Eight teams converged November 14-16, 2008 in San Diego, California to compete in the longest running tournament, the 19th Best of the West.

The home team Sharp Edge, last season's Division II champs, looked like a Division I contender with the addition of 2.0 Brent Poppen, a 2008 Paralympian in tennis and 3.5 man-child Aussie Ryley Batt to an already talented team.  Denver also looked like a title-contender bringing 2.5 Brit Ross Morrison back to reform its national championship lineup from two years ago.  Both teams would cruise through the tournament until eventually meeting in the final.

Two up-and comers in the field were the U of A Wildcats, a team loaded with young guns, and the Minnesota team with dominant 3.5 Chuck Aoki.  The team from Arizona would beat every team but Denver and Sharp, but left the tournament with not just the third place trophy earned by conquering Ian Chan-less Portland, but also the news that starter Chad Cohn was classed up to a 1.5.  Minnesota meanwhile proved that they could compete with some of the league's top teams by finishing fifth after defeating an under-achieving London team that spent more time grabbing other people's chairs instead of pushing their own.

The championship game showcased Sharp quickly causing several turnovers to take an early lead it would never relinquish.  Throughout the tournament the Edge employed a full team effort as its reserves led by 2.5 Delmon Dunston played big minutes in every game to help capture first place.

Thanks to San Diego Parks and Recreation and all the volunteers whose selfless efforts made the tournament a huge success.  Special thanks to Leslie Robinson for her countless hours of organizing and preparation.