Preseason 14U Poll

[default]

Sorry about that, my evil twin escaped from the closet and I had to use a CF4 to beat him back into submission.

 

[default]

Or maybe it was the 10U dad coming out of the closet. It is hard to tell.

 

[default]

too funny! Thanks for the chuckle!

 

[default]

Ok, this is getting too nice. I'll mix it up. We're the best and everyone else s***cks! hahahahahahaha

I agree..... Way too nice.
TBH, there are about 3 to 4 good teams at 14u, the rest I wouldn't give them a second thought.

 

[default]

I personally always liked the ranking system I saw a few years ago by a guy out of California. He basically said there were alot of really good teams but ranked them by A+,A,B+,B and I think C (doing this from memoery so someone else may know it better) He said most tournaments the A+ would do very well and A teams could win as well but maybe needed some breaks to go their way. The B+ and B teams were good enough to play with and beat the A+ and A teams but proably not good enough to win a tournament filled with those teams. It was an interesting read for sure.

 

[default]

I personally always liked the ranking system I saw a few years ago by a guy out of California. He basically said there were alot of really good teams but ranked them by A+,A,B+,B and I think C (doing this from memoery so someone else may know it better) ...

Here is Bracketologist's grading system. Prior to PGF, the winners of 12u-14u Nats were always graded A beforehand.

The important component is the Teams grade (A, B+ & B) and not their ranking. At this point rankings and grades are projections for Summer. However, in 12u the teams identified as A in spring ? were still A?s in spring and in 2007, 2008 & 2009, 2011 the championship game at nationals came down to the top 2 teams in the poll.

A?s ? Have the ability to win three consecutive games against other A or B+ rated teams at a major tournament (i.e., State, Nationals, PGF etc). A?s are playing for the big prize ?ASA/PGF Nationals?. To be ranked as a solid A Team, a team must have the ability to beat all of the other A Teams in tournament bracket play.

B+ Teams ? Have the ability to win the big prize at ASA/PGF Nationals if a few things break their way (i.e., don?t have to beat two A teams in consecutive games). B+ teams will beat A teams in tournaments, they just lack the ability to beat A teams in back to back games! In 2006-07, TNL could beat anyone but they could not beat Victory-Campbell, Corona Angels 94 and Lakewood Ladies in back to back games. To be ranked a B+ team, a team must have the ability to beat all of the other B+ teams. Note: Because of the PGF Nationals format (100% stupid blind draw vs. ASA seeding earned via pool play) the luck of the draw makes it easy for a B+ team to reach the semi finals without playing another B+ or A team. In 2011 B+ teams won both 14U & 16U PGF in 2011. These teams usually will chase a berth and will utilize every opportunity to get to Nationals.

B Teams ? Can only win ASA/PGF Nationals if they get hot and they get lucky (i.e., a great draw)! They can beat A teams in friendlies but struggle beating them in tournaments. B teams can and will eliminate B+ Teams but they would be hard press to win a tournament that requires them to beat 2-3 B+ Teams in a row! While most of these teams will be competitive at Nationals, the majority will not chase a berth. These teams usually end up at ASA Western Nationals, the USSSA or TCS World Series.

C+ Teams ? The goal is to qualify for ASA/PGF Nationals. These are usually top 20-40 teams that will play the B+ teams closely and beat B Teams in significant tournaments. Typically the majority of first year 12U or 14U teams perform at this level. The majority of these teams like to play the side circuit TCS, USSSA & AFA etc.

Here are his 3 keys to Nationals success at 12U:

1. One top 10% pitcher - must have the ability to keep her team in any game (cause everyone knows the bats will go dead during at least 2 games at Nationals)(with 1 pitcher team needs to stay out of the losers bracket until sunday).

2. Solid defense - must be one of the better fielding teams.

3. An offense that has 3 threats (big bats or above good speed).

 

[default]

I would like to personally congratulate Buckeye Elite 97 on a great year. This group has been together for awhile and finished the season with a record of 42-8. This includes 3 tourney victories, a 4th place at Dayton Metro, a 3rd place out of 48 at Buckeye Showdown, and a 2nd place out of 64 teams this past weekend at the Midwest World Series in Berliner. Can't wait till next summer. Go Elite!!!!

 

[default]

Nice job elite. You did have a great year and all should be proud.