MolonLaxe wrote: ↑Sat Nov 04, 2023 9:42 am
McLax9777 wrote: ↑Sat Nov 04, 2023 7:09 am
cltlax wrote: ↑Fri Nov 03, 2023 3:34 pm
Seems like it's just making it that much easier for the coaches in each region to pad the Highlight team with players from their clubs.
If I read it correctly a certain number is picked ( invited ) by IL the rest by the region coach. I don’t really understand how this trumps a tryout other than for social media bragging. I would think the same kids will be on the same rosters as always. NB is going to slowly ruin this tournament, let’s see how long it is before they have multiple teams like AS. Would also be great if the coaches chosen for any of these divisions, boys or girls, didn’t have a kid on the same team.
The coach picking makes it more important to be the coach for the squad. If you look at some regional teams, you’ll see the connections with their players making rosters when they probably shouldn’t, which the coaches brag about for club recruitment.
The Highlight division was a huge drag this past summer and if you skipped tryouts, it was maybe a better use of your time. The only upside is AS doesn’t have a rising senior division, so it can be a last look if needed.
A few thoughts
1) All all-stars games are high political, especially in hotbeds. Saying one is more political than another is really just splitting hairs
2) The one thing I like about AA is that the person coaching the team is the same person picking the team. The problem in American select is by having D3 coaches involved, often coaches get players on their team that they don't like/wouldn't have picked. As a result, lots of girls end up not playing
3) I think high-level tourneys for committed girls is generally a very good thing. These girls, especially those who aren't in top HS programs, need more chances to play against great competition.
4) Its only a matter of time before YJ/STEPS creates their own event for committed players.