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　　In true Coast fashion, their performance is picking up towards the end of the split. They’ve won five of their past six games, jumping from last place in Week 4, to fifth place currently. Coast was even able to take down first place Team SoloMid in Week 6. It’s looking like they may be able to ascend into the top four by the end of the split.

　　The Numbers Don’t Lie

　　After the end of Week 4, Coast’s stats were abysmal. Coast was in last place in terms of overall KDA, limping along with a score of 1.05. Not only that, but NintendudeX, Daydreamin and Zionspartan held the lowest KDA and gold-per-minute of anyone in their respective roles. It wasn’t looking good for Coast and there wasn't any indication that it would get better anytime soon.

　　Since going on a tear, Coast’s stats have improved dramatically. They have moved up three places in KDA, placing them in fifth place overall. Zionspartan, Shiphtur and Daydreamin have also seen significant improvements in overall KDA standing.

　　What Meta?

　　“..so that’s our main focus, as well transitioning Zion, who’s formerly known as a split push solo type who wants to carry the game, into more of a tank who can teamfight.” -Alex Penn, Coast Coach, Week 5 NA LCS

　　As it turns out, Zion can play tank or carry. Following the remark about moving to tanks, Zionspartan locked in Jax in the match that would reignite Coast’s momentum. He smashed the laning phase versus Benny’s trundle, and went on to be a split-pushing menace in the bot lane. He was even able to pick up kills in 1v3s versus a hapless XDG, ending the game with a score of 13/3/2. In Coast’s next match versus Evil Geniuses, he had success with Jax once again.

　　But what does Zion do when his beloved Jax is banned away? Play a tank, of course! The following week, Zion picked up a win over Team SoloMid with Shyvana ending the match with a final score of 4/4/5. He showed us even more diversity in Week 7 after dominating Evil Geniuses yet again with a 9/1/6 Lee Sin. Then, he played another consistent Shyvana game against Curse destroying their Nexus with a score of 1/1/14. Zion's deep champion pool and different styles of play add another level of difficulty in taking out Coast.

　　Secret Weapon

　　Shiphtur has been a powerful mid player in North America for quite some time, and is just starting to get the recognition he deserves. Along with Zionspartan, Shiphtur has also had an impressive performance in the past six games. He also likes to choose off-meta picks to catch his enemy off-guard. In Week 5, he played Nidalee to perfection, not dying a single time, to end the week with a 24.0 KDA.

　　Continuing the theme with off-meta picks, Shiphtur destroyed Bjergsen with Ahri, eventually making a clutch play to close out the game with almost no health. In Week 7, he showed that his performance with Ahri and Nidalee wasn’t a fluke. Shiphtur shut down Pobelter’s Zed with Nidalee and played another impressive Ahri game versus Curse.

　　Not The First Time

　　Something about the end of the split makes Coast go on a streak. Coming into Week 8 of the 2013 LCS Spring Season, Coast (then GGU) was sitting at the bottom of the pack. Then they went on an unexpected streak, winning four of their five games over Week 8 through 9. This streak saved them from facing relegations, giving them a shot at the playoffs, seeded last. Coast went on another tear making it to the final versus Team SoloMid, losing by only one game in a best of five. It’s apparent that Coast is a strong team with strong individual players, but fail to be consistent.

　　What’s Next

　　Coast has the chance to secure a foothold in the middle of the back or even break into the top four this week, but it won’t be easy. They face a top-tier Team SoloMid and Counter Logic Gaming. After that, they will go toe-to-toe with the wildcards of the NA LCS, Dignitas and XDG. Shiphtur seems optimistic, saying: “First place is a little far away right now, but we’re definitely aiming for that if possible.”

　　Image Credit: Riot Games, Gamespot