Regional Favorites...A Shot in the Dark

Trying to predict who will win a regional before a game is even played is nearly impossible. Nobody has seen all the teams play, nobody knows how tough the competition is within a specific team's state. A German octopus would probably do a better job selecting the regional winners. Well, I may have the intelligence of a German octopus, so I'm going to take a stab at it.

Great Lakes

The Great Lakes is always a competitive region but usually comes down to Indiana in the title game. Ohio has been strong recently, and Hamilton West Side, the Ohio champions, has been to the LLWS twice in the last five years including last season. Many of the state champions in this region are new to this level of play. The most intriguing of the group is North Oldham, Kentucky. A state that has two or three power programs was completely run over by this newcomer. It's the first state championship for this league. I'm going to go out on a limb and take the boys from Kentucky over Golfmoor, Indiana.

Midwest

The Midwest is usually one of the weaker regions in the country. It used to be completely dominated by Iowa, but South Dakota and Minnesota have made major strides as of late. Grandview, Indiana went to the LLWS in 1980. Webb City, Missouri last won the state title in 2002. They won the Midwest region that year as well. Harney Little League of Rapid City, South Dakota is one of the two powers in the state. They rolled through the tournament this season. I think the improvement of SD will continue and they will win the Midwest region. 

New England

One of the more balanced regions in the country, there are four states that have a chance to go to Williamsport each year. Fairfield American, Connecticut is the defending regional champions and they're back to defend their title. It's possible that they could rematch with Cumberland, Rhode Island. The boys from Cumby are back, but this time it's the Americans not the Nationals. Andover National, Massachusetts is returning to Bristol for the first time since 1988. That year? They made the trip to Williamsport. In similar fashion Goffstown, New Hampshire is making its first trip to Bristol since 2000. That year, they beat Danny Almonte's Bronx team to go to Williamsport. "Young" Danny was supposed to be 11 at the time. Yarmouth, Maine and Barre Community, Vermont should both represent well, but most likely can't match up to the big four this year. If Cumberland's ace is healthy enough to pitch, the boys from Rhode Island will win the region. If not? I'm going with Andover National and their star Andrew Selima. Watch this kid hit if you can.

Mid-Atlantic

Another regional with a "Big 4" so to speak, the Mid-Atlantic is usually represented by New York, Maryland, or Pennsylvania, with New Jersey always in the hunt as well. This season should be more of the same. Great Kills, New York is making the trek to Bristol for the first time, but this team refuses to lose. Watch out for ace pitcher James Greig. Speaking of show-stoppers, Conococheague, Maryland's Levi Taylor is a hitting machinge. All he did was hit 7 homeruns in 5 games at the state tournament. Paramus, New Jersey is as steady as they come. With great defense and pitching, the boys from Bergen will never beat themselves. Newark National, Delaware is led by Alex Barker on the mound and at the plate. The class of the region should be Keystone, Pennsylvania. Keystone is trying to get back to Williamsport, not because they have played in the LLWS before, but because they are from that district in PA. Talon Falls is a hitting star, and Keystone rolled through one of the toughest states to win in the country. I expect them to win the regional.

Southeast

One of the strongest regions in the country, you can be sure that Florida and Georgia will come to play. The wild card this year is Mobile West Side, Alabama. Mobile won the Southeast region as 10-year olds and 11-year olds. They want to make get to the promised land. In their way will be New Tampa, Florida, and Warner Robins East, Georgia. Warner Robins will have a serious home field advantage. The 2007 LLWS champions will be playing games in their own backyard. Reston National, Virginia and Tarheel Little League from Greenville, North Carolina could be strong, but expect one of the big three to win it. I'm going to stick with the defending champs, Alabama.

Southwest

The Southwest is usually dominated by West Texas, Texas East or Louisiana. This year, one of those three teams will not be advancing to the regional semifinals. They're all in the same pool. Lafayette, Louisiana has taken over as the premier league in the state. They've been to the LLWS recently. Pearland Maroon, Texas is trying to defend the regional title for their league-mates, Pearland White from last year. They have to be the favorites.

West

With Hawaii in the West region, California's stranglehold on Williamsport berths has been significantly reduced. Expect a resurgence. Ocean View, California made it to the regional final last season with a pair of 11-year olds leading the way offensively and even on the mound. They're baaaaaack. For the first time since a Sean Burroughs-led Long Beach squad in 92-93, a league has repeated in Southern California. Ocean View is led by Nick Pratto who has been a force all tournament after having big-time regional experience last year. He should lead Ocean View to the title. In their way will be Central East Maui, Hawaii, and Rio Rico, Arizona. Red Bluff, California and Silverado, Nevada will perform well, but not enough to contend. 


Northwest

It's all about Washington and Oregon. These two states almost always duke it out for the regional crown. Bend South, Oregon rolled through their state. North Bothell, Washington did some serious damage as well. I expect them to each make the regional final with Bend South coming out the victor.

Who do you think will make it to Williamsport? How many of the eight regions will I get right? Tell me how out in left field I am in the comments section.