The majority of HS teams on The Island are extremely weak. Maybe the team needs bodies.
The majority of HS coaches are also extremely weak. Maybe the coach simply has no clue.
Very few 8th grade girls are ready to play at the varsity level on a quality team. Is it a strong team?
Few if any 8th grade girls are ready to compete against the stronger teams.
That said, I agree with an earlier post that stated "it depends on what town you are from". Very unlikely that we are talking about a top program. If it is a weak program and the girls are strong athletes maybe it makes sense but it is still a bit of a stretch. Personally, I do not think it is a good idea. Does anyone really think it is smart to have 13-14 year olds hanging out with 18 year olds?
More than likely it is a combination of reasons. IMHO it is foolish.
7th and 8th grade girls should play middle school ball. If they are exceptional, then they should be brought up to JV. I have yet to see a middle school girl being brought up to Varsity do anything other than create a tense and divisive sideline. There may have been one somewhere that contributed on the field, but its the exception rather than the rule. A great 7th or 8th grader generally does not have the confidence, skill or physical attributes to compete on a varsity team. These are just my observations, and I'm sure all of you with superstar middle school girls will disagree.
