Preview: A New Hope - January 12, 2019

This is our first Duel of 2019, in our fifth season in league history.  But it also marks the sixth calendar year we've registered a Duel!  That feels like a big deal!  What does that mean, what does it provide us?

Digital zombie Princess Leia said it best in (SPOILER ALERT) Rogue One:  "Hope."

Yes indeed, hope!  Hope to win!  Hope to not finish in last place!  Hope that the St. Louis Los Angeles Rams beat the ever-loving pants off the Cowboys to punish those whose Dueling priorities have fallen from grace.

Hope.  A New Hope.  Now, how have previous January Duels turned out...?

HISTORY:

2018 - Ethan won with Anakin Skywalker on the Kamino Platform
2017 - Nathan won with Mace Windu in the Carbon Freezing Chamber
2016 - JD won with Anakin Skywalker in the Geonosis Arena
2015 - Rob won with Mace Windu in the Emperor's Throne Room

MEET THE DUELERS:

Our tradition for the A New Hope Duel preview is to check in on our Duelers' New Year's resolutions!

Alex C. - he enters this Duel off a second place finish at the 2018 Championship and just .01 behind his good buddy Kaleb for a top-five ranking.  Alex's resolution is to jump into the top five!

Anna - new Dueler alert!!!  The rumors are true, a Jedi Academy recently sprung up in Earle Hall.  Anna is playing her first Duel in this one, so her resolution is to have fun and come back for more!

Ben H. - the 2018 Championship winner came crashing back to earth with an eighth place finish at the Surprise Birthday Duel in December.  Still, Ben has two trophies now, and his resolution is to keep filling his apartment with hardware!

Courtney - the last time Courtney played she became the first female Dueler in league history to win a match.  And she did it before her husband won to boot!  Her resolution?  Pass Ben in the win column.

Grant - for those that were there, the look on Grant's face when he entered his living room to discover a gaggle of Duelers for his birthday was priceless.  Second place wasn't bad either!  His resolution is to improve his home security.

Joe - another new Dueler alert!!!  Joe is another Earle padawan making his rookie debut.  Word on the street is that he's pumped.  His resolution is to not finish last!

Joel - he's finished first or second in three of his last five Duels, so Joel continues to dominate.  But a recent shaving experiment has left him with a baby face that belies his ruthless abilities.  Joel's resolution is to get that Obi-Wan beard back.

Kaleb - his many fine finishes have kept Kaleb's average in the top five of the league, but the reality is he hasn't won since registering two victories in April of 2017.  Kaleb's resolution is clearly to bring home a win!

Kat - look who's back!  We haven't seen Kat play since the CL Training Duel in August but don't sleep on her skills and abilities.  She's due for a first career victory.  Her resolution is to shake off the rust and get some games in this semester.

Rob - he's recorded three third place finishes in the last five games but he still trails the top ranking in the league back in fourth place.  His resolution this year is to get back to the top of the charts!

Ryan - the ever-clever Ryan has three top five finishes over his last four games.  In other words, he's just as good as ever.  His resolution is to finish his latest three-dimensional board for the league - it's going to be another good one!

Scott - he's only played with us once, but he made quite an impact!  Back on the last May the 4th Duel he took Luke Skywalker all the way to third place, leaving him as the top ranked amateur Dueler right now.  His resolution is to repeat that kind of finish!

TREY REY PREDICTS THE WINNER:

Howdy, Trey Rey!  Who do you think will win the January Duel?

Lil' Rey:  we must be on guard, kylo ren nearly captured us after our last pick!
he's so vile!  yet, slightly alluring...

***SpaceTime:  Incoming Call from...KYLO REN***

Lego Rey:  sTay BAcK, kyLo ReN!  WaIt, wHEre ARe yoU???

Kylo Ren:  I see you too. Where are you?  No matter, I know that when the time comes,
you'll be the one to turn. You'll use my picks, Trey Rey.

Lil' Rey:  we know everything we need to about you, you're a monster!
Big Rey:  WAIT, WHAT IS HE DOING, HE TOOK OFF HIS CAPE...?

Kylo Ren:  Yes, and now my top, so you can see my high-waist pants more clearly...

Lego Rey:  bARf!!!
Big Rey:  AVERT YOUR EYES!!!
Lil' Rey:  this call is over!  we pick yoda.  i feel so gross...

Well, just when I think this blog can't get more demented...
(Trey Rey is 0-6 on the year...)

Ok folks, there you have it, 2019 is ready to rock!  Swing by North Village at 8PM to witness the mayhem unfold!  Much like the Rams will destroy the Cowboys!