Game of the Week: Kesha vs Alolan Floatzel; (https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/sports-gen8nationaldexdraft-22453)

On paper, an undefeated team vs a winless squad might not sound like the most exciting match. But in reality, this was a well-played game by both coaches with exciting tension throughout the course of the battle. With Kesha's main offensive sets getting low on health early in the match, the key moment in the game was Kesha using his Focus Sash Infernape to set up Stealth Rocks and bring in his flashy Stored Power Jirachi to score a pair of kills. In the endgame, Stealth Rocks and chip damage from Kesha's Milotic prevented Azelf from coming in on Mega-Venusaur, which allowed Mega-Venusaur to safely seal the victory.

Three Stars:

***; Dracovish, aka hard fish, Jackinev/Mio: (https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8customgame-1046035106)

Viiiiiiiiissshhh!! JL and Frstmourne's Amoonguss, Milotic, Zeraora, and Intimidate Salamence would be enough to handle most Water-types. Dracovish, however, is not like most Water-types. With timely sacrifices Mio was able to safely bring in Dracovish at several key points in this thrilling battle, ultimately nabbing kills on 3 of the 4 previously mentioned Pokemon and finishing 4-0 for the week.

**; Mega-Venusaur, aka ask why dinos died, Kesha; (https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/sports-gen8nationaldexdraft-22453)

Mega-Venusaur can often be a difficult mega to prepare for as powerful Psychic and Flying attacks are usually the only way to kill this dino. And sometimes half of the Pokemon on the opposing team wielding hard-hitting Psychic moves still isn't enough. Mega-Venusaur was able to take a hit from Life Orb Dragapult's Psychic Fangs and Azelf's Zen Headbutt and heal back up on Rotom-Wash and Sylveon, earning the 2-star spot this week.

Also remember to ping Kesha and ask him why the dinosaurs died.

*; Nidoking, aka do not hug, Venuaur; (https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/sports-gen8nationaldexdraft-22512)

While we give the 1-star award to Nidoking, half of Venuaur's team this week was worthy of this honor. Araquanid played a crucial role in setting up webs and closing out the victory, Nidoking was instrumental in keeping up the webs and knocking out Gengar and Kyurem, and finally Shaymin was uniquely able to eliminate set-up Necrozma 1v1 and prevent Vent and AstroDeath from mounting a comeback. In the end, most analysts agreed that Nidoking was the mon who stood out and deserved the star the most.

Honorable Mentions:

Rotom-Fan, aka Air Balloon, Porpoise; (https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/sports-gen8nationaldexdraft-21682)

Dhelmise, aka Chain Vengeance, Clock; (https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/sports-gen8nationaldexdraft-22452)

Mega-Scizor, aka Croquet, Furfrou/woodlandapple; (https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/sports-gen8nationaldexdraft-21616)