What do you consider a 16u "A" level player..?

[jag1]

There's been alot of discussion on the boards lately about how many teams there are at 16u this year. I think it would be better for everyone if there were half the teams there are now. Honestly, there are very few teams that have solid "A" players 1-9. ..... I'm referring to solid kids that are fundamentally sound on both sides of the ball, have the competitive drive, are students of the game and have the desire to improve, are team-oriented with good attitudes(coachable), and want to play beyond high school........I thought we would see things start to seperate this year, but it looks like 14u all over, alot of good teams with very few REALLY good teams.! IMHO, too many teams and too many kids playing "A" ball that should be playing "B"...

[Stratos]

John - there are a lot of good 16u teams, that compete very well regionally. Take a look at the exposure results out of state. We do a fairly good job of putting our best foot forward. Not sure how many college softball games you have seen in person. But I would go watch a few, I think it will be an eye opener. Watch Purdue and then watch IUPUI (D1), watch an NAIA game, as well Depauw(D3). I know a regional travel team, fairly successful, but they routinly play the lower level colleges and beat them.

Not sure of your over all experience is with the upper age of travel. Sounds like you are first year 16u dad, but Indiana competes well.

[Joe]

Right on! Same w/ college too...let's just make it Arizona vs. UCLA every year. All the others are pretenders.

[jag1]

Didn't intend to be overly critical, but come on. If you can be truly objective, most teams are still rostering kids that are fillers......I'm just asking for some perspective on what some of you consider an "A" player, maybe my expectations are too high..

[Joe]

Didn't intend to be overly critical, but come on. If you can be truly objective, most teams are still rostering kids that are fillers......I'm just asking for some perspective on what some of you consider an "A" player, maybe my expectations are too high..

So at age 15 or 16, those "B" kids have no chance at getting better?

[jag1]

jag1 wrote:
Didn't intend to be overly critical, but come on. If you can be truly objective, most teams are still rostering kids that are fillers......I'm just asking for some perspective on what some of you consider an "A" player, maybe my expectations are too high..


So at age 15 or 16, those "B" kids have no chance at getting better?



Sure they can become all-americans, but until they posses the demonstrable fundamentals an "A" level player should have....stay in "B"..!

[Joe]

jag1 wrote:
Sure they can become all-americans, but until they posses the demonstrable fundamentals an "A" level player should have....stay in "B"..!

At 16U, if they don't have fundamental skills they should move to the drill team or band. Otherwise, put 'em all in A ball and let 'survival of the fittest' take its course.

[Stratos]

Didn't intend to be overly critical, but come on. If you can be truly objective, most teams are still rostering kids that are fillers......I'm just asking for some perspective on what some of you consider an "A" player, maybe my expectations are too high..

I just dont understand why you continue to downgrade Indiana Softball. I now I am new to this board, and probably dont the "senority" to make this comment. But after reading your posts, they do nothing but be critical of Gold, to many teams, 16u sucks, rating teams you have not played...etc. Is dd really that good?

We have one of Bucketboys old fillers when he coached. We have team full of them. To much upside.

Doesnt the Pride play NSA exclusively? NSA A state?

[jag1]

Stratos, I really don't appreciate you throwing my kids name out here on an open forum...this has nothing to do with her. (your post was catty and petty..!) You seem to know who I am, who are you..? Try staying on topic, I ask a simple question, how about a response to the thread instead of some assinine personal response. what the h#l$ do you care what I think anyway....?

[Stratos]

I am sorry I personally attacked you, that was not my intent.

To your orginal question. No, there are not too many A teams. As far as I am concerned, I would like to see more kids play.
BTW - John, you have written it in your posts, who you are and what team you are with.