Top 3 overall storylines:

• New Jersey 5s are the favorites in Austin, having won their last event in Columbus - can they live up to that billing?  

• Which under the radar team will seize the opportunity to gain standings points with top teams (Shock, Mad Drops, Brooklyn) not playing in Austin?

• Who will withstand the heat and thrive? Three straight inside events, now forecasts in the 90s for this outside event in Austin. 

Storylines per team competing in Austin:

Group A:

California Black Bears: New additions James Delgado and Joey Wild are likely to make their debuts in Austin - will that change their fortunes after going 1-4 in Columbus? The hope for this team lies with the ladies as Sahra Dennehy and Kiora Kunimoto will continue to get better together as doubles partners and their singles will be formidable if they get to a DreamBreaker. 

Carolina Hogs: They acquired the former Black Bear Michael Loyd in a trade so how will the Hogs utilize their ever-changing personnel? Will they roll with Brandon French and DJ Young in doubles and will Loyd just be a singles specialist? Nicole Conard was also added at the last waiver window - so which ladies will hit the court? Just 1 standings point in 2 events for the Hogs so far. 

Columbus Sliders: The defending champs are the favorites in Group A, hoping to gain ground on the other top teams this week (NOTE: the top 4 teams at the end of the year get an all-important bye in the first round of the playoffs). Another week of practice and match reps will make the Todd/Townsend women’s pairing even more formidable. Anything less than second overall this week feels like a disappointment for the Sliders.

Miami Pickleball Club: Welcome to South Beach Dylan Frazier - traded for Nico Acevedo. How will this work out for the only team in the standings without a point? Left side Frazier with Yuta Funemizu? Or another combination? And will Estee Widdershoven and Isabella Dunlap benefit from more familiarity in event number 2 for Miami?

SoCal Hard 8s: Debut in St. Louis started with a win and then 4 straight losses and just 1 standings point. Cailyn Campbell looked good playing the left side with Meghan Dizon (who needs to show her MLP Champion pedigree after going just 1-9 in St. Louis). And how will coach Adam Stone deploy the men this week (Armaan Bhatia, Rafa Lenhard, and Will Mackinnon)? 

Group B:

Atlanta Bouncers: What will the mixed pairings look like for the Bouncers in Austin? And can either of the veteran gender pairs find a spark as both are 3-8 so far this year (Irvine/Christian and Devilliers/Martinez Vich)? Big opportunity in Austin for the Bouncers to prove that this team construction can make the playoffs.

Bay Area Breakers: Will Pablo Tellez be ready to return from injury? He missed St. Louis, thrusting Luc Pham and Len Yang into full time today. And can the women get going and what is the optimal lineup between Genie Erokhina, Mya Bui, and Ella Yeh? 

Dallas Flash: After hosting the first event, they return to action in their Lone Star state. Will the shock of seeing Jorja Johnson in clown gear be lessened so they can focus on at least a top 2 finish in the group? And what will the mixed pairs be (both versions with their starters were used in Dallas)? And will Brooke Buckner be more comfortable after her whirlwind first week with the Flash?

Florida Smash: Got a DreamBreaker win over the Hogs as their lone trip to the win column in Columbus (their only event). Again, personnel deployment will be the focus as all 6 players were utilized, producing just 2 doubles wins. Can they find the winning combinations?

New Jersey Fives: Were dominant in Columbus, securing 25 standings points and earning the Super Sunday belt. Anna Leigh Waters and Jorja Johnson’s undefeated season rolls into Austin, giving their men a 1-0 lead in every match. Can the fellas continue their red hot play? The clowns are the favorites to win the weekend, but that comes with pressure - how will they respond in the heat?

Texas Ranchers: The hosts keep switching their 2nd male to pair with Eric Oncins. Christian Alshon traded for Dylan Frazier who was traded for Nico Acevedo. Acevedo has looked good but does not have the reps and experience compared to Frazier - will he step up? And what will the mixed pairings look like with Lea Jansen and Layne Sleeth (who I expect will keep improving as Sleeth gets more reps returning from injury)? 

Marquee Matchups: 

Group B: Texas Ranchers vs. Dallas Flash (3:00pm CT on Friday 6/12): Good ol’ fashion Texas Showdown of two teams with constantly evolving rosters. The Flash won in Dallas earlier this year (pre Dylan Frazier trade) with a 3-0 sweep in the 3rd vs. 3rd matchup. Can the Ranchers return the favor and will Acevedo be the key to getting the win in front of the home crowd? 

Group B: New Jersey Fives vs. Dallas Flash (3:00PM CT on Saturday 6/13): Jorja Johnson vs. Flash 2.0. She played very well through the tears and emotions and tributes in Dallas. The key for a Flash upset is a superior performance by JW Johnson and Augie Ge (they have to win the men’s match).