Kickoff Battle Thoughts: Singles

It’s TIME!! The ACL 2023 Kickoff brackets were just released! Let’s take a look at the Singles brackets. Here are some thoughts at a first glance…

Bracket A

• Eddie Grinderslev was impressive in rounders Thursday evening as he and doubles partner, Kaleb Batson, were the lone team to stand at 8-0. That hard worked earned Eddie G the number 1 seed…but his path to the quarterfinals won’t be easy with names like Tyler Poythress and Corey Morrison lurking.

• Can Caleb Franklin or Jacob Gore Slow down Jamie Graham on the National scene? Jamie seemed to figure it out by the end of rounders…which is bad news for the other 255 pros.

• Is Carson Goette the real deal? Gavin Cano and AJ Sims will have something to say about that. Expect to see one of those three make the quarterfinals.

• Derek Holland has a solid draw. Could make a sneaky run

• Although some up and coming talent like Blacey Blanton and Nicole Pratt are in the mix…Alex Rawls should come out unscathed

• The bottom Right side of Bracket A is winnable. Several names come to mind, but I like the chances of Frank Modlin, Matthew Creekkiller or Nate Long to make the semifinals

Bracket B

• Unlike his Double’s partner, Kaleb Batson seems to be set up nicely here. Can Kaylee Hunter make a big splash and win this sub section? My money leans toward Batson or Ausin Schlobolm to make it out.

• Matt Guy and Dillon Turpin are destined to meet in rd 2. Add Jackson Gore into the mix and you have a tough little subsection. We should note thatTurpin has had success against Guy in the past, in Singles, at a National (Kickoff Battle 22’)…winner could be our bracket champion

• If you are Fisher Hamilton, I don’t think you could be happier with your first draw at Nationals. This kid is the early favorite for ROY..and is set up nicely to start…at least on paper…

• Burchfield vs Harbaugh in Rd 2..grab your freaking popcorn, sit back and relax. Hard to imagine the winner not making it to the Winner’s bracket final.

• Two perennial “top” players, Cheyenne Bubenheim and Ryan Smith have less than ideal draws…but time and time again we see that experience matters in these first events. I thnk they both battle through. Sprinkle in Jeremy Frazier, Jordan Power, Tanner Halbert and Moses Zazueta and you have a ridiculously stacked Bracket B…Right side specifically

Bracket C

• Adam Hissner looked sharp in rounders. I like his chances to make it out of this sub section, but will have his hands full with Cameron Kingfisher. With Lopez Jr not throwing as well in singles recently, I like the winner of Hissner/Kingfisher to make the quarterfinals

• Windsor and Kniesteadt would be the two favorites to come out…but Stranger, Stout, Morris or Gilbert all have legit shots…just a tough road for all parties…Gimme Kniesteadt to take it (selfishly because he is on my fantasy roster)….

• Noah Almanza and Alan Rawls Rd 1 matchup is a clash between two individuals with top 10 potential

• Logan Chamberlain has a ton of talent and in doubles it seems destined to have success. But this is singles….if he plays smart he can make a run…or he can go 0-2….Sign me up

• Tony Smith time to shine?? Not hard to imagine his path to the Semifinals. He made the leap to top 5 last season…the offseason has been quiet…but seeing his draw…count me in.

Bracket D

• If Holland wants to bring the Kitties to glory, he only must get past Mark Richards. I had questions about Richards heading into the event…Then he went 7-1 in rounders and looked poised. There won’t be any flying under the radar this season. How will he handle the expectations??

• We have been waiting for an Alex Hicks breakout at Nationals….This subsection is quarterfinals or bust for the Baby Goat

• Nick Williams, fresh off a Conference win in singles, he has a solid draw and, dare I say, SHOULD win this sub section

• Justin Burton Jr has a few veterans to move past, but a path to the quarter finals seems like a lock…those of us that helped move the line from +7000 to +2200 also hope he has a very successful weekend….

• Jimmy Youmans, Tyler Cobb, Dalton McKlem…one of them should earn the right to play JBJ…just don’t have a feel for any of them quite yet this season

• Timmy Jonas has been on fire recently…don’t be shocked if he runs it to the quarterfinals vs Trzcienski

A first glance prediction of the Bracket Winners??? Sure Why not…

Bracket A: Jamie Graham over Alex Rawls…until I see someone beat him…I’ll give him the nod

Bracket B: Devon Harbaugh over Fisher Hamilton…I think he has been playing at the highest level consistently. He is expecting his first child soon…and any other fellow dad’s can attest….Let’s hope he gets that first National win sooner rather than later

Bracket C: Tony Smith over Joe Kniesteadt…It’s time..the bracket Gods looked upon him favorably…sprinkle in a bit of talent and presto!!

Bracket D: Justin Burton Jr over Mark Richards…over Mark Richards? Seriously?!?! Calm down….the kid has been on fire and is crazy talented and everyone needs that first breakout moment….

Be on the lookout for Doubles notes!! And check out our page here to get the latest info on DraftKings Sportsbook lines!!

As always I hope you throw it Straight and It’s nothing but 4 baggers from here on out! Cheers!