12U 2012 Pre season Poll

[default]

Yes it may

 

[default]

I liked Kepple as a coach at 10u, and there is no doubt he had a very strong team. But I didn't see much out of the team at 11u, nor have I seen anything from the fall. Other teams on the list for the top 10 spots in 12u produced more wins last year and in the fall. So my question- what criteria are you using to make decisions about who should be considered the top 10 teams?

That's a fair question to ask. My criteria (and I do not have a vote in this) is based on the core he had at 10u that is still with him and the injury factor...at one point last year I believe Kep lost his starting catcher, SS, number 1 pitcher and another player to injury. That would be tough on anybody and he still had his girls in Dayton Metro and Laser Nation and other competitive tournaments. Just my opinion, of course.

 

[default]

That's a fair question to ask. My criteria (and I do not have a vote in this) is based on the core he had at 10u that is still with him and the injury factor...at one point last year I believe Kep lost his starting catcher, SS, number 1 pitcher and another player to injury. That would be tough on anybody and he still had his girls in Dayton Metro and Laser Nation and other competitive tournaments. Just my opinion, of course.

I have to agree. Kepple played a very strong schedule last year as a 11u and has done very well with the friendlies this fall. The tourny this weekend should show most teams where they rank going into next year.

 

[default]

Wow the pre-season gets earlier and earlier. I have had the pleasure to play a few of the teams listed (Lasers, Diamond Chix, Kep's Hawks, Classics, Ice) so far this Fall. All of us have some new players and in the friendlies moved players around alot trying to mesh all the players together and see where our depth was. But there was no question they will be fighting for spots in the top 10 come spring.

From what I have seen the 12u talent is very deep. A lot of good teams and a lot of pitching depth this year, much like last year's group that moved to 13u. I imagine you will need to bring your A game and play well all weekend to bring home those $1.95 trophies this year!

I know my girls will be working hard this winter to try to keep up with the jones, LOL

 

[default]

From the little I have seen so far this fall, in person and via tournament results, I would say the top teams at 12U this year are (in no particular order):

Diamond Chix 99 Gold
Hawks Kepple
Lasers Purple
Thunder Elite 00
Ohio Dragons
Stingrays 99

As far as my team goes, we are humbled that Mantle07 mentioned us in his pre-season list. It probably is a little too early to be mentioned with the likes of the Diamond Chix Gold (which in my opinion is a fantastic team). We certainly hope to crack into the top ten at some point in 2012, but I would probably put us in the 11-15 range (or lower) for the pre-season poll.

By the way, I look forward to watching some great softball this weekend at the tournament in Strongsville. Should be fun! Good luck, coaches!

Coach Tony
Laser Platinum

 

[default]

Ok, I asked around Ohio Ice has 2 12u teams. Not sure if or which one is the A team.
Ohio Ice Orange (Weidrick)
Ohio Ice White

It will be interesting to see some scores posted from the Chicx tourney this weekend.

 

[default]

Ohio Hawks Kepple will be a tough team in this group, a long with the Cincy Static 99 team. Both teams are very good and well coached.

Shane's team (Static 99) will be out and about as much as they can. I'm sure he appreciates the props and is humbled. I know they have played some fall games locally and some up at the 14u level and success followed as they had hoped. Best of luck to the 99's this year!!!

 

[default]

I liked Kepple as a coach at 10u, and there is no doubt he had a very strong team. But I didn't see much out of the team at 11u, nor have I seen anything from the fall. Other teams on the list for the top 10 spots in 12u produced more wins last year and in the fall. So my question- what criteria are you using to make decisions about who should be considered the top 10 teams?

Dan is an excellent coach! Only guy I know that can hold a 4 hour practice and never lose the attention of an 11-12 year old!! Those girls enjoy working hard for him in practice (while having fun) and it shows on the field! I do believe injuries played a big part in the 1st half of last season, from what I heard in the rumor mill! I certainly wouldn't sleep on them if I was an opposing coach!

 

[default]

For some early Hot Stove talk here is my Preseason Bakers Dozen.
1 lasers purple
2 stingrays 99
3 diamond chix gold
4 ohio dragons
5 hawks kepple
6 classics 99
7 thunder elite 00
8 cincy static 99
9 hoh rebals
10 cc cannons
11 ohio ice orange
12 lasers platnium
13 hoh fear factor

lets keep it clean people!

 

[default]

For some early Hot Stove talk here is my Preseason Bakers Dozen.
lasers purple
stingrays 99
diamond chix gold
ohio dragons
hawks kepple
classics 99
thunder elite 00
cincy static 99
hoh rebals
cc cannons
ohio ice orange
lasers platnium
hoh fear factor

\

lets keep it clean people!

Wow looks like a tough 12u group early!! Should be a fun summer!! I know it's early but congrats Thunder Elite and HOO Fear Factor both 11u teams for making an impact in the fall and making the early 12u top teams list:yahoo:

 

[default]

Im not trying to take anything away from teams on all of your lists but I said all last year I cant wait to see the Gold Chix as honest 12 year olds.

 

[default]

chix dad are you saying my poll is not acurate LOL

 

[default]

One team I saw at the Diamond Chix's Great Pumpkin Smash tournament that impressed me was Northern Ohio Softball 12U team. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see them get into the the top ten by mid-summer (or before).

 

[default]

Our Michigan Vipers and Compuware 99 had a very good weekend. Thank you Chix for hosting a very competitive tourney.. Never seen a 12u team hit bomb after bomb that the Laser Purple team does, top it off they have the pitching to shut you out. Goodluck against them next spring..


vipers 99!!!

 

[default]

Northern Ohio Softball continues to do a lot of things right and will be a Team you will have to contend with on your way to a Championship!

 

[default]

One team that I have seen in a couple tournaments this fall is Thunder Elite 00. Jeff has that team playing at a high level. Seems like the adjustment to the bigger ball, pitching distance and true 12u pitching speed & movement was not that big of a problem. I seen that team beat some good true 12u teams on this thread such as Northern Ohio Softball and Hawks Kepple this fall. They are a good defensive team and by next spring im sure their hitters will have fully adjusted to 12u pitching speed and movement.

 

[default]

^^^ very astute observations from last 4or 5 posts above

 

[default]

By the lack of posts the past couple of weeks I assume most of the 12u has gone dark for the holidays???

 

[default]

Being new to 12U, it is nice to see who is the best of the class. This is my fourth TEAM and this time just assisting a former player Amy Allen. But if these other TEAMS are as good as that Ohio Dragons 99 Team. It will be a great summer of ball at 12U. Good Luck to all the Teams and Happy Holidays!


Scott Urton
OFC Heat Orange 12U
Assistant Coach

 

[default]

By the lack of posts the past couple of weeks I assume most of the 12u has gone dark for the holidays???

I think there will be some comments on here after the CSU tournament, since there will be some good matchups there. But, it will likely be quiet again until the Spano Dome tournament near the end of February. From then on, I would think the talk will start heating up!