14U TOP 10 TEAM RANKING (Arizona) UPDATED–Feb 3, 2010

[child advocate]

I think Lil Saints or SF 95 can give it a run. Both are very strong team and have looked good this fall. Lil Saints seem to have the experience and the pitching but Fever looks good to. Both will be tuff to beat.

[Politico]

Politico has been Hijacked

[hamlet17]

Teams that play down in fall should not be ranked in the lower age bracket. They should not do excessive celebrations when they beat younger teams.

Unheard of in California.

[Dogma]

Hijacking the thread here but-

Is there really any good reason to play down in the fall?
I don’t believe that there is, but would guess that these are some of the answers that might be given-

Reasons for playing down in the fall-
1. Coach does not believe that the team can compete in the next age bracket.
2. Coach is trophy hunting.
3. Coach is trying to instill confidence and winning attitude in their players before taking on tougher competition.
4. Majority of team is still age eligible for the lower age bracket.

[Rotatorcuff]

Hijacking the thread here but-

Is there really any good reason to play down in the fall?
I don’t believe that there is, but would guess that these are some of the answers that might be given-

Reasons for playing down in the fall-
1. Coach does not believe that the team can compete in the next age bracket.
2. Coach is trophy hunting.
3. Coach is trying to instill confidence and winning attitude in their players before taking on tougher competition.
4. Majority of team is still age eligible for the lower age bracket.

I'll take # 3

Seriously, why is this such a big deal? The rule is Dec. 31; they are playing by the rules. Nationals is not at stake here.

Tell me is a Dec. 96 b-day a huge advantage over Jan 97?

BTW, I'm only referring to one or two players playing down, not a whole or a majority of the team.

[Politico]

Politico has been Hijacked

[DsrtScorpion]

Congratulations Scottsdale Fever 96 we were looking forward to playing you again in the
championship game!

The Scorpions look forward to playing you all again in the Spring and we wish our 3-4 young
ladies heading off to high school the best of luck we will see you back for the Summer.


Coming Soon! http://www.tucsondesertscorpions.com

[Politico]

Politico has been Hijacked

[THE MAD-DOG99]

The Reality of 14U Fastpitch Arizona Softball Fall Season '09 from the Outside looking In is:

The Top Tier Teams:
Scottsdale Fever 95 (mostly all freshmen, the top team at the end of the Fall season)
95 Desert Wolves K.J. (mostly all freshmen, peaking now & playing well together)
AZ Stealth96 (all 96, with the #1 14U pitcher and the players accept it & thrive)
L'il Saints14U (60% freshmen, ASA 14U National team from last year, needs to re-learn what it takes to win together as a team again)

The 2nd Tier Teams:
96 Scottsdale Fever (all 96, a very good team better than the rest but cannot compete with the top tier teams consistently yet)

The 3rd Tier Teams:
Everyone else at this time, There are allot of 14U teams but they lack the Team talent to play with the above teams on a consistent basis at this time, but don't shy away from these teams or any of the teams on the TOP 10 because you only get better playing against or playing with the best talent or competition out there!!!!

Great Job Politico...you are right on the money....!!!

Dynasty appears to be playing very well as of late...your thoughts...?

[az.fever22]

Politico your a little off on your 3 tiers. Li'l Saints don't belong in top and possibly not in the #4 spot. They went 2 and 3 this weekend and got shut out twice. They beat two 3rd Tier teams for only wins of the weekend. They should belong in Tier 2 with 96 Fever, 96 Hotshots, 96 Desert Thunder, 95 Desert Scorpions and 95 Dynasty.