Top Teams at Bombers Tournament??? 14U

[Abracadabra]

And this is where the circle begins.

Last year, Lady Magic (then 16U) was openly criticized for having a couple of older kids that had just finished their junior year (17 yr olds at 16U Nationals). Lots of people said these girls belonged in Gold. They won the championship and now, almost their whole team is committed. (It didn't hurt that they also won 16U division in Boulder.)

The moral I got out of their story is this. If you have a real shot at winning, or placing high, go for it. A champion, runner up, or a top 10 finish will easily get you into the top showcases.

Now if you go for it and miss, your girls just missed a year of higher exposure.

My $.02

That example makes more sense, your talking about a team staying at 16U, alot of exposure there. When your talking about 14U, where there will be none.

[texasfastpitch]

And this is where the circle begins.

Last year, Lady Magic (then 16U) was openly criticized for having a couple of older kids that had just finished their junior year (17 yr olds at 16U Nationals). Lots of people said these girls belonged in Gold. They won the championship and now, almost their whole team is committed. (It didn't hurt that they also won 16U division in Boulder.)

The moral I got out of their story is this. If you have a real shot at winning, or placing high, go for it. A champion, runner up, or a top 10 finish will easily get you into the top showcases.

Now if you go for it and miss, your girls just missed a year of higher exposure.

My $.02

That example makes more sense, your talking about a team staying at 16U, alot of exposure there. When your talking about 14U, where there will be none.

Like I said, this time of year there are no 16/18U tourneys, so 14U eligible players will play 14U if that's all that's out there. Once HS season is over, they play up and second year 14's will move up in Fall anyway.

[3Bsnag]

That example makes more sense, your talking about a team staying at 16U, alot of exposure there. When your talking about 14U, where there will be none.

True, I see your point. For some of them, there will be no coaches watching them the summer between their freshman and sophomore years.

On the other hand, if the team in question finishes top 5 in Marietta, their application for the 16U Fireworks, Independence Day, Huntington Beach will get a quick approval stamp and see premier fields. If they miss in Marietta, they wasted an early recruiting opportunity.

It still freaks me out a little that we're talking about 13 & 14 yr olds.

[Abracadabra]

And this is where the circle begins.

Last year, Lady Magic (then 16U) was openly criticized for having a couple of older kids that had just finished their junior year (17 yr olds at 16U Nationals). Lots of people said these girls belonged in Gold. They won the championship and now, almost their whole team is committed. (It didn't hurt that they also won 16U division in Boulder.)

The moral I got out of their story is this. If you have a real shot at winning, or placing high, go for it. A champion, runner up, or a top 10 finish will easily get you into the top showcases.

Now if you go for it and miss, your girls just missed a year of higher exposure.

My $.02

That example makes more sense, your talking about a team staying at 16U, alot of exposure there. When your talking about 14U, where there will be none.

Like I said, this time of year there are no 16/18U tourneys, so 14U eligible players will play 14U if that's all that's out there. Once HS season is over, they play up and second year 14's will move up in Fall anyway.

I understand right now you have to play, setting up some scrimmages and friendly's would be more beneficial, but to each their own. After that their not moving up to play at a higher level they are signed up to play 14U Nationals.

[Abracadabra]

True, I see your point. For some of them, there will be no coaches watching them the summer between their freshman and sophomore years.

On the other hand, if the team in question finishes top 5 in Marietta, their application for the 16U Fireworks, Independence Day, Huntington Beach will get a quick approval stamp and see premier fields. If they miss in Marietta, they wasted an early recruiting opportunity.

It still freaks me out a little that we're talking about 13 & 14 yr olds.

I know and don't get me wrong I have nothing against this team, just trying to understand what teams are doing and why, so when its time for me and my DD to make those decisions I might be a little more informed on the matter.

[Lefty's Dad]

Where are all of these Blaze teams from?

I think they are from Austin area.

I like Montoya for this and for a top 10 finish in Marietta. I doubt you will see the complete final product at the Bomber due to HS.

I'm only counting 7 teams from the DFW area, 3 of those being B teams. Travelers & Kruzers staying local. May get some noise from the make-shift Crazy 8's.

Can't wait to hear the updates.

Crazy 8's...isn't that the team in the Houston area that was put together for just the HS season? I assumed that's who that was, if it is, I would be shocked to see them on Sunday

DP TPS 95 is a good little team with all around talent and they might be there on Sunday but I doubt a top 3 finish.

For those teams with HS players who still play travel during HS season, to me it makes sense and I have talked to many coaches that WISH they didn't have to lose those players during that time period. It simply means that those teams don't have a late start on the season

[MaryAnn]

Crazy 8's is a mixture of mostly 8th graders from North and East Texas.

[3Bsnag]

Not the same team, but same idea. 8th graders from the DFW area. I don't know the entire team, but the ones I know of are quality ball players.

[texasfastpitch]

I thnk if you're a second year team and have the opportunity to be competitve and get a top finish at a 14U Nationals, you should go for it. After this year, it's all about exposure tournaments, etc. anyway.

[Lefty's Dad]

I thnk if you're a second year team and have the opportunity to be competitve and get a top finish at a 14U Nationals, you should go for it. After this year, it's all about exposure tournaments, etc. anyway.

My thoughts exactly.