Hypothetically; Lets fast forward a bit. One kid plays on 91 top team and the other plays on Recons top team. Now both of those kids enter the same showcase(s). Is it possible the kid from Recon may in fact receive more offers from top collegiate schools than the kid from 91 top team? I think it all depends on the schools needs and the individual. Take a peak at some D1 rosters, what's the average size (height/weight) of the smallest player, then do an overall average. Point being, I'm beginning to wonder if it's worth paying some of the outrageous tuition fees asked by some of the top clubs. Just a thought. [/quote]
The player from a top team has an advantage because he has been playing against better competition more consistently and for longer. That said, the next couple years are awkward because kids are maturing differently. By 10th grade almost all the kids are past this stage and, more or less, fully grown. For both individuals and teams there is more parity. There will always be the elite teams but the competition is much less one sided and enjoyable as a player and parent.[/quote]
I see your point, but the way you put it, your first sentence is neutralized once 10th grade rolls around, which was the point I was trying to make. I truly believe, as you said kids mature differently at different stages, so playing on a top team at this point, worth the outrageous prices some clubs are asking? Truthfully, it all boils down to the parents opinion and whats best for their family. [/quote] You are right but you definitely take a risk. The player needs to be self-motivated beyond the average player in order to maintain the intensity in the years leading up to 10th grade. [/quote]
The big difference I see between A and B teams is the speed of the game. At this point, everyone should be able to pass and catch at a reasonable %. I see the A teams just doing drills faster. Call it intensity, self motivation, whatever, but the increased speed of the game is emphasized as a top priority. Athletic talent will always find a way to be shown. Playing against better players makes you better. Why is this? Because they move faster in every aspect. A decently athletic kid can dominate a B team because he is faster, stronger whatever. These A team kids cannot rely only on athletic ability, they need the IQ and athletic ability. The B team coaches cannot always make a drill faster based on the kids on the team. There might be a couple studs, but no depth. B teams that win b tournaments usually are the teams that have been together for a while and play a well coached game. They don't rely on a couple studs to win, they play a true team game. There are definitely kids on b teams that could be on a teams. Maybe they want o play other sports, or the travel aspect does not work. Puberty is a expletive. The slightly undersized middie or attackman that is quick, is about to get smashed in middle school. Unless he is a D1 level player, he will not be the go to guy. Its the bigger kid that might not be as fast, but can survive the beatings that are to come...
