The 2008 USSSA Elite 24 World Series – Disney World, Florida:  This tournament has earned the reputation as being the Grand Finale event of the season.  The team that wins this event is generally recognized as the best team in the country.  This year, twelve of the teams that are competing in this event are ranked nationally by TravelBallSelect – including the #1 ranked Oklahome Elite along with the highly ranked Tomateros de California.  In addition, this event is loaded with a number of outstanding teams that will be on hand to compete for this coveted championship.   The winner will not only take home the trophy, but will also make a strong case for claiming the #1 ranking by TravelBallSelect.com.  In addition to the  twelve nationally ranked teams attending, there are a dozen other teams that are competing that can prove that they deserve to be ranked among the nations best - as this event is played to its conclusion.  Some of these teams are;

#1 ranked Oklahoma Elite (OK) – With three USSSA Super NITs under their belt, who can dispute this team’s willingness to play anyone, anywhere.  Their bid for a fourth title was stopped in the championship game of the Dallas Super NIT to the Dallas Patriots (4-3).  The loss was their second to the Patriots this season.  Though they have lost twice to TBS #6 Dallas Patriots, they have maintained an impressive out of region resume.

#5: Tomateros de California (CA) – The Tomateros have held rankings as high as #2.  They come with five impressive tournament wins after being the very 1st team to qualify for this year’s Elite 24 by winning the 2007 Thanksgiving Super NIT held in California.

#7: OC Black Sox (CA) - The Black Sox recently won the USSSA So. California State Championship going undefeated in this event.  Expect them to continue their winning ways leading up to the USSSA Elite 24.

#9: Most Feared (TX) – This team has been blazing in recent months.  They may now be Texas’ hottest club after going undefeated in the Governor’s Games Super NIT, with key wins against USSSA point leader and TBS Honorable Mentioned New Orleans Monarchs.  They also twice defeated the #11 ranked Texas Nationals Team.

#10: West Pines Nike Cobras (FL) – The Cobras are a household name with major success behind them.  They had a great pool play run in Cooperstown, going undefeated and finishing as the #6 overall seed heading to the bracket.  But in their first bracket game they played a hard fought extra inning game against TBS #12 East Cobb Astros and came up short.  Don’t knock their team strength; the Astros weren’t the run of the mill #27 seed.  Look for the Cobras to rebound and make a run for the Elite 24 championship.

#11: Texas Nationals Team (TX) – Getting hotter and hotter, Texas Nationals represented their home state well at the Governor’s Games in Louisiana losing only to eventual champ and TBS #9 Most Feared.  They followed that up in Cooperstown finishing in the final 8, with their only two losses at the hands of runner-up and TBS #8 Miami Playmakers.

#13: Central Florida Bobcats (FL) – The Bobcats continue to fine tune things playing up against 11U competition.  Look for them to gain ground in this event.

#17: American Avengers III (TX) – The Avengers had some disappointing losses in the Memorial Day USSSA NIT and the Governor’s Games in Louisiana.  But they rebounded impressively with an 11U Father’s Day tournament win.  They have had impressive wins against quality teams including the Texas Nationals, Rockhounds, and the Banditos Black.

#18: ARMOUR (CO) – A recent USSSA NIT tournament championship gives ARMOUR another piece of hardware as they prepare for the powerhouse field in this year’s Elite 24.

#19 Banditos Black (TX) – Banditos seems to be fading some, not having won a 10U event the entire season.  The run differential in their wins and losses shows they may need to strengthen their pitching as they prepare for their annual summer finale.  They recently won an 11U tournament going undefeated.  Winning while playing up is always a good sign of progress.     

#21: VYAA Bomberz (CA) – The Bomberz finished Cooperstown in the Sweet 16.  They were knocked out by TBS #11 Texas Nationals Team in a close one.  With great speed and strong pitching, the Bomberz will be a handful in the Elite 24;  One can look for an improved showing from this team.

#23: Mac-N-Seitz Indians (KS) – They’ve got some good wins and good losses, but will need to improve to avoid being ran out of Disney with a losing record.  A recent USSSA NIT tournament championship indicates their hard work is producing positive results.  A significant win in this event was against program partner Mac-N-Seitz Red Sox.   They will need to continue to improve in order to challenge the outstanding teams at Disney.

TravelBallSelect.com will be reviewing daily results of 10U play with flash reports and news updates throughout each day.  So, check back with us to get the latest news and results.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comments

Show/hide comment form