Indiana is a formidable place to play. Breaking down the data from the Tippecanoe event last week, the average match score was 10 points higher than the worldwide Week 2 averages and the average winning score was 12 points higher. The state solidified its reputation as a strategically-sound group of high-performing teams.
In the eliminations, successful captures occurred a staggering 44% of the time, leading all events to date. At the Walker Warren event, half the competing teams will be event veterans, and you better bet the remaining teams have been doing their research. (Thanks to TBA for the data)
This week we also get to meet the 2 newest additions to Indiana FIRST, 5944 and 6012. What will these two rookies from Mooresville and Bedford have in store?
Top Contenders:
234
After joining 1501 and 5188 at Guilford, NC, the 5th alliance captains decided to wait a week to compete back home again in Indiana. Cyber Blue has a solid drivetrain but seems to have slight issues chasing down and collecting boulders. They historically improve as the season goes along and they’ve undoubtedly learned from their experiences from week and will have their intake improved and drivers ready to go.
1024
Alliance captains of the #1 seed at the Tippecanoe district, 1024 showed why they’re one of the most feared teams in the state. With one event’s worth of driver practice under their belts, they’ll only continue to improve. At this point 1024 ranks 32nd in OPR and 34th in CCWM in the world.
1747
Winners of their home event. Harrison Boiler Robotics proved to be one of the most powerful high goal shooters and with a little more work on their vision tracking they could prove to be a force to be reckoned with. 1747 ranks 18th in OPR and 15th in CCWM worldwide.
3940
These daredevil drivers and Dukes from Kokomo proved to be one of the best defense busters at the Tippecanoe event. They finished as the eighth ranked team and helped lead their 3rd seed alliance to the finals, where they lost to the 1024-1747 combination. Will they be able to follow-up their finalists showing?
Late starters:
71
Team Hammond is always a popular team to follow in Indiana and will surely bring a unique and impressive robot to unveil this weekend at Walker Warren. With some rumored changes and the possible return of a former mentor, we anxiously await their debut this weekend.
1720
Team PhyXT Gears and their innovative high goal shooter design will be an audience favorite. Will this translate to a deep run Sunday afternoon?
3947
The Knightstown Crusaders have proven to be on the rise and have built competitive robots since their rookie year, when they were IRI alliance captains. Indiana teams can expect them to compete for a top-8 ranking and for them to play a pivotal role in the elimination rounds.
Bracket Busters:
292
Captains of the 6th seed, they were unfortunately eliminated by a red card in the Quarterfinal tiebreaker. With their alliance including 135 (Penn Black Knights) and 447 (Team Roboto), they were a formidable alliance. While 447 harassed their opponents, 135 and 292 were able to put up some competitive scores.
447
Team Roboto was one of the rare robots to play defense in eliminations and performed admirably until the unfortunate events of their QF tiebreaker. While they played some lockdown defense in eliminations, 447 proved to be a contributor to busting defenses and scoring low-goals during qualification rounds.
868
The TechHounds posted a strong showing, especially when it concerned defense busting, at Tippecanoe. There were some struggles with their shooter, but they will undoubtedly bounce back and keep the magic smoke inside their motors at Walker Warren.
4103
The Roborioles used their scaling scissor-lift to raise themselves into the 8th seeded alliance captain (13th rank after qualification rounds). Can they make enough improvements to take themselves up another level?
Hiding in the Corn (Darkhorse/Sleeper picks):
1529
The CyberCards have been an up and coming team over the past couple of seasons, growing from a small group of students and one teacher-mentor into an impressive group of students and mentors. Can they continue their ascent and become contenders in Indiana, while staying low at the batter?
3176
Don’t underestimate this team. Purple Precision used their KISS principles to become a very valuable specialist at the most difficult defenses (Cheval de Frise, Drawbridge, and Sally Port). Overall, they were second to only 3559 in points from defensive crossings at the Tippecanoe event.
4580
New mentor resources could make a big difference for this team this season. Can they conduct their way to an alliance captain position?
Honorable Mentions:
461
1741
5010
We can’t wait to see how another weekend of Stronghold plays out in the great state of Indiana. Good luck to all teams competing this weekend!
