Six weeks of Night League are in the books, but there are still plenty of teams vying for a gold bracket bid.

Black Magic is the consensus number one team with an unblemished 6-0 record, and they are looking for their third consecutive championship. They aren’t just undefeated this season; they remain undeafeated but for their entire Night League career. After surviving a scare last week against GIP (a narrow six point victory), Black Magic looks ahead to their biggest matchup this season, playing Jamba, the only other undefeated team. The game will determine who will remain the unbeaten and likely number one seed in the playoffs.

Jamba knows they face a daunting challenge, but believe Black Magic can be beaten.

“We can win by keeping our intensity level high all game,” said Jamba forward Ian Michelson. “It’s easy, in an intramural sport, to not play one hundred percent, but by playing smart, high energy basketball, we have a chance.”

Expect Jamba to come out with a lot of energy, and don’t be surprised if they hand Black Magic their first loss in Night League history.

Along with these two teams, the level of competition in the Junior Boy’s League has been very strong. There are plenty of title contenders, including Team Hub. Sitting with a 4-2 record, Team Hub has experienced some adversity this season in the form of two tough losses.

Team Hub member Michael Roeser exemplified the positive attitude he is trying to implement on his team. “I think we have a good chance to win it all,” said Roeser. “We are still growing as a team, learning to play well together. The best is yet to come, but the reason I believe we are primed for a playoff run is our defense.”

Team Hub is well rounded, featuring a roster loaded with offensive talent and a stifling zone. They are able to create turnovers and convert on the fast break, making them serious contenders.

This Night League season sports the deepest field of competition in recent memory. The Red Devils are a formidable team at 5-1 on the year, Rusty is 4-2, and Cubbieblue, Saturday Superstars, and Club Spicy are all in contention as well.

“It’s a much deeper field of teams this year”, said Declan McCarthy of Team Rusty. “There are no off weeks.”

The increase in the number of quality of teams is a result of the effort displayed by the players. There are teams that can be found practicing on the weekends, running drills and conditioning, and that dedication has clearly paid off.

“All of the keys to our team’s success this year have revolved around commitment,” added Michelson. “We have enough guys each week and enough positive energy to keep playing our best ball.”

There are certainly no complaints to the heightened level of play in Night League. It adds a different level of competitiveness and excitement to an intramural sport.

With the last couple weeks of the season remaining, there will be plenty of excitement as the Gold bracket begins to take shape. While the Gold bracket teams are still undetermined, many teams are brimming with confidence. Although Black Magic has been the dominant team in the past, this season seems wide open with an abundance of competitive teams.

“It is a much tougher field than before, but I am glad there is better competition because that just adds to the excitement,” concluded Roeser. “Team Hub will right the ship and be ready for a run at the golden shoe.”