This is going to be a barn burner of a tourney. I can't wait to get there next month. Anyone else on HS going? Thoughts?

We will be there. Boys can't wait. I think it will be a great tournament. Great competition. I wouldn't count out anyone and would expect to see some great ball games.

It would be even better if it were held at one big complex just to see the talent that is coming!

We are in pool C

Pool E, dont know much about the West Coast Elite but can find something on the others. Most will be tough so it does not really matter what one may find out I suppose!!!

Texas, who is not coming? Norcal? It's a distance for sure but they were there last year and had that kid that was clocked at 91 mph.

Nope, NorCal is in. Got my tickets and am counting days!!

Texas Crude- Who is out in Pool C? NorCal is definitely in. Will be at the Perfect Game WWBA tourney previous to that and then driving up to Tennessee. Could be up to 16 games or so in 10 days for teams that are playing in both.

ncball,
Last year in the 14U tournament, the Oklahoma Elite were entered in the tournament (pool D, according to a document lurking on my laptop), but as I recall, they did not actually attend the tournament. Instead, a Tennessee team filled the spot in the pool. I believe that they were a late scratch from the point of view of the tournament director, but a parent of one of the Elite players told me later that they had voted against attending about one month beforehand.

At least that's how I remember it.

Our pool looks to be pretty tough but I do like the 5 pool games. It keeps teams from relying on 1-2 pitchers.

OK Elite did not attend last year because of a death - either a player or a coach...I cannot remember.

ncball, any word on our possible scrimmage on GA?

NC, hey whats that Dylan Davis been clocked at recently? Any idea?

We are in Pool B with two good teams from Florida. Our team has decided not to attend the Perfect Game tournament. To many football players can't miss that many days of summer workouts.

I heard he was going 85 in his dad's car the other day. Needless to say, his dad Pat was not happy!

On a serious note, we don't gun our kids. That said, Dylan is probably high 80's touching 90 right now. He's a great kid who is working hard on getting better. He will be with a team at the 16&U USA Nationals same time as the BITS but will join us at the Elite 24.

redbird- I need to find out if we will have enough guys getting there on time for Thursday. Would Friday morning work for you. I know I could get night games for both of us on the opening day (20th).

ncball,

Thursday night or Friday morning is OK with me. I would even be OK with just getting together for a simulated game and some BP.

I think pitching will be at a premium anyway.

Mikeau, who are you guys with now? I have to tell you, that Snappers team in your pool is my dark horse. Have you seen the pic of these kids (men), plus they have about 40 on their USSSA roster to pick and choose from.

Eric G.- You seem to be pretty in tune with this. Give me your top eight.

ncball, I would go something like this...it no particular order....

BL Bombers/TA (AL)
East Cobb
Tampa Cannons
5280
Indy Bulls
Alabama Storm
Team Anderson
Team DeMarini

Dark Horse: Snappers

ncball, how about your top 8 and we will see who is closest in the end.

Eric G- I'm pretty sure a couple of the top Team Anderson guys are missing (16&U USA). I like them- well coached. Do you know much about the Oklahoma Elite, Dulin's Dodgers, or Carolina BlueJays?

My top eight? Just guesses. I've coached the older groups since establishing our program back in 1992. The young groups are a little bit of a mystery. The guys I know tell me that the Cannons are good and I know both the Alabama teams you mentioned are very good. East Cobb should be the favorite. Team Mizuno in FL is supposed to be very good as is Demarini from Texas. The Columbus Sharks are supposed to be very good.