2016 USTA League Texas 18 & over Sectionals Review

Texas routinely sends strong teams to 18 & over Nationals, seven teams advanced to the final-four in 2014 and two teams won Nationals last year.  So with their Sectionals being played this weekend for the 4.0 levels and higher, it is time to review and see who is headed to Nationals.

For the analysis below, I asm using the top-8 average (top-5 for 5.0+) for each team as calculated from my Estimated Dynamic NTRP Ratings and included as part of my Sub-Flight Reports which are a great way to scout opponents at Districts or Sectionals.

For the 4.0 women, the two favorites, Wild Houston and NOHO, did not advance but other favorites from their flights did, Wichita Falls being the surprise, the surprise continuing as they won their semi and final 3-2 to move on to Nationals.

The 4.0 men saw the big favorite on paper, Wild Dallas, advance out of their flight along with NOHO, Austin, and surprise Wild Austin, NOHO taking the title also with two 3-2 wins in their semi and final.

The 4.5 women had San Antonio and Midland roll through their flights, both not the favorites, but the higher rated San Antonio took the win with a 3-2 score.

For the 4.5 men, 3-2 scores were in vogue again as each match in the semis and final had that score, Austin taking the win as the favorite in their flight over Wild Dallas in the final.

At the 5.0+ level, the women's round robin play found Austin taking three 2-1 wins pulling the upset over higher rated Houston.

Last, the 5.0+ men had Dallas pulling a small upset to get to the final where they pulled another upset of higher rated Fort Worth for the title.

The Texas 18+ Sectionals wraps up next weekend with the 3.5 and below levels playing, and there is still time to get reports to scout opponents.  Contact me if interested.

And Texas 40+ Sectionals will be in September, so get ready for those too.