Midwest Elim Alliances

[MikeyP]

Originally Posted by Justin

So I think that Mike brings up a good point. I think perhaps there has been some misunderstanding on the Northeast philosophy around defense. I don't think we've ever tried to maintain that all-defense all the time will win every match. Clearly it won't. The point that I think we have always tried to make is that the same exact thing holds true for offense. What you really need is both. I have tried to impress upon my good friends on team 126 that, in my opinion, where they went wrong is by not having both. The lesson that both teams 126 and 71 should be learning from this year's game is that you need both. You cannot expect to go out there with three shooters and out shoot an alliance that is playing heavy defense on you. It just doesn't work, as has been proven in at least two sets of finals at two regionals now. The key I believe is a versatile alliance. Have a great shooter yes but have a great defensive bot that can mix it up and run interference for the shooter. I believe this is where some alliances have gone wrong, primarily because I think if you are able to remove the best shooter from the match defensively then you completely change the balance of the match and possibly, though not necessarily, swing it.

Just some thoughts,

Justin

P.S. How come when I say these things no one listens and when Andy speaks it is scripture.

No, I am very sure that was a "we beat 71!" post. Yes, 71 is an okay team, but they are certainly beatable just like every team in FIRST. I would argue that there are better teams all over the nation. Yes, our partners are amazing. They deserve to get as much credit for doing well as 71 does, if not, more credit. Next time you want to cheer about how you beat a veteran team, make sure you include the other teams in the alliance as well. Maybe you will cheer our loss as much as you cheer the loss of a struggling rookie team.

[Justin]

Originally Posted by MikeFrom71

No, I am very sure that was a "we beat 71!" post.

Okay I am really not sure what this means at all. In fact it would actually be impossible for me to make a "we beat 71" post because a) I am not on a team anymore. b) if you check my profile you will find that I list team 146 as my team this was my original high school team an it not longer exists. So I speak for no team, and no one but myself...period. This post was simply stating my interpretation of the events that have transpired in the matches and finals this year. In terms of the other members of the alliance I think they played well I apologize sincerely to 141 and 1775 no snub intended. In fact the intent of my post was not to snub or knock any one team but maybe just to highlight some observations for the benefit of other teams who might still have regionals to attend. I'm sorry you interpreted it as an attempt to slight your team or your alliance. However I will not apologize for the post and hope that some will find it useful. Team 71 has one what 4 national championships and they have plenty to be proud of, while I apologize for not being as familiar with 141 or 1775 I am sure that they have a list of equal accomplishments.


Justin