Sweet 16 Huntersville, NC

Thanks Shutterbug, appreciate that. (the truth is, even a blind squirrel will find an acorn occassionaly...lol)

 

If the blind squirrel has the same success rate as you're having on the action shots....he'll be blind and FAT!!!!

Nice job!!!
ERMS

 

Cobras and Heat pics

Great match up! Great kids and parents on both sides. Cobras started two rising Freshmen. Pitcher/1B and Catcher. Congrats to both teams on a well played, competitive series. Best wishes in college ball Ashley!

 

Just a few observations from Huntersville:

Wow, what great pictures you guys are taking!

We thoroughly enjoyed the Sweet 16. I have always liked that venue and tournament. After going through the showcase rigors, it was a welcome change, but I have become a big showcase fan, and believe that kids need to get out there earlier and earlier. We are taking a rising sophomore to Rock Hill, and 2 rising juniors.

It's no secret that most of our team are rising seniors. All but one are 16-U eligible, so we could have easily played 16-U all year. There's nothing wrong with that at all, but rising juniors and seniors who desire to keep playing need to be at the 18-U showcases. Also, throwing from 43 vs. 40 is a huge difference, and those who have not done it will recognize that very quickly in Rock Hill.

As for the Cobras, they could easily compete on the showcase circuit. I was very impressed with all of them, but just to name a select few, Childers (pitching/hitting), Wilkerson (young pitcher - watch out folks!),and Morris (smooth shortstop). Oh, and can't forget the speedster, Loheri? Alexander will be a better high school team because they play together like this, and that's fantastic. It's just hard to pull that off in most cases. They have a special situation. Of course, the high schools whose kids choose not to play will continue to suffer in most cases.

I got my first look at Ms. Shue from the Mudslingers. I was impressed with her intensity and effort. She's one of those who will always have the dirtiest uniform after the game!

I was also impressed with the Carolina Extreme, and wanted to learn more about them, but didn't get the chance. Congratulations ladies, and keep up the good work.

Bottom line, start young, play the best competition possible, play up in age, take your licks, and keep on ticking. The rewards will come. Softball is a great sport, and North Carolina is on the map! Thanks to Cheeze for the kind words too.