I am back at it after a few weeks from the blog. Thank you, Oopsidacey, for filling in for me while I was away. Your insight was welcomed, and you did an amazing job. It did not affect your ability to get to the finals, but it did not change what you did once you got there either; just kidding, buddy.
I cannot believe it is almost March already. Time is winding down for your chances to win valuable points and climb into the Top 16 in one of the Tier standings across Canada. For those that are new to the game, in every event you play, you are earning points in the Cornhole Canada standings. The point system is the same for every club across the country, and there are rules for how many of each type of event can be submitted for points.
We are lucky in Regina to have the Backyard to play cornhole because it allows us to maximize events and give our players every opportunity to get points. The amount of points you get is dependent on the events played in. The highest points will be rewarded at our Provincials at the end of July. There can only be one Provincial event in each province, so the winners will likely find themselves at the top of the tier standings. So, it is important to ensure you can make this event if you are trying to find yourself in the top 16 in one of the tiers. Also, a reminder that the winners of these events will get their entry fee reimbursed by the SCA for the same event at Nationals.
The second-highest points are awarded at Regional events. We are allowed to submit one monthly, which separates us from other clubs in the country. Having the Backyard enables us to host a Regional every month, something other clubs cannot offer. In other parts of the country, they are lucky if they host three a year because they have trouble finding a venue to play in. This is why every player should play in these events.
Our next Regional will be on March 24, 2024. We play Singles and Doubles events in every tier, so you are wrong if you think you are not good enough to play in a Regional. There is always a tier for you.
You may think it is too late to climb into the top 16 standings, but it is not. There is a limit to how many events each player can gain points in. The points system only keeps your top finishes depending on each type of event. So, many points are still available if you start playing in Regionals and league nights. You could easily be in the top 16 standings with four months of play. When we look at the Tier 5 Canada standings, Joe P and Wendy are sitting in the second and third spots and have only played in a handful of events. It shows that all you have to do is register and play to find out what you can do. Who knows, maybe you can pass Wendy.
This week, we had a few events, and we started on Tuesday with 16 players coming out for a great Tier 5 Penguin event. I am not sure I like the ring of that, but the Facebook Poll has spoken, and Penguins is the name that had the most votes. I will say a Penguin can not fly, but if you look at the play of our Tier-4 group, they are very close to flying as a Pigeon very soon.
We saw some newbies try it as they played a Switcholio format. After the round-robin and the partners we paired up, it appeared that Joey and GMAJO would be the team to beat. Once the bracket started, it was clear some teams had other thoughts. The team of Sam (Pink Genie) and Ray were on a roll and did not appear to be stoppable. They knocked the team to beat out of the A-side on their way to the King Seat. On the B side, Brian and Jorga (a newbie) were gaining steam, and by the time they hit the B final, they crushed the dream team by a score of 22-5 and were on their way to play the King Seat. In the final, it was very close and back and forth, but in the end Pink Genie and Ray were too much to handle.
Top PPR
- Kim L – 5.92
- Brian – 5.64
- Pink Genie – 5.63
Tier 4 – was a small group with only five Pigeons battling it out for this week’s title. The battles were fierce as Ringo went through the bracket to find himself in the King Seat. When I looked at the Tier 4 lanes, it seemed like Brad and Bonnie were battling. When they met in the A -side, they battled over 18 rounds, with the edge going to Brad 21-18. When they met in the B-side final, they went 19 rounds, firing over a 7 PPR, but in the end, Bonnie beat Brad 22-18 to set up the final against Ringo. Once the game started, it was clear Ringo would not be denied this title as he beat Bonnie in 7 rounds.
Top PPR
- Ringo – 7.19
- Bonnie – 6.69
- B-RAD – 6.67
It was an unbelievable night of throwing in the Hawk Division (Tier-3). At times, when I looked at the PPRs, there were several PPRs over 9, and 4-bag % in the high 20’s for some players. Five of the nine players were above 8 PPR on the evening. Heading into the bracket, it appeared that Newson would be the player to beat, but like people always say, the title is not handed out in the round-robin. Kevin ran into Crystal, who was battling a cold but was anything but cold in her throwing in the bracket. She beat Bobber, Newson and Spilly to sit in the Queen Seat. Spilly and Newson hooked up to see who would try to double-dip Crystal sitting on her throne. In the end, Newson went back to face Crystal to see if he could cool her off. Game one went to Kevin, but in Game two, Crystal with an 8.67 PPR, finished the night off with a win and the title.
Top PPR
- Newson – 8.49, with a 15% 4-bag%
- Spilly – 8.18
- Crystal – 8.07
The next event in the week was the final event in the February Regional, the Mixed Doubles event. Nine teams were battling it out for the Mixed event. This event is always interesting, and I want to try to build up March’s mixed event because I think if we could load it up with teams, we may be able to run a couple of tiers. I have often heard couples say it would be nice to be able to play with their spouse or partner rather than a switcholio. Well, this is your event. So, if you know people that would like to come out and play cornhole with their significant other, this is for you. Mark it in your calendar, March 28, and the best part is nobody has to work the next day because it is Good Friday stat holiday.
This Mixed Regional had Kevin and Damara taking on Jonathon and Jennifer sitting on the Throne. Game one went to Kev and Damara, and in the second game, they completed the double dip to take the win. The night’s highlight went to Dave as he hit his first 4-bagger and hit his second in the same game. It shows our unbelievable community in SCA because the play stopped after his first one, and everyone gave him an ovation. Great work, Dave.
Friday night, FunHolio saw 72 players come out for the weekly fun event. Friday night’s event is a great way for new players to come out and try cornhole. The night is meant to be a fun, relaxing event for everyone. The great part about having the Backyard is that we have plenty of events for the players that want to play intense, competitive games of cornhole. So, if you are looking for a competitive night, come out on Tuesday because Friday is not your night. We try to make sure this night is fun and inviting to give our new people a taste of the game without the pressure because, for the most part, this is our chance to make a good first impression.
On this Friday, we made a good first impression with plenty of new players that came out. In the end, Marla had one of her better nights of throwing as not only did she end up in the top half of the standings, but she carried it into the bracket as she and her partner, Franco, beat Diamond Diva (Dianne) and myself to win the Friday night.
POWER RANKING
TIER 3 Power Ranking. In these rankings, we have another first. We have two SCL Ladies making it into the Top 5 rankings.
- Jonathan– Stays in the number one spot.
- Newson – Kevin has been firing darts lately, and I have put him in the number two spot because he is one of the most consistent throwers in the club. He finished first in Mixed, but I think it is important to talk about how difficult it is to throw 10 and 12s when your opponent is throwing 10 and 12s. One slip-up and you can give up a big score, but it did not happen. He matched Jonathon step for step, and in game two, he got the best of him.
- Spilly – Moves down into the three spot, solely from the finish in Tuesday league.
- Crystal – With her impressive win on Tuesday, she moved into the rankings at the number four spot. Anyone who has watched Crystal throw it is like watching a robot. The ease and calm she throws with is the envy of many throwers. I know the sky’s the limit for her and look out for as she practices up for Nationals.
- Damara – This SCL Lady was on fire in the final of the mixed event. She fired a 10.4 PPR in the final game to help win the Mixed event. Damara has been tossing a very good and consistent bag lately, and I also look forward to seeing where she can take her game.
TIER 4 Power Ranking.
- –– B-RAD – Brad has been very good, and his numbers do not lie on how good of a player he is. I look forward to seeing him in the Hawk division very soon because he has the skills to compete there.
- Bonnie Day – Bonnie is getting better and better every week, and I will predict it here: once she figures out her new MX Meltdowns, she will be in the number one spot before too long.
- Oopsidacey – Mike ‘s game is on the next level from where he was, and it is awesome to see hard work paying off. He has played a lot of cornhole lately, which sometimes makes things hard, but Mike will always be near the top.
- Jennifer – Jen sits in my fourth spot, with her second-place finish in Mixed. It doesn’t matter who or what tiered player she is up against; she will be tough to beat. She seems to have nerves of steel and performs well no matter the situation.
- Ringo – After some time out of the rankings, he claws back into the top five with a win on Tuesday night. Regan is a player like everyone else, and if he could find the time to play more, he would be very good.
TIER 5
I want to thank the Tier 5 players who came out to play in the Backyard Cup. I have talked to a few of you, and it was a great experience for you. I know we will be doing the cup again, so I encourage you to talk to them and find out how much fun it is, so you are ready for the next one.
TIER 5 Spotlight
- Ray S – Ray joined the club this season for Tuesday Tier 5. Ray is always a joy to watch play the game. His game improved, and he was rewarded with his first win last week. Ray is hooked, and you can see him with his new Sure Fires in the next season. Ray is also married to my next spotlight, Janice.
- Janice S – Janice is the nicest person you will meet. She had to teach Ray how to use the app for the first few weeks, but she has figured out her game nicely and is nearing the 3 PPR range. I enjoy watching players get better weekly, and watch out for Janice in the next season.
- Brian L. – Brian quietly (well, maybe not so quietly) came onto the Tier 5 scene this season. His progression has been something to watch, and he is nearing Tier 4 territory. He is becoming more consistent, which is the key to raising the PPR.
