interesting Mike --I guess ms softball is catching on . girls willing to give up 4-5 weeks of travel ball to play ms ball. I'm not knocking it, not at all. it is suprising though. 3 years ago we did'nt have a ms league , at least locally, then 2 years ago 8 team league, last year about 12-14 teams. MD
In central Ohio many of the teams are sanctioned OHSAA teams and therefore fall under travel team access restrictions. Some are not but most of the girls that play on my team are.
My view is 'play for your school and show community pride'. Its only 3 months and it gives the girls the opportunity to play different positions, pitch, be the BGOC (big girl on campus) etc...
Last year my players were done with MS softball by mid-may. Our travel team then played 10 summer tournaments (including nationals). In my mind that's plenty.
This year we played 2 fall tourneys, an optional Varsity HS winter league (8 our of 11 players played), 1 winter tourney (March), MS ball for most and then we will play 10 summer tourneys starting May 22. Again in my mind that's plenty.
During MS Softball season we take the 8 or 9 of my players who play bball and play 3-4 weekend aau Tourneys - We are blessed with a good group of bball players as well. It keeps them in shape, builds unity and makes their future HS bball coaches really happy...