12u - Who accepted a berth to ASA Nationals?

[juandoe]

There is no doubt there will be very good competition at 12u ASA Nationals this year. But the big difference between this year and last, is that none of the top teams from California that have a good chance of winning it all at PGF or ASA will be making the the trip to Tennessee. Last year two of the top three 12u teams from California played both ASA and PGF. Many of the girls on the teams playing 12u PGF this year have been to Tennessee for 10u ASA Nationals. And next year with 12u ASA Nationals in Indiana, I doubt many of the top 2001 teams would want to spend that kind of money to go back there. On the other hand many of the top teams at the younger divisions (10,12) don't want to travel to California even for 12u ASA Nationals! So I doubt PGF will ever get those top 12u teams to come west. The last time 12u ASA Nationals was in California only 13 of the 64 teams were from states that border the mississippi and east of. The year after in Alabama, that number jumped to 31 of the 69. The year before in Indiana, 35 of the 75. Southern California has never hosted 12u ASA Nationals. Yet every 12u ASA Nationals Champion has resided in Southern California. So without the top So Cal teams this year. 12u ASA Nationals will not be the same. I think it is safe to say the 12u National Championship will be won in Irvine...Will this be the year ASA crowns a 12u Champion that is NOT from So Cal

[uncle]

If PGF is the future... I say stick to PGF Nationals. Better competition and the events this year is almost identical to ASA. Plus, Pool play games don't effect your seeding where ASA does. So my vote. PGF!

Championship Game Televised! ESPN 3
Now thats something to remember as a 12U

[bugs]

Why would you want to play Pool Play games that don't matter in 12u. Chance of injury, wasting pitchers arms, no college coaches, etc.. Makes no sense. At the older divisions of PGF it makes sense in that it is designed for the college coaches to know when the teams are playing so they can know where and when to see them much like a college showcase tournament. ASA does not do that which PGF has the advantage.

I am all for Pool Play games that mean something like ASA does at 12u. Every game means something which is what we play the game for. Ask the Travel parents that have been there done that, showcase games with no winner or loser can be pretty boring.

[Makina]

Maybe ASA could crown a West, East, South & North Champion and then hold a National Championship with 4 more invited teams in OKC!

[DropCurve]

Maybe ASA could crown a West, East, South & North Champion and then hold a National Championship with 4 more invited teams in OKC!

Where's the "thumbs-up" icon like on FB?