By Angela
The energy was electric during Week 1 of Big Jay’s Beasts of the East Pickleball League with 12 teams stepping onto the courts to battle for early dominance. The sound of paddles cracking echoed through Premiere Pickleball as 48 players officially began their quest for glory. Week 1 provided drama, dominant performances, and a glimpse into the rivalries that will define this season.
Making a Statement: The Early Front-Runners
Three teams wasted no time proving they belong at the top of the standings. Alan’s Pirates, Andrew’s Wildcats, and Joe’s Huskies each delivered resounding 10-2 victories, setting the tone for the weeks ahead. Their captains—Alan F., Andrew F., and Joe R. Sr. (the league’s defending champion captain)—led by example, bringing intensity and tactical precision to the court.
“Alan, Andrew and Joe are league veterans and they had their guys came out strong on Monday,” said Big Jay. “First impressions in a league like this matter, and these captains clearly wanted to make sure people knew their teams are going to be contenders.”
For Boris’s Demons, Bubba’s Eagles, and Todd’s Red Storm, the 10-2 losses were a humbling start, but early-season stumbles don’t define a team.
“It’s a long season,” Big Jay said. “These teams will make some adjustments and come back stronger.”
The Tight Battles: Grit and Guts in Week 1
Not every match was a runaway. In a down-to-the-wire thriller, Bobby’s Cardinals edged Pat’s Hoyas 7-5, while Ricky’s Friars fought tooth and nail to claim a 7-5 win over John’s Panthers. These matches showed just how evenly matched many of these teams are, and how a few points can determine the outcome.
Then there was the most balanced battle of the night—Garrett’s Knights vs. Steve’s Bulls, which ended in a 6-6 draw. Neither team would give an inch, exchanging blows in a match that felt more like a playoff showdown than an opening-week matchup.
“You could feel the tension with every point,” Big Jay said. “This is what we love about pickleball—every rally matters, every shot can swing momentum.”
Early Standout Players: The Ones to Watch
Some players came out firing, racking up wins and showing they could be the driving forces behind their teams. A handful of names have already positioned themselves as ones to watch this season.
At the top of the Week 1 leaderboard, six players secured six wins, going undefeated in their opening matches:
🔥 Jacob Y.
🔥 Anthony A.
🔥 Alan F.
🔥 John C.
🔥 Nick C.
🔥 Frank S.
Just a step behind them with five wins were:
💪 Pat B.
💪 Andrew F.
💪 Ryan M.
💪 Joe R. Jr.
These players are already shaping the MVP conversation, but with so many games ahead, the race for individual supremacy is far from settled.
Looking Ahead: Week 2 Matchups and Season Storylines
With the first week in the books, all eyes turn to Week 2, where teams will look to solidify their standing—or bounce back from tough openers. Here’s what’s on deck:
Monday, March 17 – 7:00 PM
- Joe’s Huskies vs. Steve’s Bulls
- Andrew’s Wildcats vs. Bubba’s Eagles
- Boris’s Demons vs. John’s Panthers
Monday, March 17 – 8:30 PM
- Ricky’s Friars vs. Bobby’s Cardinals
- Todd’s Red Storm vs. Alan’s Pirates
Tuesday, March 18 – 8:00 PM
- Pat’s Hoyas vs. Garrett’s Knights
Themes to Watch in Week 2:
- Can the early dominators stay undefeated? Alan’s Pirates, Andrew’s Wildcats, and Joe’s Huskies will look to build on their strong starts.
- Who will bounce back? Boris’s Demons, Bubba’s Eagles, and Todd’s Red Storm need to rebound fast before falling into an early-season hole.
- How will rivalries develop? Close Week 1 matches suggest some heated battles ahead—especially for teams that felt like they let a win slip away.
The Road to Glory Begins
One week down, plenty more to go. The Beasts of the East league has already delivered drama, fierce competition, and standout performances. If Week 1 was just the warm-up, the season ahead promises to be a wild ride.
Strap in—Big Jay’s Beasts of the East Pickleball League is just getting started.
