If the goal is to win at the HS school level then the formula is simple enough, on a very good team 6-8 seniors will play, 4-6 Juniors, 1-3 Sophomores and maybe 1-2 Freshman and that is it. The youth organization need to identify those kids early (no later then 5th grade) and develop those kids. The b and c teams are just a waste of time and resources, youth sports is not about fun and participation it is about creating a feeder program for the high school to be champions.
" identify kids no later than fifth-grade", That is ridiculous. Some kids fourth fifth and sixth grade still like playing other sports. Maybe they haven't even picked up a lacrosse stick yet. and some of your young stars will burn out. Let the kids compete. There are numerous college studs making impact in Division I who are late bloomers and did not pick up a lacrosse stick until much later. Let the kids compete. Stop trying controlling things for your kids. Just let the kids play let them compete let them earn their spots as they go through high school. You might be surprised by how good they become and how much better off the high school team is
