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Predictions sure to go wrong — part 7
12/29/2014 2:53:58 PM

By Chad Kimberley
Splash Column

I am intrigued by numbers. Whether it was jersey numbers when I was a kid, the meaning of numbers in literature and popular culture, or even the "deeper" meaning of numbers in religion or numerology, all of these intrigued me as a kid and now as an adult. 

According to numerology, the number seven represents the thinker, the seeker and the searcher of truth. Biblically, the number seven means completeness and perfection. In Hollywood, the number seven means "we have no new ideas," so they keep pumping out sequels to bad horror movies such as Saw, Friday the 13th, and the Nightmare on Elm Street. And, of course, some of the more famous wearers of jersey No. 7 include John Elway, Mickey Mantle and Pistol Pete Maravich. 

Now, why all this fascination with the number seven, you may ask? Well, this is my seventh year of compiling my "predictions sure go to wrong" column for The Splash, and I am feeling like this column will result in two options. Option one is, as the searcher of truth who seeks perfection, I clutch up and nail all my predictions similarly to John Elway marching 98 yards down the field against the Cleveland Browns in the playoffs. Option two: I murder these picks in horrifically cheesy horror movie style and fail to nail even one correct prediction. 

Bold Prediction No. 1 
After nailing my January picks from last year (Florida State winning the BCS and the Seahawks beating the Broncos in the Super Bowl), I am feeling confident, if not a bit cocky. The first-ever college football playoff system is in place and will feature Oregon and Alabama moving onto the National Championship - and the "Ducks Will Fly Together," as Oregon wins the title. On the professional side of things, the Seahawks make their way back to the Super Bowl behind a dominant defense, but this time face off against Tom Brady and the Patriots. Patriots win. 

Bold Prediction No. 2
As March rolls around, the NCAA tournament creates another opportunity for prediction failure as I have a wonderful tradition of picking the wrong top seeds to advance toward the Final Four. This year, I am feeling good about the depth of Kentucky, the defense of Virginia, the experience of Wisconsin and the balance of Gonzaga. While many years I pick GU on the basis of a local homer pick, to be honest this year they have a great balance of perimeter and paint players, length and quickness, scoring and defense. This really could be the year.

Bold Prediction No. 3 
The Seattle Supersonics return. Despite it only being seven (there is that number again) years since K.D. and the Sonics left, it seems like the city has been constantly talked up as a location for either expansion or relocation. I would be against expansion, as it further dilutes the talent base of the league, but relocation seems a better possibility. The prime candidate would be the Milwaukee Bucks, so Washingtonian basketball fans can get excited about their new hero: Giannis Antetokounmpo (try to say that seven times real fast).

Bold Prediction No. 4 
The movement toward legalized sports betting takes a giant step forward on a national level. With NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaking out in support of betting on professional sports, it seems the time is ripe to move toward legal sports gambling in various states. The naysayers may be concerned that this will negatively impact society and contribute to a further shrinking of family values, but at the same time there can be a potential windfall of monies into state budgets (see the state lotteries) while providing entertainment and excitement for sports fans. This will also allow me to bet every year on the Cubs to win a World Series. Speaking of that idea … 

Bold Prediction No 5 
The Cubs win the World Series! Now, this is not that bold and crazy of a prediction as it has been the last six years I have made it, as the Cubs added a great manager, picked up a staff ace, and have a bounty of young hitters working their way toward Wrigley Field. But most importantly, Michael J. Fox supports this prediction. In the fairly solid sequel to Back to the Future, a prediction is made in the movie that the Cubs will win the World Series in 2015. It is fate. This must happen. And for good measure, I would love to see them face off with the Seattle Mariners, who would make their first ever World Series appearance. 

Bold Prediction No. 6 
The Central Valley High School sports year will feature a bounce-back season from the football team, potential state runs for the boys and girls basketball teams, multiple grapplers placing at the Mat Classic and, most impressively, the girls soccer team becomes the first 4A school to win three consecutive state titles. 

Bold Prediction No. 7 
Allow me to move away from the world of sports for a final prediction that will debunk my previous thoughts on Hollywood sequels. On Dec. 18, I will be in line somewhere to watch the seventh edition of the Star Wars universe. As a kid growing up, I longed to have a lightsaber and own an Ewok. As a young adult, I sorely wanted to see Jar Jar Binks attacked by Freddy Krueger. Now I have hope that the latest installment will be phenomenal and will become the highest grossing movie of all time. 

For those who may be spending their Christmas vacation heading down to Vegas for some legalized sports gambling, let me say that these picks are made for entertainment purposes only and should not be used to try to make personal wagers. Unless, of course, you are betting the Cubs. That WILL HAPPEN in 2015.

Chad Kimberley is a local teacher and coach. He lives with his family in Liberty Lake. 

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