12U Bracketologist Ranking - Pre ASA Nationals Updated Poll

[bracketologist]

Wow – great weekend of softball!

Congratulations to the Punishers 98 for winning and SoCal Choppers Black for making the finals at MDC.

Punishers have earned an A Grade and at this time they’re a bit better tournament team than the “chosen two.” Great job by So Cal Choppers Black – really an outstanding effort to make the finals at two big 12U tourneys. Every time I watch this team I think – “Addition by subtraction” just an outstanding team effort ….. you never know who is going to get it done but someone always seems to step up.

I will get the new poll ballots together on Tuesday – so we can have a new poll before ASA State. Right now my initial thoughts are:

1. Punishers 98 – actual performance vs. perceived performance.
2. FC98 – MDC was your tournament to lose…
3. Victory 98 – Pressure will be 100% on them at state.
4. Team Rawlings – SOS and very consistent. When a top 20 team falls apart after State…. I see the missing pitcher for this team.
5. OC Batbusters 98 – Just believe some hitters will be available after State (i.e., of my top 5 hitters in 12U - only 1 is on a top 10 team).
6. So Cal Breakers Sieber – still have the talent – maybe feeling the 14u negative bounce.
7. USA Athletics 98 (Berouty) – still a little inconsistent.
8. SoCal Choppers 98 – Black (Fitzgerald) – a very consistent team.
9. Double Play 98 - TCS Mothers Day Champs. Based on their team's talent - I agree with their scheduling…. They play the best teams in friendlies and then go to tournaments they can win to build confidence and the expectation of winning!
10. Corona Angels 98 – while Fresno didn’t end as expected this team has to be feel disrespected to play their best. The Rex Ryan of So Cal Softball.

Where I really struggle is the next 10 (11 to 20). Any thoughts?

[Stu Pidasso]

Punishers definitely did a remarkable job at the MDC. Especially when you consider that their first game was at 8AM.

Probably the best game I saw was Punishers over Breakers 2-1 earlier in the day. Both teams played stellar defense with the Breakers leaving the bases loaded to end the game.

Wendy called the Breakers "1 and done". Yes, to the eventual tournament champion in a game that could've gone either way.

[TheCloser]

It's nice to see a new team on top.

I guess Punishers can feel the pressure of being the hunted instead of the hunter. It's a different mindset. FC 98 and Victory play with that pressure every weekend. I think between them they have 3 losses against 12u teams this year. Nats is double elimination.

No pressure on Victory, those girls expect to win every time out. I'm sure Mark "The Unabomber" Campbell will have something up his sleeve from hiding out in that cabin.

FC98, Sean "Beauty" Brashear has to recruit some more players, I mean moms.

[90630]

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[PapiBall]

So are Punishers and Team Rawlings ready to take the State crown?

[PapiBall]

Crickets, crickets

[WendyPeffercorn]

I'll be your huckleberry...Punishers or Rawlings??? Come on, everybody knows Victory is the hands down favorite and is their championship to lose. Although the Punishers had an impresive showing on Sunday at the MDC, what team will show up at States...the Saturday or Sunday team? And as far as Team Rawlings, just hope you get them late on Sunday when their ONE pitcher is out of gas.

I already hear the prayers of 45 teams hoping that Victory, Punishers, Rawlings, and OCBB draw each other and are in the same side of the bracket.

Not to disrespect the Angels(98), Breakers(Sieber), or Choppers(Black) but could they get through any three of the four listed above...in a row?

[CharlieHough]

I still like the thought of a bomber/beauty showdown.

In fact, photos were released to the press....

[TheCloser]

I'd like to see Berouty and the Beast.

[WHAT THE]

crazy.....................................................................