This could be dangerous, but that’s never really stopped me before, so here goes.

This weekend, some of the best softball in North Mississippi will be on showcase in Hatley for the 2010 Monroe County Tournament.

After watching all five teams play this season, I’m offering up my evaluations of how I think each team could do in the double elimination event.

Alphabetically, let’s do it.

Aberdeen is trying to get back on track. Just not there yet. Don’t expect any lying down though. Coach Joyce Lucas is making sure the Lady Dawgs take it as seriously as she does and there are great building blocks, like infielder Indya Brasley.

Amory. Can Amory win it? Depends on who shows up. This team can hit with anybody, when they want to. The better question: Should Amory win it? If you’re going by classification, yes. But Hamilton, Smithville and Hatley don’t care much about judging by classification. If the bats are there, Amory can indeed win it.

Can Hamilton win it? If you said no to the previous question, you’re either not from around these parts or just lying to yourself. Hamilton is drilling the ball right now and they’re doing it with a bunch of young players. I’d be scared of them…for the next few years.

Can Hatley win it? Yep, I’m not gonna lie to you though. The Lady Tigers aren’t going to impress you to death. They’re not the flashiest team on the block. Who cares! They get it done. I’d say a 9-0 start – against a nice slate of teams - is getting it done. Yes, Hatley can win it.

Last and certainly not least, can the Smithville Lady Seminoles win the thing? Again I say yep. Moreso than Hatley or Hamilton in my humble and mostly wrong opinion, Smithville has a few more kinks to work out, mainly defensively as it still tries to fill holes left by Wigginton, the Northingtons and Nantz. But it’s a task they’re clearly accomplishing along the way and along that way, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if the Lady Seminoles win the big trophy on Saturday.

Now for the dangerous part. A prediction.

Looking at the bracket, I'm taking Hamilton. Not trying to jinx you ladies, so sorry in advance if any of you are superstitious about predictions.

But the way the Lady Lions are seeing the ball from the box, they're hard to pick against.

For the other four of you, there's your piece of paper to stick on the bulletin board. But please, don't throw darts at my face.