Had a great opportunity to watch some great softball at ASA So Cal State. Yes we did have some surprises!
Have to give a hand to So Cal Madness 95 outstanding tournament. Lakewood Firecrackers showned heart to fight from first game losers bracket to finish 3rd.
After 14u State Poll
Group 1 = THE Contenders! It is so close I have to pick 6 – usually I pick 3-4!
#1. PowerSurge 96 – Group 1
So Cal State Loses: (Did not participate)
Previous: #2
Website: http://www.eteamz.com/powersurge-scottb/index.cfm
ASA Nationals Qualified: Yes =
Tourney Wins:
1st 14u AA Toys-4-Tots Tournament 12/6/2009
1st 14u Surf City March Classic 3/2010
1st 14u Co-Champions TCS Big League Dreams 4/17/2010
1st 14u Champions TCS Quicksilver Memorial 5/2010
Comments: Most people probably won’t agree with my assessment but they are the favorites to win ASA Nationals as the pitching, and coaching gives them the edge.
Guest Pollster: Rank them at # 5 - My thinking is not playing in States may hinder them a bit
#2. Corona Angeles 95 – Group 1
So Cal State Loses: (2nd Place Firecrackers 96 & 3rd Place Lakewood Firecrackers)
Previous: #1
Website: http://www.eteamz.com/CoronaAngels-95/
ASA Nationals Qualified:
Tourney Wins:
1st. 14u Surf City Feb 2010
Comments: Still the favorite in most peoples eyes but they haven’t been able to put it all together in their last two double elimination tournaments. Hope they can get on a roll at Nationals…. It’s hard taking everyone else’s best shot.
Guest Pollster: Rank them at #2 - Didn't play bad, just not as well as they were capable of.
#2. So Cal Madness 95 - Group 1
So Cal State Loses: (None – Champions!)
Previous: #12
Website: http://www.eteamz.com/socalmadness95/
ASA Nationals Qualified:
Tourney Wins:
1st 14u ASA So Cal State 6/2010
Comments: The run to win So Cal State, really started in the losers bracket at TCS Memorial – a great run that ended with a lost to Ozone. At State the run to the championship started with beating Ozone. Team has a ton of heart, plays great defense and finds a way to win. Their preparation path since High School ball ended will most likely be followed for years to come by most competitive 2nd year 14u teams. Depending on future schedules there is no reason why a 16u team could not follow the same path.
Guest Pollster: Rank them at #1 - - If you win it all then you deserve it.
#4. Lakewood Firecrackers 95 - Group 1
So Cal State Loses: (5th Mizuno Pride 95 Rodriguez)
Previous: #10
Website: http://www.eteamz.com/lakewoodfirecrackerspainter/
ASA Nationals Qualified:
Tourney Wins:
Comments: I expect this team to really elevate their level of play after State. Their undefeated run through the losers’ bracket ….separated themselves from the other 95 teams that had the same opportunity. Team had solid pitching throughout State, and a repeat at Nationals should get them to Sunday.
Guest Pollster: Rank them at #9 - They just out hit you.
#5. Firecrackers 96 - Group 1
So Cal State Loses: (1st Champions So Cal Madness 95)
Previous: #7
Website:
ASA Nationals Qualified:
Tourney Wins:
1st 14u So Cal Finest Beat the Heat 4/2010
Comments: I moved them up after watching TCS Quicksilver Memorial! Not an all 96 team anymore but a better team with the 95 additions. Finally have the ability to play small ball if needed.
Guest Pollster: Rank them at #3 - Well put together team, probably the most balanced in 14"s
#6. OC Batbusters 95 Mcnee - Group 1
So Cal State Loses: (3rd Lakewood Firecrackers 95 & 4th Corona Angles 95)
Previous: #6
Website: http://www.eteamz.com/OCBatbusters14U/
ASA Nationals Qualified:
Tourney Wins:
Comments: 18-19 girls on a team. Seem to have everything to contend good coaching, good pitching and good offensive. Team did not blow me away at State …. Still tends to play to the level of their opponent …. Maybe lack the confidence that Lakewood and Corona Angles 95 have.
Guest Pollster: Rank them at #10 - When you have 18 girls on your roster with talent you should be able to more but still a great team.
Group 2 = The Bracket Dependent Contenders (i.e., Can win it all but will struggle to beat two teams in Group 1 in back to back games)!
#7. Mizuno Pride 95 – Bob - Group 2
So Cal State Loses: (1st Champions So Cal Madness 95 & 7th So Cal Athletics)
Previous: #3
Website: http://www.eteamz.com/mizunopride95/
ASA Nationals Qualified:
Tourney Wins:
Comments: Simple math to win Nationals they will have to beat Corona Angles 95 or Madness 95. Not a losers’ bracket type of team …. The bracket gods will determine their fate at Nationals, unless they can raise their level of play.
Guest Pollster: Rank them #4. - They can just play ball, great team as well
#8. Bomb Squad 96 - Group 2
So Cal State Loses: (2X 7th OC Batbusters McNee 95)
Previous: #9
Website:
ASA Nationals Qualified:
Tourney Wins:
Comments: If State proved anything it is that OC BB McNee is a slightly better team. Still a little hard to figure out and will be a tough out! Maybe they lack the confidence of a true contender? They have the talent..
Guest Pollster: Rank them #6 - Watched them lay down 7 straight bunts and all reach base. nice fundamentals
#9. San Diego Renegades Aguirre 95 - - Group 2
So Cal State Loses: (Did not participate)
Previous: #4
Website: http://www.sdrenegades.org/14u/14U%20Aguirre/index.
ASA Nationals Qualified: Yes =
Tourney Wins:
1st 16U TCS Huntington Beach Classic 1/30/2010
Comments: Like both Firecrackers teams this team could use one additional pitcher, and with solid pitching can contend for the title. Not sure if this team is battle tested ….. For an offensive team losing to HBB in the TCS 16u tourney concerns me a bit. Clearly a powerful long ball offensive team that deserves to be in the top 10 …
Guest Pollster: Rank them at co #10 - Solid as a rock
#10. So Cal Jynx 96 – - Group 2
So Cal State Loses: (Did not participate)
Previous: #11
Website: http://www.eteamz.com/socaljynx/
ASA Nationals Qualified: Yes
Tourney Wins:
1st 14u So Cal Finest Saint Paddy’s Day 3/22/2010
Comments: Not sure this team will answer the bell… but a contender in the shadows. Currently clearly not the 10th best team in 14u in So Cal, but I’m giving the girls and coaches the benefit of the doubt. After winning the Saint Paddy’s Day tournament against the best 96 teams – they have never displayed the same heart.
Guest Pollster: Rank them at #12 - Ranking is based on no. 1 being healthy
Group 3 = The SPOILERS! (i.e., The teams most likely to end the title dreams of the Group 1 & 2 teams). They don’t have enough to win it all – but they will send a lot of teams home!
#11. Corona Angles 96 – Group 3
So Cal State Loses: (7th OC Batbusters McNee 95 & 7th So Cal Athletics)
Previous: #8 (96)
Website: http://www.eteamz.com/coronaangels96
ASA Nationals Qualified: No
Tourney Wins:
1st 14u ASA Turkey Tournament 11/29/09
1st 14U Irvine Sting Touch Down Tournament 1/31/10
Comments: Wasn’t this a good small ball team in their 1st year of 12u? This year was the perfect storm for this team.... but their failure to lay down critical bunts at critical times have cost them games against PowerSurge and OCBB McNee and has snapped their confidence. If they had confidence this would be a Group 2 team. Should qualify for ASA Nationals at regionals … if not the wheels are coming off this bus!
Guest Pollster: Rank them at
#12. Minors Gold 95 (LL) – Group 3
So Cal State Loses: (1st Place So Cal Madness 95 & 3rd Place Lakewood Firecrackers)
Previous: #5
Website: http://www.eteamz.com/minorsgold95-lovelace/index.cfm
ASA Nationals Qualified: No
Tourney Wins:
Comments: Looking back the draw was a little more difficult than it looked originally. Losing to Madness 95 and Lakewood Firecrackers is not the end of the world. While there are a number of good teams on the outside looking in – this team should qualify for ASA Nationals.
Guest Pollster: Rank them at #15 - Still a great team and wouldn't count them out but with the bracket they drew, they should have qualified.
#13. Mizuno Pride 95 Rodriguez – Group 3
So Cal State Loses: (1st Place So Cal Madness 95 & 3rd Place Lakewood Firecrackers)
Previous: #24
Website:
ASA Nationals Qualified:
Tourney Wins:
Comments: This team won the most important game on their schedule at State and that was against Lakewood Firecrackers 95 in game one. Played solid ball to earn a berth and finish 5th. Maybe there are teams that have more upside ranked below this team, but this team is consistent and wins the games they should.
Guest Pollster: Rank them at #16. Pride (by Magic Mountain) Very good team. Better then most thought.
#14. Nemesis 96 – Group 3
So Cal State Loses: (4th Corona Angles 95 & 5th Mizuno Pride 95 Rodriguez)
Previous: #18
Website:
ASA Nationals Qualified:
Tourney Wins:
Comments: Maybe a better team then most people think. Like last year this team wins the games they should win, but this year they have the ability to make a run and beat three good teams in a row. Reminds me of Mizuno Pride 95 Dawsey last year.
Guest Pollster: Rank them at #14 - Scrappy and effective, got the berth as well
#15. So Cal Athletics - Group 3
So Cal State Loses: (2nd Firecrackers 96 & 5th Nemesis 96)
Previous: #24
Website:
ASA Nationals Qualified:
Tourney Wins:
Comments: With a field this tight coaching counts. This is a very well coached team. Again a team that for some reason matches up very well with the better 95 teams….. Like I said before State maybe the only team that wished for all 95s in their bracket at state! Like Nemesis not a team to scares you, but they find a way to win!
Guest Pollster: Rank them at #8 – Best coach in the business. Took a team that never played together during winter and got them qualified by spring.
#16. California Cruisers 96 - Group 3
So Cal State Loses: (4th Corona Angles 95 & 5th Nemesis 96)
Avg Points Last Poll:
Previous: #16
Website: http://www.eteamz.com/CACruisers14U-Phil/
ASA Nationals Qualified:
Tourney Wins:
1st 14u Mothers Day Classic tournament 5/9/2010
1st 14u Cal Storm Tournament 5/30/2010
Comments: Yes this team can hit – a bit hot and cold offensively but they require you to pitch your number one. Should have beat Corona Angles 95 but fell apart in the end. A very good 96 team that will have to find a way to win some games on the defensive side. Probably the one team in Group 3 no one really wants to pitch against!
Guest Pollster: Rank them at #18 - I know they beat Wicked but again some teams had the harder road.
#17. Fury 95 – Group 3
So Cal State Loses: (4th Corona Angles 95 & 9th Bomb Squad 96)Previous: #14
Website: http://www.furysoftball.net/14UB.asp
ASA Nationals Qualified: No
Tourney Wins:
Comments: “Can't afford to come out flat”…… they did against BombSquad 96 and did not qualify. They will have to battle to qualify for ASA Nationals. Hope they are ready for a dog fight.
Guest Pollster: Rank them at #20 - Up and down team but worthy of top 20
Group 4 = The Dreamers! (i.e., Goal is to qualify and success is measured by playing on Sunday at ASA Nationals - these teams have the talent and play solid enough ball to succeed at Nationals – but just can’t get the right break at the right time to contend on a consistent basis).
#18. So Cal Wicked 95 – Group 4
So Cal State Loses: (7th OC Batbusters McNee 95 & 9th Cal Cruisers 96)
Avg Points Last Poll:
Previous: #19
Website:
ASA Nationals Qualified:
Tourney Wins:
Comments: Hot and cold type of team. A good solid team that is only a couple of players away from being in Group 2. Not a consistent hitting team - hard to figure them out. Glad to see them at Nationals ….. nice group of people.
Guest Pollster: Rank them at #13. Was in toughest bracket with BB Mcnee, Cal Thunder 95, Bombsquad, CA96 and SD Thunder and still QUALIFIED
#19. USA Athletics 96 – Group 4
So Cal State Loses: (3rd Lakewood Firecrackers 95 & 9th Mizuno Pride 95 Bob)
Previous: #30
Website:
ASA Nationals Qualified: No
Tourney Wins:
Comments: Like Nemesis and So Cal Athletics a solid team that does not scare you, but they are hard to beat. A very inconsistent offensive. It would not surprise me if they out play and qualify ahead of some higher ranked teams at Regional’s !
Guest Pollster: Rank them at #34 - I personally like their style of play.
#20. Irvine Sting 96 - Group 4
So Cal State Loses: (2nd Place Firecrackers 96 & 3rd Place Lakewood Firecrackers)
Previous: 35
Website:
ASA Nationals Qualified:
Tourney Wins:
Comments: Does one tournament make up for a below standard year – it does if it’s State and better if you can follow that up at Nationals! Time was running out on this team – but they answered the bell… They have the talent and will be a tough out.
Guest Pollster: Rank them at #7 - Think they should be back up here. Won some tough games.
#20. Sudden Impact Elite 95 – Group 4
So Cal State Loses: (2nd Firecrackers 96 & 17th Corona Angels 96)
Avg Points Last Poll:
Previous: #20
Website:
ASA Nationals Qualified: No
Tourney Wins:
1st 14u TCS New Year's Desert Challenge 1/2/2010
Comments: Should have won against FC96, but probably not battle tested enough to win that game. A team that should be able to compete with any team ranked from 7 on down. If they do not qualify this team will be a contender at Westerns.
Guest Pollster – Rank them at #19 - No. 1 is healthy again and they should give anyone a battle
#22. Ozone 96 – Group 4
So Cal State Loses: (1st Place So Cal Madness 95 & 25th Sudden Impact Elite 95)
Previous #13
Website: http://www.ozonesoftball.com/
ASA Nationals Qualified: No
Tourney Wins:
1st 14u USSSA Spring Training Classic 3/2010
Comments: A very good team that is capable of playing with anyone. Scheduling soft teams throughout the year may have hurt them at State or either their success at TCS Memorial put them on the radar to close to State. Surprised this team did not sign up for Regionals – not sure they would have made it, but it would have been good to give the girls the chance. Will be a favorite at Western Nationals or Utah.
Guest Pollster – Rank them at #17 - Hard to rely on one pitcher. I like their style.
#23. So Cal Hurricanes 95 – Group 4
So Cal State Loses: (7th So Cal Athletics & 9th Mizuno Pride 95 Bob)
Previous: #17
Website:
ASA Nationals Qualified: No
Tourney Wins:
Comments: A very well coached team that just lacks the fire power to be a true contender. Will have a hard time qualifying at Regional’s but another team that deserves to be at Nationals. The model Group 4 team – the ball just seems to always break the wrong way for them.
Guest Pollster – Rank them at #22. - Deep and talented team that didn't get the breaks
#23. So Cal Mayhem 95 – Group 4
So Cal State Loses: (9th Mizuno Pride 95 Bob & 13th USA Athletics 96)
Avg Points Last Poll:
Previous: #15
Website: http://www.socalmayhem.com
ASA Nationals Qualified:
Tourney Wins:
1st TCS 14u Tournament
Comments: One of my favorite teams, just couldn’t get it done at State! Not a losers bracket type of team. A team that deserves to be at Nationals….. Like the fact that this team has signed up for both the National Qualifier and Regionals.
Guest Pollster – Rank them at #26 - Fell in my brackets only because I didn't see them.
Group 4B – Just a bit behind the other Group 4 teams on a consistence basis.
#25. Ca Rebels 96 – Group 4B
Avg Points Last Poll:
Previous: #22
Website:
ASA Nationals Qualified: No
Tourney Wins:
1st 14u California Cruiser Classic 5/16/2010
Comments: What a run in the losers bracket at State – were out of gas by the time the Cruisers rolled in. Like all of Amy’s teams this team can hit and tends to thrive in high scoring games. Glad to see that they will be given a chance to make the big show!
Guest Pollster – Rank them at #29 - Amy's team can hit, hit, hit.
#26. Ca Raiders – Group 4B
Avg Points Last Poll:
Previous: #Not Ranked
Website:
ASA Nationals Qualified: No
Tourney Wins:
Comments: A new comer to the poll this year. You may not like him or care for his style but he can flat out coach. Very solid team that performed better then expected at state.
Guest Pollster – Rank them at #24 - Team is good. Bruder is a man that gets most out of what he has. (just does it differently)
#27. So Cal Pumas – Group 4B
Avg Points Last Poll:
Previous: #Not Ranked
Website:
ASA Nationals Qualified: No
Tourney Wins:
Comments: A new comer to the poll this year. This was my sleeper team before State. Just could not pull a bid off. Very good team that should have been in the poll. Solid team and well coached.
Guest Pollster – Rank them at #36 - Pretty good team. Like many from maybe 15 down, could beat each other any given Sunday.
#27. Cal Thunder 95 – Group 4B
Avg Points Last Poll:
Previous: #31
Website:
ASA Nationals Qualified: No
Tourney Wins:
Comments: Amy of the Rebels would like this team! This team can simply out hit most of the teams – the problem is the rest of their game is not yet at the level of their hitting. On the defensive side this is not the same team as in fall – much better.
Guest Pollster – Rank them at #21. Cal Thunder 95 - I know what you are thinking, 0 and 2 and move up ? Well this team fell victim of a tough bracket. Should have won the 1st game and would have had a different route. ITB's can kill a team.
#29. CA Desperados 95 - Group 4B
Avg Points Last Poll:
Previous: #37
Website:
ASA Nationals Qualified:
Tourney Wins:
1st 14u TCS Presidents Day Showdown 2/2010
1st ASA Region 1 National Qualifier 6/2010
Comments: If your goal is to go to Nationals this team did the right thing by skipping state and going out of state. Solid team that has the talent and coaching to be competitive at Nationals.
Guest Pollster – Rank them at #30 - Just solid but did get a berth.
#30. San Diego Renegades 96 - Daniel - Group 4B
Previous: #19
Website: http://www.sdrenegades.org
ASA Nationals Qualified: No
Tourney Wins:
Comments: One of the top 96 teams. Solid pitching, good defensive and an aggressive offensive style.….. Team seemed to run out of gas – they may not have realized how long the travel ball season is and that the only goal is to play your best ball in May-June-July. Coaching staff and team is still learning how to play travel ball at the highest level. Should be a top 10 team next year.
Guest Pollster – Rank – not ranked
More to come!
