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2018-19 Season Preview - Adult Division I

By NWBA , 10/12/18, 5:00PM CDT

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The NWBA embarks on its 70th season and after a great offseason, it’s shaping up to be one of the best seasons yet. Several new teams have been established by grassroots organizations. Reigning champions have moved up to conquer new divisions. A number of talented players have taken their talents to new rosters, and a new batch of young stars prepare to rise at the dawn of the season.

We’ll cover all that news, division-by-division, in our 2018-2019 NWBA Season Previews. Last but not least, the Adult Division I sits as the focal point of our final preview:

Stability without stasis

Division I saw the least amount of growth this year, with only two new teams joining the ranks. They are the Kansas City Predators and...

 

Welcome the Wolfpack

The NMSCD Wolfpack (yea the team from the movie). The Division II National Champs rolled through competition last year and want to prove they have what it takes to hang with the big dogs in Division I. The already boasted a formidable team last year, but with their new roster additions, they should be a force in DI. Joining the Pack this year are a pair of proven performers: 2017 U.S. Men's National Team member Jorge Salazar and 2016 Paralympic gold-medalist Megan Blunk.
 

Big Apple vs Big Texas

Including last year’s thrilling NWBT National Championship match, the Dallas Mavericks and New York Rollin Knicks have accounted for the last 9 champions. Dallas is up 7-2 in the series, and the duo has met in 4 of last 5 championship games. The Knicks are the reigning 2018 Adult Division I National Champions, following the strong play from gold-medal Paralympian Steve Serio. The Mavericks expect to bring back their own gold-medal Paralympian in Aaron Gouge. Serio and Gouge are coming off of a silver-medal finish at the 2018 IWBF World Championships in August,  and enter the season eager to play for another championship.
 

Sleepers & Wildcards

The Medstar NRH Punishers, led by Trevon Jenifer, look to build on the success of their 2017 campaign. Jenifer also comes back from playing in the 2018 IWBF World Championships this August. Team USA was the betting favorite to win gold, but “only” won silver. That letdown (of sorts) means Jenifer will enter the season with a chip on his shoulder, and could play some of the best ball we’ve ever seen from him. Expect big things.


That's all we've got for season previews this year. Best of luck to all teams in Division I, and across the Association, as we embark on the 2018-19 season!