McQuades weekend has arrived. In regards to the Monsta Tournament Series, that means big, big points. A chance for some to jump into prize position and others to separate themselves from the field. A look at the current standings shows a number of tight contests as we reach the end of June. Only one classification has a clear-cut favorite at this time.

Minot DJR Softball is running away with the top spot in Rec 1 with 2000 points, nearly doubling second place. They have a pretty sound strategy for getting a stranglehold on that position - volume and victories. Obviously, wins are important, and DJR has had their share of those. However, they have played a remarkable 8 Series tournaments already. They will leave McQuades in first regardless of their performance, but could effectively lock up the top prize with a strong showing.

In the C division, limited tournament opportunities will naturally keep things tight. Fargo MMB/Coors Light/The Box leapfrogged into first place in the middle of June, but is only 30 points up on Bismarck Dvorak Motors. Grand Forks RMI - currently out of prize position - is merely 40 back of the top spot, reinforcing just how tight this group is. With a long way to go, the 2 teams in prize positions today might both be empty-handed by the end of August’s state tournament.

If you thought C was tight, just wait until you take a look at the D standings. Three prize packages will be awarded, yet just 120 points separates 1st from 6th. Three teams are tied for that last prize package while Mandan Custer Flats Trucking looks to protect a slim 20 point lead atop the list.

Bismarck Active Nutrition/Buffalo Concrete leads Rec 2 after a big win at that city’s King of the Spring tournament at the beginning of June. The top four teams in prize position have a bit of a cushion, but no one is safe at this point. 701 Softball/A+ Ride Service, also out of Bismarck, is in a similar position in Rec 4. They are comfortably in prize position and in the #1 position, but there are enough teams hanging around to make everyone in the top 4 vulnerable if they stumble the rest of the way.

Our biggest battle, as usual, is in Rec 3 where six prize packages are up for grabs. Fargo Southtown Pourhouse/Hooligans holds a 40 point lead going into McQuades, but the bottom of the top 6 is even more cluttered. Two teams are tied for 6th and three more teams are within 40 points. With over 100 teams in Rec 3 at McQuades across two brackets, a lot can and most certainly will change after this weekend. Those looking to be eligible for prizes need to be aware that it is required to play in at least 3 Series invitational tournaments and one state tournament to be eligible. There have been many examples in previous years of teams earning enough points to earn prizes, but did not play enough events to qualify.