Should I send my son to National MS All-Star Championship Tourney?

[LaxGranny]

I've sort-of asked this question in a previous post, but it didn't get answered and I need to email the coach with an answer today and send the check, so I'm going to ask for opinions again.

My son has been invited to play for the team going to the National U-15 All-Star Championship Tournament July 17-19 at the United Sports Training Center – Downingtown, PA.


From strictly a recruiting standpoint, is there any benefit to such early exposure?

[HVlaxa7]

if its not too much of a hassle you should go. this opportunity doesnt come often

[westlakelax17]

I'm not sure it would be a recruiting tournament just because he is in 8th grade. It would be a good experience because he can see some east coast ball even if it is just 8th grade ball. Most of the recruiting process starts in 11th or even 10th grade if you are really good. If your son wants to go, and it is not a burden for you, I would encourage him to go.

[LaxGranny]

Thanks everyone. We went ahead and took the plunge.

[truth]

Thanks everyone. We went ahead and took the plunge.

He will have a fun time that weekend and play against many other talented players. It will be a great experience at a well run tourny.

[spenny]

there is virtually no recruiting upside as a middleschooler, but hes going to have a great time, play against good competiton and see different styles of play.

hes going to love it and its going to be a great expericence

[corylax9]

west coast starz? if so its a waist

[CoUgArLAX18]

That was a really fun tournament and theres some pretty good competition there. I went last year with South Florida Selects at U-15 elite.

[TrapDoor]

west coast starz? if so its a waist

Why do you say that?


Anyways, from a recruiting standpoint, it probably won't get him any attention from coaches at this time, but things like that are always nice to add to your lacrosse résumé, eh? Either way, he's going to experience some quality lax and get a taste of what it's like out east. I'm sure he'll pick up some things from his teammates, and possibly his opponents, too.

[corylax9]

west coast starz is pure politics, if the head of your area talks to someone's dad then theyre pretty much on the team. if your good but your dad and the head of ur area team arent friends or companions, then you won't have a chance. and lax granny you dont have to tell people your son is a "big attackman" he'll prolly stop growing early if hes already big in 8th

[LaxGranny]

corylax9 I'll stop telling people how 'big' my son is, if you get that chip off your shoulder.

Granny

[LaxGranny]

Corylax9, I realize after-the-fact, that I might have come off a bit snyde in my remark. Sorry about that. I can certainly appreciate your comments about how difficult it might be to get noticed if you don't have people, parents, coaches in your corner.

That being said, we certainly didn't have any friendship with the head of the team that made the invite. But the head guy apparently did get to see my son in action, so maybe being 'good' can be good enough.

If you've got a parent that isn't liked for whatever reasons by coaches, then I can see how that might lower your chances, because if given a choice, most people prefer to work with those whom they both like and respect. But to say someone "doesn't have a chance" despite how good they are, just because their parent hasn't been talking them up with the decision makers, doesn't hold water, at least not without leaking.

At the end of the day, these coaches want to win. They don't want to get their heineys handed to them back East. They are promoting their program as one of the strongest in the US, so they'll select the best athletes they can find.

But, if you're not on their radar, then being merely ''as good as' another player they already know about and feel they can rely on, will probably not be enough to get you that spot.

There are only so many spots to fill, so they aren't going to look at every single possible candidate in 8 states and Canada before making their decisions.

They are going to focus their efforts on players that stand out and that they are aware of.

So, if you are an 'unknown,' then granted, I think you're correct that you'll have a harder time getting selected for West Coast Starz or any other invite-only team.

If you are merely 'as-good-as' the players they already have their eyes and minds on, why would they pick you, over these other kids who they have confidence in?

You've got to be "better" then these kids to standout. It may not seem fair, but life isn't fair.

Either become so great and be sure the coaches know it, so when it comes time next year, they won't be able to resist you, or prove to yourself it's all political by 'schmoozing' yourself onto the team.

Granny

[truth]

Granny, never argue with an idiot. They bring you down to their level, then beat you with experience.

[laxlerker]

Do you mean the Upper Atlantic Lacrosse Tournament? I can't find the one you're referring to.

[LaxGranny]

laxlerker,

I know what you mean. I couldn't find it either and the invitation didn't include any links.

Finally, I found it. It appears the national middle school all star championships are an add-on to the 2008 Evolution Games. It's happening at the same venue and on the same dates as the PA focused high school recruiting event.

2008 Evolution Games
http://www.lacrosseevolution.com/eve...entselected=86
Three-day showcase of Pennsylvania’s top high school talent will be held July 18-20th, 2008 at United Sports Training Center in Downingtown, PA.

While there is virtually no recruiting at the MS level, can't help but believe there might be some college recruiters noticing the standout players at the MS level that make it to the championships.

[AttackMan18]

Why do you say that?

Because his team is prob not good at all when they go back east.