This has been PREWing for some time...
 2014 POY with the new POY |  2016 Player of the Year - Charles Prew |  The Anchor of a Strong Doubles Team |
With two-person team tournaments just about every weekend, selecting a "Team of the Year" is a science based on objective analyses of results. Determining the "Player of the Year" is not quite as simple. With a limited number of singles tournament on the docket and disappointing participation in those few opportunities, we have more pretenders than contenders. But, one guy that always likes to compete is Charles Prew and he is the 2016 Boston Cornhole Player of the Year! You many remember that Charlie received honorable mention last year, so what put him over the top this year? Being the holiday season, I'll channel Charles Dickens and write my very own "A Charlie Carol" to compare the past and present of the man some consider to be a cornhole scrooge!
Doubles
In 2016, Mr. Prew played and won often, partnering with several different tossers in blind draws, leagues, competitive tournaments, and a handful of secret tournaments (when is he going to ask me to partner in one of these??). So how is this any different than 2015? Well, a year ago, on his best teams, I think most would have considered Charlie to be the "B" player. As we close out 2016, I think there is a near unanimous consensus that the lefty is indeed the "A" side of any pairing.
Singles
Last year, in my opinion, the weakest part of Charlie's resume was his prowess in singles. And at this year's ACO State Championship, he was bounced without a single victory and complained about the humidity and sticky boards. Uh oh! BUT, from September forward it's been different story. Charlie has won two ACO Season XII regionals and was runner-up in a third. He capped a dominant run in the Boundary Brewhouse Fall League by winning the singles finale which included the top players from Rhode Island as well as Connecticut's numero uno. And in the Triple Threat Throwdown, Charlie went undefeated in singles play helping his team achieve a second place finish.
The Future
It will be business as usual for our Player of the Year in 2017. Charlie will probably continue to play more than anyone and that is what makes him always match ready and a very tough out at any event. But, there are several skilled players out there who will continue to improve. Much like Ebenezer Scrooge, we all have the ability to influence the future. Get out and toss some bags; tomorrow starts with a clean slate!