Midseason Mayhem: Binder Breaks Through as the Winter War Heats Up

With February 17th fast approaching, the Mavericks aren’t just playing poker — they’re battling for position in a season that’s tightening by the week. Thirty competitors filled the room, including newcomers Steve Rayba and Jerry Marcellus, both stepping into the fire at the exact moment the standings demand boldness.

And boldness is exactly what they got.

The Early Statement Makers

Game One belonged to three men who came out swinging:

• Tyler Macsuga — explosive out of the gate, setting the tone immediately.

• Rick Hoag — cool, calculated, and quietly dangerous as always.

• Brad Binder, Sr. — steady and relentless, making it clear this night had his name written all over it.

Each captured a table win and planted their flags at the top of the leaderboard. But two games still remained — and in the Mavericks’ arena, nothing is guaranteed.

The Disruptor & The Hunters

Game Two shifted the spotlight.

Newcomer Steve Rayba refused to ease into league play. With confidence well beyond “rookie” status, he powered his way to a table win and officially announced his arrival. The message? He’s not here for experience — he’s here to compete.

Meanwhile:

• Drew Bovee maneuvered into prime position with a crucial win.

• Mike Pjeter matched the intensity, claiming his own table victory and staying firmly in the hunt.

Heading into Game Three, the tension was undeniable.

The Pressure Cooker

When the pre-finale points were tallied:

• Brad Binder, Sr. — 19 points (win + second place)

• Drew Bovee — 18 points

• Three contenders sitting at 16

It was shaping up to be another classic Mavericks sprint to the finish.

But Game Three didn’t deliver a sprint.

It delivered survival.

One by one, contenders dropped. Strong pushes from Jeremy Dunn and Jim Elwart kept hope alive, but the numbers refused to bend. And through the chaos, one player never lost control.

The Breakthrough

Brad Binder, Sr..

Focused. Consistent. Unshaken.

When the final chips settled, Binder secured his first-ever nightly win, punching his ticket to the April Tournament of Champions in commanding fashion.

Behind him:

• Jeremy Dunn battled his way to a gritty second-place finish.

• Scott Sutter surged late with a powerful Game Three to lock down third.

The Standings Shake-Up

As if the nightly drama wasn’t enough, the overall standings shifted again:

• Rick Hoag rises to claim the top spot.

• Cliff Jones moves into second.

• Jim Elwart, Dale Pinson, and Mike Pjeter stack tightly behind, waiting for their moment.

We’ve reached the midpoint of the Winter Season.

This is where reputations are tested.
This is where pressure reveals who’s built for the long haul.

With two double-point nights still ahead, the leaderboard remains dangerously fluid. One hot night can change everything. One cold stretch can undo weeks of work.

The spotlight is bright.
The stakes are rising.
The Mavericks are circling.

Who will seize the moment next?

Until next week —
See you on the felts, Mavericks.