The key to success in the Glimm, especially the early rounds, is picking the upsets. The challenge is picking the right ones — without sacrificing too many later-round picks.
for Stamford when we were all young.
In the first round of the men’s tournament, Ramona Shelburne nailed it. Shelburne correctly picked seven double-digital seeds to win their first-round games, including Grand Canyon, Yale and James Madison. And she still has 15 of her Sweet 16 teams live.
The upsets propelled Shelburne to the top of the Glimm standings for the first time since 2009, when she won the whole thing. Shelburne’s 48 points give her a narrow lead over Maverick Messick’s MaverickOregonDucks (47 points), Rosaleen Ortiz’s RosieTheWiggler (45 points) and Jordan Brenner’s Brenner1 (45 points).
Of note: Maverick Messick also leads the Kids Championship standings.
In the women’s pool, Liz Crazo (Barbenhammer) and Brian Martin (BMart) were tied for first with 16.5 points after one day of play, followed by Rose Varley (rose), Mike Lazarus (lazarus) and Gene Warnick (Gene W.), all with 15.5 points.
Other GlimmBits:
* The big upsets dealt a blow to many brackets in the men’s pool: Ten brackets had Kentucky winning it all, and eight had Auburn. South Carolina and Vermont, both picked to win it all in a single bracket, also fell (sorry Stephanie!). On the women’s side, everyone still has their champion alive.
* I mentioned earlier that Glimm updates might be a bit less frequent this year thanks to spring break, which was met with some disappointment. To close that gap, we’re accepting guest essays! The idea is simple: I’ll write a short update, which would be followed by something of more substance written by one of you — something about this year’s pool, inspiration for your picks, a favorite moment from Glimm history, an in-depth analysis on your favorite bracket names, whatever floats your boat. Don’t be shy – write something up and send it my way!
* We have 53 entries in the women’s Glimm this year, which I believe is a new record.
* One correction and one update from my Thursday note.
The correction: In my By the Numbers roundup, I mentioned that there were two entries submitted by people other than Evan Kwarta with names related to Evan’s bowel movements. In fact, there are three. Apologies, Jason Eckerling, for not properly recognizing your Bowl Wrapper reference.
The update: Defending Glimm kids champion Rose Varley did, in fact, age out of the youth tourney. Now, Rose only gets to complete with us old folk.
* Speaking of the Kids Championship, we have 17 kids competing for the title this year. Maverick Messick has a 10-point lead over second-place Nicholas Fabozzi (NIcky Fab). Members of the Kern family round out the top five: Grace, Tommy and Mimi and Alice.
* We have seven entries by Glimm family members, competing for the Glimm Scholarship. Eli Lester, Mrs. Glimm’s grandson, currently leads that group.
* A bunch of you still have to get your entry fee in. If that includes you, venmo me at @Josh-Kleinbaum (8501 last four digits, if prompted).
* The second round begins for the men at 12:45pm ET today, and the women’s first round continues at Noon ET. As always, check out theglimm.com for the latest.