPHY after an incredible run in the 2023-24 season, Travis will be faced with a new challenge – being paired with the lowest rated player in many of his matches. His forehand drive is tough to handle but will he have the patience?
#17
DUSAN MEDAN *one to watch* never seen this guy on a paddle court but I’ve seen him play tennis and that was a sight to see. He’ll catch on quick… how quick? I don’t know. But when he does, watch out cedar club. He’s a coach, moves well, has great hands and is a serb. Hopefully we have a second coming of Vuk.
#18
DANNY NOONAN flashy? no… fast? no… sneaky good? definitely. With one of the highest winning percentages from the 2023-24 season, I like for him to continue this momentum. Will he repeat the club championship? Has this been done before?
#19
GREG ANDERSON already drawing comparisons to Jannik Sinner. Is that because of looks? Skills? Both? The sky is the limit for this guy.
#20
CHRIS HITLER he’s always on upset alert and one you hate seeing on the other side of the court. How will he use his height and length to his advantage this season?
#21
PATTY LAUGHLIN can do it all AND his game is continually improving. One thing I question is…. with his business moving to the US Bank building, how will this affect his paddle? Will late nights at the office cause him to come in sluggish? Wouldn’t be surprised if he makes a quick jump in next months power rankings.
#22
RYAN OAKS an absolute proven winner. I’ve been fortunate to play with him and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get the W. If his backhand is on this season, does he hit singles digits?
#23
BOBBY LARSEN has anyone ever seen him hit a backhand? coming off a rough 2023-24 campaign, Bob’s due for a comeback season – both on the paddle court and on the poker table. Expecting tons of ‘upsets’ this year from Bobby.
#24
BEN HADORFF has all of the skills to be a top 15 player but does he have the time? Hunting/fishing appear to be the priority and paddle is the filler. A focused Hadorff is a very scary proposition and one I wouldn’t bet against.
#25
JONNY SNODGRASS is this guy a podcaster? is this guy a ball striker? is this guy ready for a breakout season? The answer is yes to all of them. Excited to see this guy make a jump.
#26
DANNY EINHORN ironman einhorn has the reps behind him, but does he have equipment? Is he even using his paddle? Are his shoes hole-less? When he takes care of the little things, he dominates the court.
#27
TOMMY GELIN after an iconic start to last season (10-0), Tommy struggled. I would be completely and utterly SHOCKED if this faaaaaaabulous gent doesn’t learn from it and come back stronger.
#28
PATTY JOST a student of the game and a formidable lefty threat. While constantly adding and tweaking his game, he’s bound to make a push. Let’s call it the ‘Patty Push.’ Find him in the 18-22 at some point during the season.
#29
MATTY MONROE swinging volley’s aren’t his thing but good thing he doesn’t need them. He’s recovered and he’s ready. Look for it to take him a bit to get back in form but once he does, he won’t look back.
#30
ZANDER DUNN *one to watch* only caught a glimpse of this guy but from what I saw his technique looked silky. He was part of the Nicolet Tennis Dynasty so he must know how to win.
All opinions expressed are those of Drew Lied, and only Drew Lied… and with a name like Drew Lied, do you really think you can trust it?
Recent Comments