LA Mad Drops in Premier Pickleball: The LA Mad Drops, Major League Pickleball’s representative team from the City of Angels, has faced a mixed bag of challenges this season. With a roster that includes standout players like Catherine Parenteau, Thomas Wilson, Jade Kawamoto, and Hunter Johnson, the Mad Drops are a symbol of the vibrant and diverse pickleball community that Los Angeles embodies.
Injury Woes of Thomas Wilson
Thomas Wilson has been grappling with an undisclosed arm injury, a concern that arises over the team’s prospects. To fill the gap, the Mad Drops brought in Blaine Hovenier and Emily Cederquist as substitutes. While the depth of talent in the team was tested, the results were less than stellar—Hovenier finished without a single game win, and the duo combined for a point differential of -39. Yet, despite these setbacks, the team still managed to reach a Dreambreaker, displaying resilience amid adversity.
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Cederquist Shines: A Bright Spot in Tough Times
One bright spot in the lineup was Cederquist, who remains the best female player without a permanent Major League Pickleball contract. Her skills shone through when she and Jade Kawamoto clinched a victory against Lea Jansen and Jackie Kawamoto in women’s doubles, showing her potential to impact the team positively. As the next waiver wire approaches, her performance makes a strong case for being picked up by a team in need.
The Panic Meter: Staying Calm Amid Turbulence
With all the turbulence surrounding injuries and substitutes, the panic meter for the Mad Drops sits at a moderate 2 out of 10. The only factor pushing this number up is the uncertainty regarding Wilson’s health. If he can return to form quickly, the team’s chances of success will improve significantly.
Looking ahead, the Mad Drops are in a position to bounce back if they can handle their challenges effectively. The depth of talent in their roster and the vibrant pickleball community they represent in Los Angeles offers a solid foundation. With a bit of luck and some strategic adjustments, the Mad Drops can continue to be a competitive force in the Premier Level and maintain their connection to the community that supports them.
News in Brief: LA Mad Drops in Premier Pickleball
The LA Mad Drops have faced a season of mixed challenges, with key players like Catherine Parenteau and Thomas Wilson leading the roster. Wilson’s ongoing arm injury has prompted substitutes Blaine Hovenier and Emily Cederquist to step in, but the results have been disappointing—Hovenier finished without a win, and the duo had a combined point differential of -39.
Despite these setbacks, Cederquist shone by helping secure a win against Lea Jansen and Jackie Kawamoto, proving her potential. The team’s panic meter rests at a low 2 out of 10, primarily due to Wilson’s health uncertainty. With strategic adjustments, the Mad Drops can use their talent and community support to remain competitive in Major League Pickleball.
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