Congratulations to Firecracker 96 for winning the Beat the Heat So Cal Finest Tournament and to Bomb Squad for making the finals.
In general it was a very good tournament and it is clear that the top 96 teams are very close. Sadly without advance planning I believe there could be 3-5 1996 teams that have the potential to place in the top 12 at ASA Nationals …… that won’t qualify.
How? Let’s do some quick math
1.). There is not a “Super 1996 14u team” Case in point PS96 has not made the finals in either of the So Cal Finest Tournaments, and we have had four separate finalists!
2). I believe So Cal has 14-15 14u “elite 95/96 teams” with top 12 ASA Nationals potential and 3 of the elite 15 teams have automatic berths – (SD Renegades 95, PS 96 & Jynx 96).
3). So Cal has another 10-12 “good ASA type” teams that are capable of qualifying at State (finishing in the top 13) based on the bracket.
4). Out of the remaining 11-12 “elite 95/96 teams”, I believe there are only two teams that will not be somewhat bracket dependent at State – and can make their reservation for IL.
5). So we will have 19-22 ASA quality teams fighting for 11 berths at ASA State!
Therefore a little planning never hurts ........ I bet there will be some very good teams in Aurora, Colo (for Western Nationals)!
14u ASA Hall of Fame Qualifier Las Vegas May 22
14u ASA Hall of Fame Oklahoma City, OK June 17-20
14u National Qualifier Sioux Falls South Dakota June 18
14u National Qualifier Roseville July 3-4
14u Regional Championships Tracy July 9-11