[IKE]

Dumpers will be the early favorites. The combination of quick response and high volume will be amplified by their generally elegant designs. Because there is less to tune the dumpers will have more practice time and will rack up the big scores early on.

Mid season will see a big change in competition. Decent teams will learn how to stay off the ropes (not get pinned), and protect their less capable buddies. Dumpers will be dropping their loads in Automode early. Some will be succesful, while others will litter the floor. Scores will go down as the number of balls on the floor will go up. Sweepers will be key to winning alliances.

Late Season. Here come the assasins. Teams will have learned good strategies for converting empty cells into super cells. Fast acting shooters will assult their opponents with bonus shots at the end. Dumpers will have to get more creative as teams will have figured out how to evade their shots.

Einstein. Winning alliance will have 3 different bots for a change. 1 high volume fast acting dumper/driven dumper, one accurate fast and manuverable shooter. 1 sweeper bot. The sweeper may have a cannon on board, but will primarily scoop up loose balls and convert empty cells.

The most interesting thing I predict is that the dumpers will be in the Driver's seat during alliance selection. They will do well picking on the weak during qualifying matches, but will have more trouble once the tournament potion begins and the duds are mostly gone.

First in Michigan:
Dumpers will rule the district events. The fast pace and heavy match schedule will suit them well. They will have the top slots at almost every district event. This may actually hurt them at some of the smaller districts as their third partner will be fairly week. Expect big things from the #4-8alliances.


State Championship will be a different story. Dumpers will still be effective, but with the top 50% of Michigan competing, It will be harder to find a dud to pick on. The shooters will be fully tuned in and will be real threats. What will differ from the district events is that at the Champioship, the #1 and #2 alliances will be much stronger positions with 60 teams to choose from.

Just one man's opinion.