From winning in my hometown to winning everywhere!
Pinh Pen circa July 2017
For the past three years, I have been running a day full of free tournaments as part of the Troy Pig Out in my hometown of Troy, NY under the Collar City Cornhole moniker. Each year, we usually have one stud team show up and win all four tournaments. In the inaugural year back in 2017, that team was Pinh and his friend, Jerry (I think - bad with names this week). As expected, the Massachusetts duo easily captured each tournament. In one tournament, I partnered with a newbie and played one of the few if not my only match ever against Pinh. Yeah, good player, but I would never have imagined that two years later he would be recognized as the best player in the area. Congratulations Pinh, you are the 2019 Boston Cornhole Player of the Year!
Just Win Baby!
In 2019, whether it be doubles or singles, Pinh wins! Turf War? He has one of those too. The young guns, maybe next year. The ACL All-Star who made the fanboys swoon last month? Guess what, Pinh beat him too! Even in a year interrupted by injury, Pinh has consistently found the top of the podium more than anyone else.
What's next in 2020?
After being named the POY, maybe Pinh hits the podcast circuit. Or perhaps, he begins punctuating all of his facebook posts with a "pin" emoji!? Probably not, but it's safe to assume that he will keep playing and most likely keep winning as gracefully as ever. Like POYs of years past, he will continue to be a force on the Northeast cornhole circuit.
Honorable Mention
We all know that Nasi Nikolopoulos is one of the best board makers in the area. Some of us, but maybe not all, also know how great of a player he has become. At 3rd Ave in Burlington this year, he won with three different partners including his sister who is always his first choice. At Turf War, I saw him steer his team out of danger a few times. Hey Nasi, if you ever need a partner, you have my number!
In the category of "new to me", I have been very impressed with the play of Sheila Roy and Richard Bushway. Together, they annihilated the field at an Ocean State Cornhole co-ed tournament. Both are a very tough outs in any tournament they play in.
Finally, I have witnessed much improvement in the play of TJ Snediker and PJ Sarro. Nice work PJ and TJ! Until next year and next decade...au revoir!