12U TOP TEN RANKINGS (ARIZONA)

[THE MAD-DOG99]

Thx very much for the feedback. It is appreciated and please keep it coming.
When I did the rankings, I just tried to look at the overall picture.That is how I assess each week also. Lets face it, just good clean fun and opinions , but I try to be objective and as accurate as possible.

Per your examples, I agree to some point, but as I noted on the first paragraph update..I will always give more kudos to teams that play...Wolves-Mabrey beat Fever this weekend and have been playing very well, but overall record and over time I still feel Fever is the better team.JMO
Saints have played, but have been rained out of late, same with Wildfire and Aces.
My reason for doing the ties so to speak..

I thank coach for the update, but still feel overall record that ACES deserve that spot..with the others close behind...

Fever has had some injuries, no excuses, they all have...but last 2 tourneys have gone with their regular players ? Picked up a 10U kid for some games so not quite sure what a "huge" impact that made...?

As said, the 6-10 spots, all those teams can beat each other on any given day, but also a team like DT 97, great team , but has hardly played and the Tucson teams i.e. Suncats, AZ Cats.. playing each other more than playing the top 5 or 6. ..?

Same with this weekend..teams going are going to be playing some very..very good California teams and Vegas teams...Why no Suncats..? No DT 97...? Even Widfire..? Only 1 Tucson team going...?

I would think you have to play the best to be the best. ? JMO..I understand that some teams don't travel as much, but have to give props to teams that play often and aren't afraid to play anybody...

[THE MAD-DOG99]

Good job in Vegas this week AZ. Teams....!!!!!

Dynasty..way to represent...played great throughout, finally losing to Tourney winner....

Congrats Team Anderson....

[morgan]

Sorry Heat, another great tourney opportunity has passed you by.

Mad-Dog, first off thanks for doing the rankings, you obviously are well connected and put in the time. But why do you feel it necessary to chide teams for not playing enough or attending out of town tournaments? Since they are a smaller town team, the Heat have to travel almost every time they play.

Also, the sad reality is that the economy is driving many teams to cut back. Some folks are struggling to pay dues, and every out-of-towner is a $300-500 outlay per family. We can get in a ton of clinics, practices, local tournaments, and friendlies for that same money. Teams are doing many more friendlies, the results of which won't come anywhere near heybucket. Doesn't make them any less relevant. Some of the best progress we have made this year was from scrimmaging our 14U team on some lonely HS field. Maybe that is what CG was doing this weekend.

We have three trips planned this season, which will cost us $20k+. We made our schedule a long time ago, and don't feel the need to add trips just so we can represent. How many times have I heard this one: do more fund raising ? So what were we doing last weekend, instead of that golden opportunity in Vegas? Fundraiser.

[THE MAD-DOG99]

Sorry Heat, another great tourney opportunity has passed you by.

Mad-Dog, first off thanks for doing the rankings, you obviously are well connected and put in the time. But why do you feel it necessary to chide teams for not playing enough or attending out of town tournaments? Since they are a smaller town team, the Heat have to travel almost every time they play.

Also, the sad reality is that the economy is driving many teams to cut back. Some folks are struggling to pay dues, and every out-of-towner is a $300-500 outlay per family. We can get in a ton of clinics, practices, local tournaments, and friendlies for that same money. Teams are doing many more friendlies, the results of which won't come anywhere near heybucket. Doesn't make them any less relevant. Some of the best progress we have made this year was from scrimmaging our 14U team on some lonely HS field. Maybe that is what CG was doing this weekend.

We have three trips planned this season, which will cost us $20k+. We made our schedule a long time ago, and don't feel the need to add trips just so we can represent. How many times have I heard this one: do more fund raising ? So what were we doing last weekend, instead of that golden opportunity in Vegas? Fundraiser.

Thanks for the kind words. I do enjoy doing the rankings to keep AZ in the loop, so to speak, get the conversation going and the comments flowing..LOL..

I have the utmost respect for Heat,along with every team and understand where you are coming from.
Everyone in the softball world is going through the struggle to play as much as possible in tough times..
I don't think I am "chiding" the teams so much as just pointing out that they should find a way to play more in better tourneys..

Same with Vegas, I have followed this tourney for 3 years. A history of not so great weather
( you would think they could build 2 or 3 fields not 100 miles apart and not at the base of mountains where it is always windy and cold..?)
But the important part... great teams. Always a good number of the best from California ,Nevada and other states at every age level.

Ironic that DT won 14U...great job BTW, but no DT 97 ?

I would think with that level of competition, every year, that this tourney would be a must for every team and would be planned as early as the beginning of the season...JMHO..

[THE MAD-DOG99]

April Fools ASA this weekend....

Good number of the tops teams participating...good luck everyone...!!!

[DD98DAD]

This is a great division with all the teams going neck and neck every Tourney...!!!


I did rank a little different as you can see with some ties. IMO , all the teams 6 through 10 are interchangable. This does make for some great softball. As far as some rankings, frankly, I will always give props to teams that play more even though another team might appear to be better overall talent wise. Some of these teams just don't play enough IMO.
All the love for the Tucson teams, but just like the Nor Cal..So Cal..story, need to see more of you in Phoenix.



1. AZ DYNASTY-PREVIOUS RANK #1 ( N/C )

Excellent head coach and good staff .Very good players all around..
Good pitching and solid infield. Big bats always there to score runs when needed.
Excellent versatile players that can play anywhere.
Good weekend in Vegas....
3-0 in pool play, 2-0 in bracket before losing to tourney winner. Great job Dynasty...!!!

2. TEAM ARIZONA 97 - PREVIOUS RANK #3 ( + 1 )

Another team that can play and easily be in the top spot.
Terrific coach. This team always finds a way to win no matter what...good solid players at all the primary positions. Solid #1 and excellent defensively.Recent new additions playing very well.
Good weekend in Vegas. 1-1-1 in pool play, won 1st game in bracket. Lost 2nd , 7-6.


3. CASA GRANDE HEAT -PREVIOUS RANK # 2 ( - 1 )

This team scores alot of runs every game played and has represented well at every tourney to date..Best pitching in 12U and big bats...solid all the way through...Very good coaches, kids (parents) travel to play for these guys.
Sorry Heat, another great tourney opportunity has passed you by.

4. AZ HOTSHOTS 97 -PREVIOUS RANK # 4 ( N/C )

Another team that shows a history of scoring runs and winning the close ones..Very good coaching . Solid players throughout the line up.Good 1-2 punch with pitchers. Very good infield with one of the best also doubling as a pitcher.
Ditto above, would have been nice to see these two in Vegas.

5. AZ ACES -PREVIOUS RANK # 5 ( N/C )

They have held their own with everyone so far this year..
This 97 team is definately for real. Playing great every time, solid at every position.
Just sorry I don't get to see more of them. By track record they could probably hold their own against the top dogs. Tucson teams need to come to Phoenix more.
Did not go to Vegas, but has still represented and played well having Fever and Saints # so far.

6. SCOTTSDALE FEVER 98- PREVIOUS RANK # 6 ( N/C )

Great 98 team and can play with the big boys.
Terrific coaching and great players. Big bats all around with solid pitching throughout and good catchers.Excellent # 1 and very good infield. Position wise..not a weakness to be found.
Good weekend, 3-0 in pool play.Won 1st bracket, lost 2nd 7-3.


6. LIL SAINTS - PREVIOUS RANK # 6 ( N/C )

Another 98 team that can hold their own.Good first year 12U with very good coaching and good players.Good pitching with solid catchers. Timely hitters with a couple of big bats. Always put the ball in play to make things happen.
1-1-1 in pool play, lost 1st bracket, won 2 in consolation.


7. AZ WILDFIRE-PREVIOUS RANK # 7 ( N/C )

This team has held its own in every tourney played. Solid group..
Showed what they are made of last weekend winning TCS tourney.
Would love to have seen them in Vegas.



7. TUCSON SCRAMBLERS-PREVIOUS RANK # 7 (N/C )

Scramblers appear to be back in business with their play in the Casa Grande event.
Probably better than their ranking , but need to see more games against the top contenders.
Looks like they played very well till the rain came. Glad they are going to Vegas to represent.
0-3 in pool play, lost 1st in bracket, 1-1 in consolation.

8. DESERT WOLVES 97-MABREY PREVIOUS RANK # 10 ( + 2 )

Very good coach. Hard working girls that play tough every game.
Decent pitching, scrappy team that plays till the end.
These girls play hard and come to win...Better and better each week.
IMO , still need 1 more pitcher to get them there....
Good weekend...1-2 in pool play, won 1st in bracket, lost 2nd.

9. DESERT THUNDER 97 - PREVIOUS RANK # 9 ( N/C )

Has represented well at prior events.Great organization.
Yet to see this team play this year. Not sure what's going on ?
Appear to be back in business with this weekends play. I am sure they are better than their ranking ?, yet have played in maybe 4 tourneys this year..? Bottom line, this team needs to play more and play the big boys...Should have done Vegas like 14's...


10. AZ OUTLAWS-PREVIOUS RANK # 11 ( + 1 )
This team has improved dramatically from their start. Good coaches that aren't afraid to play anyone and take their lumps if need be. Primarily a 98 team that deserves kudos for constantly battling when they can.
Good players...just need to keep working together and be more consistent with overall play.
0-3 in pool play, lost 1st bracket..1-1 in consolation.

11. AZ VIPERS -PREVIOUS RANK # 12 ( + 1 )

A team that has mostly played B but is now starting to sign up for the A tourneys. This team has improved greatly and plays alot which is respected. Another team that fights hard every game played and continues to get better each time out.
1-2 in pool play...lost 1st bracket..0-1 in consolation.

12. 98 SUNCATS- PREVIOUS RANK # 9 ( - 3)
Excellent team with terrific coaching.Scrappy team that finds ways to win.Excellent pitching and great defense, fundamental softball at it's finest. 2 great 98 pitchers that were the best last year.Rivals previously, now on the same team makes for a potent combo.
Appears the Suncats are back and ready for action.
Better than their ranking, but they don't play enough...

13. SHOCKWAVE-PREVIOUS RANK # 13 ( N/C )

Good overall team...mainly 97's with some good 98's in the mix. Play tough and with more time will improve.


14. 98 AZ. CATS - PREVIOUS RANK # 13 ( - 1 )

Another great 10U team from last year.Have faired well so far.
Holding their own against their Tucson neighbors, but not beating the Tucson elite.
Also a team that doesn't play anywhere the amount of games they should.


15. DESERT WOLVES THURSTON- PREVIOUS RANK # 15 ( N/C )

Like their namesake ..scrappy hard working team.Has hid in B for a long time.
Getting better each time out...time will tell.


15. ANTHEM EN FUEGO- PREVIOUS RANK # 15 ( N/C )

Good hard working team that is well coached. Girls play hard each and every game. Played very well this last weekend giving Fever 98 a run for its money. Lets see what the future holds for this team..?

I have been a lurker her on HB for a long time, finally decided should chip in my 2 cents. Rankings are little off IMO.
1. Dyansty, 2.Team AZ and 4. Hotshots are definitely top dogs. Anyone anytime when they play against each other
3. Casa Grande when is the last tournament they played in Phoenix. They are in a unique advantage for location and could easily travel to Phx and Tucson with out the cost of an overnight stay. Need to play more with the big dogs.
5. AZ Aces, have not seen them play. However feel the need for Tucson teams to show more when the stakes are high to improve there game if they are planning a nationals run in the summer.
6. 98 Fever always strong and are capable of knocking off the top dogs at anytime.
6. Lil Saints I think is overrated ranked this high. A lot of talk out of that camp but no real results to back it up. They have proved themselves as 1 and done on Sunday. Maybe should be a ranked 10 or 11.
7. Wildfire deserves a little more respect than this pole. Definitely above the second # 6 team.
8. 97 Desert Wolves -Mabrey. A team very close to breaking through and being able to run with the big dogs. Should be up there with Fever knocking on the door.
9. Desert Thunder again Tucson team, dont see them much.
10. Outlaws, Really top ten? no pitching, no defense, a few big bats. Again another 1 and done team on Sunday.
11. Vipers, really here also. B Tournys maybe, needs a lot of work to hang in A ball.
12. Suncats, always a joy to watch the little robots play ball. How long can a group of kids play in fear without losing it. Those girls wont be playing when they get into high school because the Russian/East German coaching staff will drive them away.
13. Shockwave, probably a good fit here.
13. AZ Cats, need to play more with the higher ranked teams. Good fit here though.
15. Desert Wolves Thurston. Ranked a little lower than expected. They own Vipers and the Outlaws. 50/50 with Shockwave. Pitching improving every game. Defense a little problem with giving up the big inning to take themselves out of contention, but another team that with a little more defense will be right there knocking on the door. Should be a little more respected.
15. Anthem En Fuego. not much to say here. Never seen play only results from tournys and that is very impressive.

[THE MAD-DOG99]

Great feedback DD and keep it coming....As far as the rankings, first of course, just an opinion...
But I do grade on a scale of...
Tourneys played...Tourneys A or B....overall record...head to head...caliber of team and players.....

Heat did recently play in Phoenix , losing to Dynasty 1 to 0...they are a great team, but I pretty much have made my feedback clear as to them playing more...but fact is also..none of the teams 6-15 could beat them...

I have said the same as to the Tucson teams..4 or 5 are playing this weekend in Tucson, but once again, just playing each other...so like a friendly....

Saints have played way more A tourneys against tougher competition...Outlaws and Vipers have improved since losses back in November...Wildfire ..very good team..just want to see more...

Thurston is a very good team, but frankly IMO has played much more B than A..all of their tourney wins coming against..not so good competition..

Thurston will definately get props this week for playing..while En Fuego..chooses to play in a B tourney against not so good teams...???
Not sure why they wouldn't play ASA....?

With that said, very excited to see DW-Thurston this weekend...obviously can make a statement for themselves...

So for the most part, we agree except for a few spots that ironically might change after this weekend...???

Thanks for contributing..tell others...parents and coaches...more feedback needed...!!!!!

[THE MAD-DOG99]

Good weekend of softball worthy of some updated rankings...todays tourney not over but I did see the games I wanted to and would expect a Dynasty final over Hotshots.

Frankly if there were some upsets in the final 4 not worthly of having an effect on the rankings of those top 4 teams...
Very happy to see DW-Thurston and they did play very well.
I hope they continue to play A for the rest of the season.

Outlaws and Saints played well, so IMO some of the assessments given about these 2 teams are off base..but once again...just opinions on what is seen...

Please keep the feedback coming , it is greatly appreciated. The posts about 97's getting bigger and stronger is showing and did shine through in this tourney...

Check out page 1 for new rankings and feel free as always to please comment...

Thx

[my97dd]

I watched allot of games Sunday and you did a good job on the updated rankings Mad-Dog99 for a while I thought your DD was on the Fever98 the way you ranked them well deserving at the beginning of the year but I can see that your DD is probably a '99 based on your screen name and you are noticing at this time of year the difference in size & quality of play from 2nd year '97 players compared to 1st year 98's. (there are always exceptions in size and size does not mean you are or will be a player that's where the experience and quality of play comes from being a 2nd year '97 over a 1st year '98 at this time in the year)

There are some very good '98 players and teams and the Saints who are part '97/'98 team has been playing very well this past month and well deserving of their #8 ranking (a #1 pitcher away from being a top 3 team) in my opinion they have jelled the two years together the best of any 12u team. I also noticed you have taken notice of Desert Wolves97 - Maybrey might be the best teaching coach in 12u which is starting to jell as a 2nd year team nicely. (a little more hitting and maybe a pitcher away to and watch out)

As for the Top 6 you are right on with 1 caveat the Casa Grande Heat haven't seen them play in a while do they still have a 12u team or did some players age out and they are having trouble finding replacements? - Top 3 best in 12u hard to beat at this time, 2nd year 97's showing what size and skill can do at this time of year after jelling as a team. AZ Hotshots they to are a #1 pitcher away from competing day in and day out with AZ Dynasty but if their bats are hot and AZ Dynasty pitching falters it could happen and would not surprise me. Team AZ always there and competitive and can top AZ Dynasty if they play their brand of softball. AZ Dynasty top 12u team this year with great coaching & most experienced pitching & bats which is showing more & more this time of year. (there aren't many '97 pitchers this year that are dominant like I saw last year in 12u, must of aged out but it sure seems Dynasty may have top '97 staff in 12u which will make the hard to beat the rest of the year)

Great job again Mad-Dog99 & keep it up!!!!

[az98]

I have heard of this site and finally decided to weigh in. I have to agree that dynasty and hotshots are two of the best teams in the division. IMO they should be playing more 14's to push them to get ready for the future. Casa Grande is always good and have respect for what they are doing down there.
I agree with the top four teams and have to disagree with the 6 through 12. One person had alot to say about some of the 98 teams and may need to check some facts. Last I saw the saints and outlaws beat fever 98. They also dogged the outlaws as not being worthy of being ranked when they have beaten the saints, fever, wildfire, dynasty, 97 wolves and suncats 98. You say they have no pitching and defense but they have been playing really well of late. The saints have been playing reallly well as of late also. In my opinion with the exception of the top four teams anyone can beat anyone on any given day. I think 97 wolves maybrey are deserving of a higher ranking they have been really playing well and have very good coaching.
Just a few things to throw out there.