now that tryouts are completed.....How many 7th & 8th graders made their town Varsity teams?
I know of a few. Some were sought after by JV/varsity coaches and will get a good amount of playing time and will definitely contribute, don't know if they will be "difference makers" or not but certainly won't hurt the teams they are playing for. All the schools are smaller and not the "top" team. Then you have some players whose parents requested they be given the test and went to coach/AD. My guess is they made it to just make their annoying parents go away. Hope the parents of these kids realize this is not longer youth or club. There is no guarantee of playing time and certainly not equal playing time. Only time will tell if these kids will contribute to the game or to keeping the bench warm.
I certainly see your point dismissing youth lacrosse, but certainly don't dismiss the club lacrosse if they are playing top team on top club. The 8th grade top club teams would crush many/most varsity teams.
I think you are off with your assessment on how well 8th graders at club level would do. Most 8th graders cannot physically compete at that level. Sorry but have girls that play at both age groups (8th and 12th grade) 8th grader is a top player on top club. Can't compare w varsity girls. Varsity play is too physical...
If your 8th grader can't compete with varsity players than she is not a top player on a top team.
It is very simple, The best teams bring up and play the best players.
I would bet that if you were to look at all of the top teams on the Island you would find that they bring up and play "the best" players. Some will have 8th graders playing.
The best coaches will identify the best players. If a coach can't identify the best players the team will not be competitive with the best teams. They will win some games against weak teams but they will not compete with the best.
Athletics should help to teach our children many things. Teaching children that they are "entitled" to something is a lesson they should not learn.
The best players should be on the team and they should play.
Show me a team that cares more about a players seniority than their skill, athleticism and commitment and I will show you a team that is noncompetitive and dysfunctional.
