The bottom line when ranking this years’ 13U teams, is that the top four were so equal in talent that we had to look at how they fared in their last tournament, against each other, to make a decision on the national champion. The OC Hawks were 3-1, with wins against the Stingers (twice) and Team Anderson, losing only to the Rocket City Stingers in the double elimination bracket. The Rocket City Stingers went 2-2 in their match ups with top four teams, winning against the OC Hawks and Team Anderson, while losing twice to the eventual national champion Hawks. Team Anderson matched the Stingers record against top four teams, with two wins against the Banditos and two losses against the number one and number two ranked teams. The Banditos went 0-2 when playing against the top four TBS ranked teams, in this tournament. On any given weekend the order could change. These teams are very evenly matched, as you can see when you read more about the rankings.

1) O C Hawks (CA) – This team had a dominant performance at The Elite 24. Everyone agreed that the best team won, with wins over the Georgia Bandits (11), All American Sports Academy (18), Team Anderson (3), a shut out of the Rocket City Stingers (2) and a close win over the East Cobb Astros (5) in the  Semi-finals. The only two USSSA  losses of the season were to the Rocket City Stingers (2) and to Team Anderson 14u ranked 19 in TBS . Congratulations on a great season and a National Championship.

2) Rocket City Stingers (AL) – The Stingers ended up with a 30 and 2 record in their class. Handed the OC Hawks their one and only defeat at the Elite, which ironically is the only 13u team to beat the Stingers. The Stingers played almost half of their 13U major games against TBS ranked teams. With wins in the Elite 24 against Team Anderson (3), All American Sports Academy(18) and Texas Hurricanes, scoring 37 runs to 6 .  This team has been in the top 5 most of the year and rightfully so. Great job this year.

3) Team Anderson (CA) – Team Anderson made it to the  Finals at the Elite 24 with wins over the North Texas Thunder (9) , Hanover Heat (8)  and Banditos Black (4), which broke the Banditos 150 game plus winning streak. Coach Chatman has one of the most respected programs around and has the ability to get the most out of his kids at key times in games. Looking forward to following this team in 09.

4) Banditos Black (TX) – They won over 150 games in a row in their age group. They played 25 games in 14U major tournaments with a record of 17 wins and 8 loses, which may not sound that notable, but 6 of those loses came from TBS 14U ranked teams- Central Texas Raiders (3), Houston Heat (8), Bullet Baseball (15), Alabama Storm (21) and Honorable Mention teams, Texas Drillers and College Station Stalions. Half of these games were decided by one run. You can bet that coach Deleon will reload to take a run at that top spot in 09.

5) East Cobb Astros (GA) – This team really came together in Disney. We said pitching was going to be a problem for the Astros at the Elite and boy were we wrong. They only allowed more than three runs in one game (2nd game against MSA Black) and lost a heartbreaking 2-1 game against the OC Hawks in the semi-finals. This is yet another team in this age group that will compete strongly for the national championship next year.

6) Banditos Gold (TX) – This team peaked at the right time. That, coupled with a few teams having rough weeks in Disney, moves this team all the way to #6. Being on no ones radar at the beginning of 08, Robert Deleon made these boys believers and had them one game from the final four. Terrific job boys!

7) Ark-La-Tex Tornado! (TX) – This team turned a lot of heads when they tied the Banditos early on at Disney. Started 3-0-1 only to suffer back to back losses to #3 Team Anderson and to #6 Banditos Gold. No shame in that!

8) Hanover Heat (VA) – The biggest surprise at the Elite 24. This team was mentioned by no one when asked about contenders in Disney. Having watched this team play, I am sure that is exactly what they wanted, to fly low, under the radar. Lost a tough one run game to Team Anderson in the semi-finals or this team would have been playing for a national title. Magnificent end to a great season!

9) North Texas Thunder (TX) – This team burst on to the scene mid way through 08 and they never let up. Won four USSSA tournaments in 08 and finished up with a 9th place finish in Orlando.

10) MSA Black (MI) – Had a tough time in Disney but they shouldn’t let that take away from a good season. State champs and Michigan Super NIT champs. Coach Goff has put MSA Black on the map and has one of the top up and coming programs in the country.

11) Georgia Bandits (GA) – This team was mentioned as a contender in Disney. This team is definitely better than their 0-4 record at Disney and anyone who has seen them play, knows that. The Georgia state champs will look to improve over the winter and gear up for 09.

12) Texas Hurricanes (TX) – Ended the Banditos winning streak in Disney. Had four USSSA tournament wins in 08.

13) Indiana Prospects (IN) – Another surprise at the Elite 24. This Midwestern team got everyone attention with big wins over then #4 RBI Redwings and then #5 MSA Black. The addition of a couple key players will make this team tough in 09.

14) Texas Tornadoes (TX) – This team finished top 5 in eight USSSA events in 08, including one win at the 14U level. If this team adds a few pitchers in 09, they will be a force. They can already score with the best of them.

15) Atlanta Monarchs (GA) – One of only a handful of teams to qualify for the Elite three years in a row. No coach wants to see the Monarchs in their bracket. Bet you will see the Monarchs at the Elite for a fourth consecutive year in 09.

16) Coral Springs Diamonds (FL) – Finished USSSA season at 35-6. Finished top three in 8 of 10 events played, including five first place finishes.

17) RBI Redwings (PA) – Team finished 31-7 and won the Michigan Major Elite NIT back in June. Also won the North Carolina Super NIT.

18) All American Sports Academy (CA) – Finished 49-23 including a staggering 19-8 playing up in 14U events. Won 7 events in 08 of which 3 were 14U events. Nice season.

19) Mac N Seitz (KS) – Made the semi-finals in every event they played in this year, winning two of them. A tradition rich program that will surely put a good team on the field in 09.

20) Carolina Crushers (NC) – Won 10 events in 08 while going 58-18, with 9 of those losses coming at a higher age group. Would like to see this team play on a national level, think they would do well.

21) Chet Lemons Juice (FL) – Winners of the 13U AAU nationals in Virginia. Has a great program but we would like to see them cross paths with some of the nations other top teams.

22) Memphis Travelers (TN) – Won the NABF World Classic and the Elite Travel Classic, both great events. Will look to get back to the top of the rankings list in 09.

23) Beaver Valley Red (PA) – One of the top programs in the country that produces great teams year after year. A couple of good wins in Disney puts this team back in the top 25, where they belong.

24) OC Stars (CA) – Won the 13U Major West World Series which automatically gives them a Disney bid in 09.

25) Predators Orange (NC) – Won the 13U Major East World Series which automatically gives them a Disney bid in 09.

Honorable Mention 

Head First Gamers (CA)
Texas Stampede (TX)
Louisiana Tigers (LA)
Alabama Longhorns (AL)
Tides Black (CA)
Gameday Athletics (AL)
BLBA Black  (TX)
NC Cleveland Indians (NC)
Circle City Hooks (AL)
Bullet Baseball (LA)
Lakeview Pirates (MS)
Cal-Sting Outlaws (CA)

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