14U June Rankings

Updated 6/11/08
                                
1.  East Cobb Astros (GA)- The Astros grab the top spot in the TBS rankings for the first time this season.  Following their script from their previous two 14U championship seasons, the Astros have and will spend the majority of the late Spring and Summer playing in 15U and 16U USSSA, CABA and Perfect Game events at East Cobb while still finding time to participate in major 14U events including the upcoming Battle in the South and Perfect Game WWBA National Championship.  The Astros have lost only two 14U games on the year (40 – 2) and have posted an impressive 18 wins in the last several weeks over 15U teams including two big wins over the TBS 15U #3-ranked Georgia Seminoles. 

2.  Houston Heat (TX)- The defending 13U Elite 24 National Champion Heat slip a spot to #2.  However, there is little doubt that the Heat will make a strong run at the Elite 24 title again in 2008. 

3.  HB Nitro Elite (CA)- Elite 24 participant - will also be competing against a strong field at the Battle in the South.  Several “insiders” in the 14U age group have informed TBS that they think the Elite could be the team to beat at Disney.

4.  NorCal Baseball (CA)- NorCal will be traveling to East Cobb to participate in the Perfect Game 14U Woodbat (WWBA) Nat’l. Championship Event and have also punched their ticket to Disney.  One of the Nation’s very top programs at multiple age groups, NorCal could also make a serious run at a National title in ’08.  Look for an East Cobb/NorCal matchup in the WWBA National Championship game.

5.  Team Alabama/Bases Loaded (AL)- Team Alabama moves up a spot with continued good play in recent weeks which has included splitting home games with the #1 ranked Astros.  TA will be “in the house” at the Battle in the South and at Disney.

6.  Team Anderson (CA)- Team Anderson moves up several spots after it has become clear the quality players this club will take to Disney after qualifying at the Michigan Super-NIT.  Many of Team Anderson’s players are playing on older teams for the majority of the 2008 season.

7.  Dallas Tigers (TX) – #’s 7, 8 and 9 in this poll is a toss-up between three teams that are posting solid records and playing quality opponents week end and out.  The Dallas Tigers claim the #7 spot after a strong season playing good teams from Texas and elsewhere week end and out.  The Tigers will also be a Disney participant.

8.  Bullet Baseball (LA) – Bullet Baseball makes a huge splash going from unranked to the current TBS #8 ranked team by virtue of a great season so far and a very impressive showing at the Louisiana Super NIT which included a big win over the Dallas Tigers.  BB has played in several Super NIT’s this year including Colorado and has proved that they are willing to go anywhere and play against anyone.

9.  Central Texas Raiders (TX) – The Raiders also move up several spots in the TBS rankings after posted quality wins of late over several good clubs.  The Raiders post-season intentions are unknown.

10.  Arizona Landsharks (AZ)- Not a lot of news from the Landsharks, but TBS believes that this is a very good team that will show well at the Elite 24.

11.  Team Demarini (TX) – Winners of the Oklahoma Super NIT –another strong Texas club looking to make waves on the National scene.

12.  Houston Banditos (TX)- Nobody seems to know what the deal is with the Banditos 14U team this year.  After three very good seasons the club lost some players, went out of their way to advertise that they “reloaded”, but have apparently decided to forgo any and all major 14U events this year.  The 14U Banditos are apparently playing in older tournaments this year but unfortunately very little is really known about this team.  

13.  Richmond Braves National (VA)- The Braves won the Charlotte Super NIT championship earlier this season and continue their good play.  It appears though that the Braves will pass on their bid to the Elite 24.

14.  Cyclones Baseball (FL) – Perhaps now the top 14U team now from the Sunshine State.  The Cyclones shook off an early loss to the South Florida Snappers in the Florida Super NIT, and eventually won the event to secure an Elite 24 berth.  Look for one or more players from other top Florida teams to join the Cyclones for the remainder of the season.  

15.  Tampa Cannons (FL)- The Cannons are done for the year due to demands of high school summer ball.  It is not known how the Cannons would have stacked up against the better National teams had they been able to complete their season together, but TBS still feels like a top-15 spot is appropriate for this club.

16.  5280 Baseball (CO)– Another Elite 24 participant, 5280 appears to be the top team in Colorado, and will also participate in the Battle in the South.  

17.  Columbus Sharks (OH)- The Sharks are off to a good start for the season and will be participating in the Battle in the South and the AAU National Championships in Sarasota, Florida.

18.  Virginia Diamonds (VA) – Another club on the rise from Virginia, the Diamonds roster includes several very good athletes who helped the Diamonds recently capture the Virginia Div. I AAU State Championship. 

19.  Alabama Storm (AL)- The Storm punched their ticket to the Elite 24 by capturing the TN Super NIT in early May but have struggled a little of late with somewhat disappointing showings at the Birmingham and Louisiana Super NIT’s.  

20.  Tie  Baltimore Buzz, Aberdeen Arsenal (MD)- Two Maryland teams that are reportedly very evenly matched recently slugged it out at the Northeast Super NIT where the Buzz came out on top.  The Arsenal recently won the Maryland AAU title over the Buzz.  This ranking probably won’t sit right with either of these teams in this rivalry, but there will be a lot more incentive the next time they meet. 

22.  Vegas Heat (NV)– Early season wins over NorCal, Starmaker and other good teams put the Heat on the TBS radar.   Little has been heard from the Heat since. 

23.  Homeplate Chilidogs (GA)– The Chilidogs are a top 14U team from the talent rich state of Georgia and are part of an up-and-coming, well-run program.  Earned an Elite-24 bid earlier in the year but will cut the season short because of football and school.

24.  Scottsdale Storm (AZ) – The Storm captured the West World Series last season to earn a berth to this year's Elite, but are not showing as registered by USSSA.  TBS is searching for more info on this club.

25.  Panteras de Toa Alta (PR) – The “Panthers” will represent Puerto Rico at the Elite 24 this year after winning the USSSA East Major World Series in 2007.  Not a lot is known about the club, but expect them to come to play at Disney.

Honorable Mention:  New Jersey Mariners (NJ), SEM Pirates (MI), Creeks Redwolves (FL), Diamond Club Cannons (AL),Memphis Tigers (TN), Louisiana Toros (LA), McKinney Marshals Black (TX), Blue Springs Classics (MO),  TPX Baseball (TX), Dulin Dodgers (AL), STTF Spikes (TX), Circle City Hooks (AL), South Florida Snappers (FL), Lamorinda Generals (CA), Carolina Tarheels (NC), Carolina Angels (NC), Tri-State Green Wave (NJ), South Oakland A’s (MI), Indiana Bulls (IN), California Yankees Black (CA), Beaver Valley Red (PA)
 

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