Everything will change for the WSYL next year. Almost no team will go with their regular roster. Completely separate WSYL try-outs. Clubs create WSYL-only teams just for this tourney. They use all of the Fall babies from their older team, which this year would mean their '23 team, and next year it will be the '24's. They'll also grab kids (again usually Fall babies, ie younger holdbacks) from teams that aren't going, if they think they can help them. This practice was started and perfected by the Express organization. Now, almost every team does this, to one degree or another. They are all pick-up teams, so they really aren't "teams" at all. As far as I know, there is only one '24 team that is not doing this, meaning they are playing with the same team all year long, from Fall through the summer and the WSYL, and that's 91 Wolfpack. But that is literally the only team doing this. Coincidentally, they are the favorite to win this year. So when you think of "teams" that are going to compete for the WSYL next year, they are not teams as you know them today. They are pickup teams.
Actually,the first year, 2020 teams, was won by Crush. They played together forever. Then Legacy exploited the age loophole and won with their kids ‘20-‘21 team. Express did the same the next year and won with their ‘21-‘22 team. Last year, most teams took older kids except for the Bandit, who one with their normal team. With that being said, their are no teams from ‘24 down that are close to as dominant as Crush or Bandits. If teams want a real shot at winning, they will need to bring in the fall birthdays. I don’t know of any LI club that holds separate tryouts, though. Not yet. They do that in NJ and PA.
From what I heard, Express had a separate tryout this year. And, since 91 is going with their regular team again this year, sounds like you give them no shot at winning it. Everyone I know, says they are the favorite this year.
Express did not have a separate tryout this year. They may next year though. I fully believe that that’s the direction it’s going. Clubs will somehow get parents to pay an extra $2k for a supplemental team in addition to the $4k they’re paying for the standard team. But they didn’t do it this year. And I don’t think WP will win if they don’t bring in ringers. They’re a very good team, but have never been as dominant as the other two mentioned. Legacy is known for bringing in game changers every year. I’m sure they will again. Look for the trend to continue next year with our guys. Express will absolutely stack their roster, as will Express North. Geese will be back in the fold and very likely another team will make a push this year. If 91 or any other want to even be competitive they will need to follow suit.
