New Jersey 5s Look Dangerous in MLP Playoffs: With 40 points in 18 matches, the New Jersey 5s find themselves in a strong position, holding an outside but realistic chance to surpass the St. Louis Shock for the top seed. To achieve this, they will need to secure 13 points in their final five matches—a difficult task but not impossible. Their favorable schedule has been a significant advantage, as they have avoided playing any of the other top four teams in their final stretch.
The MVPs: Anna Leigh Waters and Will Howells
Anna Leigh Waters has been outstanding throughout the season, but the real surprise has been the performance of Will Howells. Selected as the 37th pick, Will Howells has far exceeded expectations, playing like a high second-round choice.
His contributions, combined with Anna Leigh Waters‘ consistency, have propelled the New Jersey 5s into competition. Will Howells has arguably been the best draft pick of the year in Major League Pickleball, a crucial component in New Jersey 5s’ rise.
Solid Doubles but Weak Mixed Play
Mari Humberg has been reliable in women’s doubles, while Zane Navratil has held his own in men’s doubles. However, the Zane Navratil/Mari Humberg pairing in mixed doubles has been a weak spot for the New Jersey 5s.
Despite their struggles in mixed play, the duo has proven to be resilient in Dreambreakers, adding unpredictability to their matches.
Roster Decisions for 2025
Looking ahead to next season, the New Jersey 5s will likely need to make a difficult decision between Zane Navratil and Mari Humberg. While Zane Navratil’s skills are more easily replaceable, his importance to the team’s chemistry may give management pause.
If a change is made, Zane Navratil is the more likely candidate to be dropped, though it’s clear this is a team that would prefer to keep all four players if league rules allowed it.
News in Brief: New Jersey 5s Look Dangerous in MLP Playoffs
The New Jersey 5s have 40 points in 18 matches and a chance to overtake St. Louis Shock for the top seed, needing 13 points in their last five games. Will Howells, the 37th pick in the draft, has exceeded all expectations, playing like a second-rounder and helping Anna Leigh Waters lead the team.
Despite a strong doubles showing, the Zane Navratil/Mari Humberg pairing has struggled in mixed doubles. Heading into 2025, the team may drop Zane Navratil, though his contribution to team chemistry makes it a tough call.
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