Run26
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I usually give a mid-season breakdown of how certain age groups are doing and this year my focus is on 16U. I'm certainly no professional but I do travel around and see the best teams (IMO) in action. I have personally seen every team listed below and YES I do understand there are probably others that deserve to be on the list. Take it for what you will but I'm certainly open to any additions or edits you seem fit.
2014 Mid-Season Rankings:
1. Lasers Blue (97): JP has built another top contender in this group of girls. They made a surprise showing at ASA States and dominated most teams. Just completed an incredible showing in Colorado and appear primed to make a post season run. A combination of speed and power makes their offense click but power in the circle puts most batters back in the dugout.
2. Lasers Red (98): It would be interesting to see #1 and #2 play and I'm sure they've snuck in some private "play dates". Blue probably has a bit more speed but Red can hang in the circle. Securing a berth at Metro had them skip ASA States (probably headed to Colorado early) but it would have been nice to see them in Findlay.
3. Outlaws Gold: They appear to have more power than Blue or Red but pitching isn't quite there (yet). Made a strong run @ ASA States but rumor has it they mave have had a fill-in pitcher from their Premier team. Nevertheless, you better bring your "A" game when you play this team or you'll be visiting the loser's bracket.
4. Static Blue (98): Formerly Hawks Shep and he has retooled almost the entire team. Extremely talented (#1) in the circle and blazers on the bases make the top of the line-up extremely difficult outs. There appears to be a large hole in depth at pitcher but if he scores enough runs it won't matter.
5. Ashland Blaze (97): Secured a berth at Madness and had a strong showing at ASA States. Organization has been around a while but this team appears to be a step above recent history. Good hitters and a mix of power and off speed in the circle. Probably catches a lot of teams off guard because they aren't familiar with the team - beware when you do this.
6. Static (97): Missed Metro due to injuries but came on strong at ASA States. Also had a succesful trip to Colorado. Kavin's group always plays in the top tournies and isn't afraid of elite competition. This is probably the #2 organization (at 16U) in the state and this could very well be the #1 team within Static. I placed them behind Blue only because I think the pitchers are slightly ahead on Blue.
7. Ohio Classics (98): One word - Power. Both at the plate and in the circle. Berth secured in Cincy by beating a talented field that included Static Blue, Heat Toledo and Doom 98. High place @ Metro but struggled at ASA States. I know Matt was missing his other #1 (at States) but his team just looked a little uninterested to me. This happens a lot at this age group especially when the berth is already secured. I'm sure he'll have them primed for a run in Va.
8. Hawks Buelow (97): Rumored to be missing a few players at Metro due to OHSAA State. Still had a decent showing and broke out at ASA States with a marathon of wins on Saturday and Sunday. I know the top teams stepped aside as they were headed to Colorado but you can't ignore what this team did to get in the top 3 position. Team seems to play well when running hot but is also known to appear the complete opposite when not. They'll need to run very hot to make a run in Va.
9. Wolpack Goch (97): Without a doubt one of the top catchers in the states plays for this team. You will not be running to second unless a ball is in play. She's D1 all the way. A mix of speed and power at the plate allows them to score in many ways. Clean fielders that limits the errors but sub par (for top 10) pitching allowed the opponent to score as well. I'm not sure where this team will end up for nationals but they better hope their bats are on sizzle.
10. Explosive Black (97): I watched this team for a day in Orrville and also saw them at their tourney. They could very easily be a top 5 - 7 squad but for some reason they can't seem to win the game they need to obtain their berth. A 2nd place at Madness (to Ashland Blaze) and a 2nd place to Classics Black have stunted their success. Lineup can hit 1 - 9 and they hit with power. #1 appears to have decent movement and speed but there's a big difference in their #1 and #2. Organization is on the upswing and I'd like to see them in Va. but I can't find where they've actually secured the bid. They didn't attend ASA States where they could have definitely made some noise.
Others: Static 98, Buckeye Heat Toledo, Hawks Lenos, Doom 98, Doom Burden, Wizards Elite.
2014 Mid-Season Rankings:
1. Lasers Blue (97): JP has built another top contender in this group of girls. They made a surprise showing at ASA States and dominated most teams. Just completed an incredible showing in Colorado and appear primed to make a post season run. A combination of speed and power makes their offense click but power in the circle puts most batters back in the dugout.
2. Lasers Red (98): It would be interesting to see #1 and #2 play and I'm sure they've snuck in some private "play dates". Blue probably has a bit more speed but Red can hang in the circle. Securing a berth at Metro had them skip ASA States (probably headed to Colorado early) but it would have been nice to see them in Findlay.
3. Outlaws Gold: They appear to have more power than Blue or Red but pitching isn't quite there (yet). Made a strong run @ ASA States but rumor has it they mave have had a fill-in pitcher from their Premier team. Nevertheless, you better bring your "A" game when you play this team or you'll be visiting the loser's bracket.
4. Static Blue (98): Formerly Hawks Shep and he has retooled almost the entire team. Extremely talented (#1) in the circle and blazers on the bases make the top of the line-up extremely difficult outs. There appears to be a large hole in depth at pitcher but if he scores enough runs it won't matter.
5. Ashland Blaze (97): Secured a berth at Madness and had a strong showing at ASA States. Organization has been around a while but this team appears to be a step above recent history. Good hitters and a mix of power and off speed in the circle. Probably catches a lot of teams off guard because they aren't familiar with the team - beware when you do this.
6. Static (97): Missed Metro due to injuries but came on strong at ASA States. Also had a succesful trip to Colorado. Kavin's group always plays in the top tournies and isn't afraid of elite competition. This is probably the #2 organization (at 16U) in the state and this could very well be the #1 team within Static. I placed them behind Blue only because I think the pitchers are slightly ahead on Blue.
7. Ohio Classics (98): One word - Power. Both at the plate and in the circle. Berth secured in Cincy by beating a talented field that included Static Blue, Heat Toledo and Doom 98. High place @ Metro but struggled at ASA States. I know Matt was missing his other #1 (at States) but his team just looked a little uninterested to me. This happens a lot at this age group especially when the berth is already secured. I'm sure he'll have them primed for a run in Va.
8. Hawks Buelow (97): Rumored to be missing a few players at Metro due to OHSAA State. Still had a decent showing and broke out at ASA States with a marathon of wins on Saturday and Sunday. I know the top teams stepped aside as they were headed to Colorado but you can't ignore what this team did to get in the top 3 position. Team seems to play well when running hot but is also known to appear the complete opposite when not. They'll need to run very hot to make a run in Va.
9. Wolpack Goch (97): Without a doubt one of the top catchers in the states plays for this team. You will not be running to second unless a ball is in play. She's D1 all the way. A mix of speed and power at the plate allows them to score in many ways. Clean fielders that limits the errors but sub par (for top 10) pitching allowed the opponent to score as well. I'm not sure where this team will end up for nationals but they better hope their bats are on sizzle.
10. Explosive Black (97): I watched this team for a day in Orrville and also saw them at their tourney. They could very easily be a top 5 - 7 squad but for some reason they can't seem to win the game they need to obtain their berth. A 2nd place at Madness (to Ashland Blaze) and a 2nd place to Classics Black have stunted their success. Lineup can hit 1 - 9 and they hit with power. #1 appears to have decent movement and speed but there's a big difference in their #1 and #2. Organization is on the upswing and I'd like to see them in Va. but I can't find where they've actually secured the bid. They didn't attend ASA States where they could have definitely made some noise.
Others: Static 98, Buckeye Heat Toledo, Hawks Lenos, Doom 98, Doom Burden, Wizards Elite.
