Wow, we've got a hot one going now! I enjoy the polls and predictions as it adds a sense of fun and buildup to the upcoming events. I try to keep it in perspective, and hope people agree to disagree. Now most people give intelligent posititions, and others "express gut feeling and loyalties", and that is ok too. But for a "true" number one, we must play the game, and do it with all participants.
The NSA states will not provide all comers, as Compuware did not. GAPS and Stingrays will be without all, so the next best might be comparison at Nationals - until somebody host another tournament and invites the "Rodney Dangerfields" of Ohio Softball.
I strongly felt the Laser Green would be number one until knocked off the perch by someone else. That happened by a strong Valley Extreme Blue team, a team that "found an opening in the armour" of the Lasers Green, and found out how to score more runs than them with Kelly on the mound. Now, will that be the case in two weeks, three weeks down the road? Until it happens it is a matter of opinion.
The Valley Extreme Blue have been on a roll, losing only once in many games. Who exposed them? The Cincy Static caught them when no one else could, so should we not list the Static as a top team? Were the Valley Extreme just caught up in the first weekend "get to know you better" and play as a team period? Since then, they are perfect.
Do you give the same consideration to the Laser Orange and Ice Richards, and say, they are young and will mature? The Orange seem to get on a roll, but are vulnerable in games they should win and don't. The Ice Richards are solid but can they hang with the Green and the Extreme? They are one up on Newsome, but will that be the same the next time? The Ice Newsome have the majority of the Wolfpack Gold to go along with a good core from last year, so shouldn't they get some time together to jell?
Go south, and you have the Doom and Miami Valley Express Red. Who have they played, and what are their "head to head" matchups? The Doom lost to the Extreme Blue, but beat the team that beat THE real "Shockwaves" team - and wasn't that the Express Red? The Doom get their shot at the Laser Green and a rematch with the Valley Extreme, so will the results be different?
Go to Central Ohio, and the true "Rodney Dangerfield" of the group, the GCKA Nightmare pops up. Should we cut them some slack as they played a rugged spring schedule with only 4 to 5 starters, and might have given the Slammers (are they the best 14u team?) what could of been their most competitive game of Tigertown with a number 4 pitcher who is not much older than most of the 12u pichers in Ohio? When was the last time you saw the Nightmare at a 14u tournament, because the most I can gather they decided to move up to 16u.
What does all this come down to? A play off system - now we are like the NCAA and the BCS! I guess only time will tell, and see who is on top at the end of the year!
1. Valley Extreme Blue - they beat the Lasers Green, so revenge will be a factor
2. Laser Green - a chink in the armour, but that will be repaired
3. Nightmare - if they ever decide to play 14u again
4. Doom - they can take huge leaps in the next couple weeks
5. Ice Richards - they are one up on Newsome
6. Ice Newsome - they are one behind Richards
7. Lasers Orange - Uncle Stan wasn't kind this past weekend
8. Miami Valley Express Red
9. Valley Sting
10. Cincy Static - did they really beat the Extreme Blue or is someone pulling my leg?
