Sunday, February 19
With only one week left in the NEPSAC regular season, the Brunswick Bruins find themselves waking up as the fifth seed in the Elite 8 tournament. The Bruins have earned this spot due to their sixth highest RPI and a 5-3 record against the Top 16 teams. However, there is still some uncertainty as Brunswick has one remaining game against T-P on Friday and will also be watching some closely contested games to determine their final seeding.
While Brunswick currently holds the fifth seed, Gunn is currently ranked 16th with games against Westy and Berkshire remaining. Additionally, Loomis and Kent, both teams that have defeated Brunswick, are on the outside of the Top 16 looking in. Therefore, Brunswick will need to focus on winning their remaining game while keeping a watchful eye on the scores of their competitors.
A comparison between Brunswick and Belmont Hill shows that the two teams are neck and neck. Both teams have 10 points, but Brunswick takes the tiebreaker and earns a higher seed. This comparison is determined by a few factors including head-to-head records, RPI, record against mutual opponents, and record against the Top 16.
In terms of head-to-head records, Brunswick and Belmont Hill each have one win, so no point is awarded. However, Belmont Hill has a stronger RPI, earning them one point. In terms of record against mutual opponents, Brunswick and Belmont Hill have each played Taft, Lawrenceville, and St. Seb’s. Brunswick is 2-1 while Belmont Hill is 2-2 (they played Seb’s twice). Therefore, Brunswick earns one point. Belmont Hill plays Westy on Saturday, and with a win, the Sextants would move ahead of Brunswick in this category.
Lastly, in terms of record against the Top 16, Brunswick is 5-3 while Belmont Hill is 5-4-2. Brunswick earns one point, and Belmont Hill still has games against Tabor, Dexter, and Westy, all teams in the current Top 16.
Although Brunswick currently holds the higher seed, things can change quickly. The Bruins need one more win to give themselves the best chance at clinching a spot in the Elite 8. With only one week left in the regular season, it will be an exciting finish to see which teams will earn the coveted spots in the Elite 8 tournament.
