Summer baseball opportunities in Cincinnati

93 red ls

93 red ls

Well-known member
Looks like there has been quite the shake up in what organizations are offering what sanctioning's in and around Cincinnati in 2025!

Looks like there will be little to no PBR events held at ACTION SPORTS or Kings Sports.
Both facilities have switched over to USSSA only.

Flames tournaments No Longer Scouted by PBR , now being scouted by prospect select.

The biggest (if the rumor is true)

Perfect Game will be hosting some events at Hero's sports park. Again this is a rumor I heard from a pretty good source. Supposed to be announced any day now
 
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93 red ls said:
Looks like there has been quite the shake up in what organizations are offering what sanctioning's in and around Cincinnati in 2025!

Looks like there will be little to no PBR events held at ACTION SPORTS or Kings Sports.
Both facilities have switched over to USSSA only.

Flames tournaments No Longer Scouted by PBR , now being scouted by prospect select.

The biggest (if the rumor is true)

Perfect Game will be hosting some events at Hero's sports park. Again this is a rumor I heard from a pretty good source. Supposed to be announced any day now
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Whoever Playing at Heroes better be careful. All the material and supplies they used Sat out in the elements for over 2 yrs before being installed/used or touched. How many Turf Fields will be there? USSSA Baseball in Ohio might be alright but USSSA as whole has become $$$ hungry show.
 
93 red ls said:
Looks like there has been quite the shake up in what organizations are offering what sanctioning's in and around Cincinnati in 2025!

Looks like there will be little to no PBR events held at ACTION SPORTS or Kings Sports.
Both facilities have switched over to USSSA only.

Flames tournaments No Longer Scouted by PBR , now being scouted by prospect select.

The biggest (if the rumor is true)

Perfect Game will be hosting some events at Hero's sports park. Again this is a rumor I heard from a pretty good source. Supposed to be announced any day now
Click to expand...
I wonder what is going on with PBR? They seem to have the best database (easiest to read). The organization I support really likes Prospect Select but they have gotten pricey too. Perfect Game has never gotten a foothold up here in Ohio but they are huge everywhere else. Hero's Park looks nice.
 
BASESWIMPARENT said:
I wonder what is going on with PBR? They seem to have the best database (easiest to read). The organization I support really likes Prospect Select but they have gotten pricey too. Perfect Game has never gotten a foothold up here in Ohio but they are huge everywhere else. Hero's Park looks nice.
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Hero's will be nice. I know they were hoping it was done sooner (like 2 years ago) but I think they ran into funding issues to get all the fields done.

PBR seems like they wont their "own" complex's. Like Lake point and all those types of facilities. I think there are Good opportunities or more opportunities here in SWO as there is a TON of baseball. Prospect select isn't bad IMO. We will be in a few of them this year. I would imagine its a $$ thing with PBR either that or they had a relationship here in Cincy w/someone that doesn't exist any longer. I know they are still slated for some indoor stuff at MSJ this winter.
 
93 red ls said:
Hero's will be nice. I know they were hoping it was done sooner (like 2 years ago) but I think they ran into funding issues to get all the fields done.

PBR seems like they wont their "own" complex's. Like Lake point and all those types of facilities. I think there are Good opportunities or more opportunities here in SWO as there is a TON of baseball. Prospect select isn't bad IMO. We will be in a few of them this year. I would imagine its a $$ thing with PBR either that or they had a relationship here in Cincy w/someone that doesn't exist any longer. I know they are still slated for some indoor stuff at MSJ this winter.
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Sinclair too. PBR just reports down in Lake Point. They are really not a sanctioning body with a database. More like a database that "scouts" at tournaments. Perfect Game's is not an easy database to access or understand. Prospect Select is a relative newcomer and I don't have any feel for their database. But don't kid yourself, if you are ball player that has visions of playing after high school and you are 16 or 17, you must get on a team that plays in Nashville and/or Atlanta for a week in the summer.
 
Thavoice said:
Same story, different author.

Kids and families just gettin bent over and fleeced by different organizations.
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Most accurate post that I have read today!

I have had teams that have played in Prospect Select events and it is the same as all of the others. There is always a claim that "scouts" are in attendance and they have reps there who post a thing or two on social media. They charge a good amount to be in the tournaments, then charge the same parents/grandparents a gate fee when entering the facility. One of the drawbacks of Prospect Select tournaments is that only the top team in each pool plays a championship game on Sunday. For example, the Flames tournaments divide you based on your pool play record and you are put into bracket play (Multiple bracket play tournaments Platinum, gold, silver, etc...)

I was fortunate enough to play multiple times on Sunday in Prospect Select events, but in my opinion, that is a drawback of how they set things up.

The bottom line using Thavoice's response, "same story, different author."
 
jdizzle said:
Most accurate post that I have read today!

I have had teams that have played in Prospect Select events and it is the same as all of the others. There is always a claim that "scouts" are in attendance and they have reps there who post a thing or two on social media. They charge a good amount to be in the tournaments, then charge the same parents/grandparents a gate fee when entering the facility. One of the drawbacks of Prospect Select tournaments is that only the top team in each pool plays a championship game on Sunday. For example, the Flames tournaments divide you based on your pool play record and you are put into bracket play (Multiple bracket play tournaments Platinum, gold, silver, etc...)

I was fortunate enough to play multiple times on Sunday in Prospect Select events, but in my opinion, that is a drawback of how they set things up.

The bottom line using Thavoice's response, "same story, different author."
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I love how some places that describe a scouted event...and it's just emailing box scores to coaches. Like they give a damn if Timmy went 2-3 in a pool play game...
 
Tournaments are so watered down now its just not worth it IMO. I dont see why the actual good teams dont just get together, rent a field for the weekend and play a 3 game set. Split field, umps, & baseballs and have money left over for lunch. I would rather play the same dudes for 3 games then play 3 pool games that half dont belong on the field and try to win a plastic ring...........

Arms would be healthier as no one is coming back on short rest to "win".
The summer is to get these guys ready for college baseball, well college baseball doesnt play 7 games in 4 day.
D1 is 3 game sets, why not get them ready for that?
 
Baseballfan20 said:
Tournaments are so watered down now its just not worth it IMO. I dont see why the actual good teams dont just get together, rent a field for the weekend and play a 3 game set. Split field, umps, & baseballs and have money left over for lunch. I would rather play the same dudes for 3 games then play 3 pool games that half dont belong on the field and try to win a plastic ring...........

Arms would be healthier as no one is coming back on short rest to "win".
The summer is to get these guys ready for college baseball, well college baseball doesnt play 7 games in 4 day.
D1 is 3 game sets, why not get them ready for that?
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I agree with you 100%, but I will answer...

Money, that's why it isn't done like that. Little Timmy can't be "showcased" in three games, he needs to travel to Nashville for 5 games. :stirthepot:
 
I think the promoting your athlete more falls on the kid and coach IMO. Social media is TOOOO easy these days to get yourself noticed.

Its funny b/c PG / PBR always takes "credit" for all these high level kids. they 10000% didn't help make that kid the player they are , BUT they are only the big name platform on Social Media to get their name exposed.

Our 1st 2 weeks of our summer schedule is all home games to get our lineup and pitching rotation set for the summer. We are hosting a 4 team RR at our place to kick off the season! I'd rather practice and play single/DH'er games than play in a tournament for a $3 ring.
We're lucky bc we have access to our own field all summer which is nice.
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Smarty2022 said:
Whoever Playing at Heroes better be careful. All the material and supplies they used Sat out in the elements for over 2 yrs before being installed/used or touched. How many Turf Fields will be there? USSSA Baseball in Ohio might be alright but USSSA as whole has become $$$ hungry show.
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I believe 6 fields total. 4 for 13U and lower and 2 that are 14U +
 
BASESWIMPARENT said:
Sinclair too. PBR just reports down in Lake Point. They are really not a sanctioning body with a database. More like a database that "scouts" at tournaments. Perfect Game's is not an easy database to access or understand. Prospect Select is a relative newcomer and I don't have any feel for their database. But don't kid yourself, if you are ball player that has visions of playing after high school and you are 16 or 17, you must get on a team that plays in Nashville and/or Atlanta for a week in the summer.
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Can you expand on the "But don't kid yourself, if you are ball player that has visions of playing after high school and you are 16 or 17, you must get on a team that plays in Nashville and/or Atlanta for a week in the summer." part?

Not sure what visions of playing after high school has to do with going to a tournament in Nashville or Atlanta. Aren't there lots of kids that play in college that don't go to those tournaments?
 
NothingButTheTruth said:
Can you expand on the "But don't kid yourself, if you are ball player that has visions of playing after high school and you are 16 or 17, you must get on a team that plays in Nashville and/or Atlanta for a week in the summer." part?

Not sure what visions of playing after high school has to do with going to a tournament in Nashville or Atlanta. Aren't there lots of kids that play in college that don't go to those tournaments?
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Sure. Being scouted by PBR or having a report made for you by Perfect Game is helpful (and in the era of Transfer Portals) really helpful in terms of being scouted by MLB or being recruited by a heavy hitter in D1 baseball. But in terms of catching an eye of a scout or coach, the Perfect Game Wood Bat World Series or the Music City National (I think that is what it is called) simply cannot be beat. The coaches and scouts are all over the place (you see them by their shirts in terms of schools). Very, very rarely have I seen a major D1 school scout at a local tournament. 15U is a stretch but 16u and 17u is an absolute must to go down to these tourneys and give yourself a chance to catch an eye. And these tourneys are just plain fun.
 
BASESWIMPARENT said:
Sure. Being scouted by PBR or having a report made for you by Perfect Game is helpful (and in the era of Transfer Portals) really helpful in terms of being scouted by MLB or being recruited by a heavy hitter in D1 baseball. But in terms of catching an eye of a scout or coach, the Perfect Game Wood Bat World Series or the Music City National (I think that is what it is called) simply cannot be beat. The coaches and scouts are all over the place (you see them by their shirts in terms of schools). Very, very rarely have I seen a major D1 school scout at a local tournament. 15U is a stretch but 16u and 17u is an absolute must to go down to these tourneys and give yourself a chance to catch an eye. And these tourneys are just plain fun.
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srry but ur wrong

flat out wrong

and no. dont defend these 2 turnys because ur son went to them and ur son plays in college now. i bet ur son would/could have gone to the school he is currently at without going to those 2 turnys
 
PG/PBR/Prospect Select /Pastime ect ect all of these events will ALWAYS have a following , they will ALWAYS fill up from teams across the region regardless of their location. Which is fine no one is holding a gun to anyone's head making them sign up for these events.

Our 16U team yes is playing in 1-2 of them (with a team of i would say 2-3 kids that have college ambitions) the MAIN reason we are entering is not for the "scouting exposure" but for the overall general competition these events bring.

I would venture to say our 16U team is playing more "regular" non tourney non league games than any other team in our area for 15U-18U. I think we have 10 scheduled right now. (2 of them being weekend double headers NOT playing tourneys) I just feel you get more out of these better teaching moments , better use of you pitching AND not wasting 2 vacation days and 2K dollars
 
93 red ls said:
PG/PBR/Prospect Select /Pastime ect ect all of these events will ALWAYS have a following , they will ALWAYS fill up from teams across the region regardless of their location. Which is fine no one is holding a gun to anyone's head making them sign up for these events.

Our 16U team yes is playing in 1-2 of them (with a team of i would say 2-3 kids that have college ambitions) the MAIN reason we are entering is not for the "scouting exposure" but for the overall general competition these events bring.

I would venture to say our 16U team is playing more "regular" non tourney non league games than any other team in our area for 15U-18U. I think we have 10 scheduled right now. (2 of them being weekend double headers NOT playing tourneys) I just feel you get more out of these better teaching moments , better use of you pitching AND not wasting 2 vacation days and 2K dollars
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Over the last few years, I have changed my mind about most tourneys and those situations that ask a team to play 5 games in 2 days. I like the round robin concept where you find 3 other teams and play 3 games in 2 days. Or 3 games in 3 days at a local well maintained high school field. These situations are more realistic, allow a regular size team to manage its pitching and should allow more participation. 2 or 3 highly competitive tourneys is enough. As far as recruiting goes (and I am now replying to the gentleman above you), local tourneys are not well attended by scouts of any sort and if you are playing in them for that reason, I think you would be disappointed. Now, as far as choosing a baseball program at the next level. I say go where you will play. And honestly, at D1 programs, freshmen don't play. For example, LSU has had two very highly rated freshman classes the last 2 years and most of these guys are gone because they did not play. I like JUCO's in Illinois, Florida and California for good freshmen but there are other good choices out there. The transfer portal has changed everything.
 
CometssFan88 said:
srry but ur wrong

flat out wrong

and no. dont defend these 2 turnys because ur son went to them and ur son plays in college now. i bet ur son would/could have gone to the school he is currently at without going to those 2 turnys
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I am not wrong. You just don't agree with me. Now if you have been to these type of tourneys and you had a bad experience that is one thing but if you have not been Atlanta, Nashville or Jupiter, I don't know what to tell you.
 
BASESWIMPARENT said:
I am not wrong. You just don't agree with me. Now if you have been to these type of tourneys and you had a bad experience that is one thing but if you have not been Atlanta, Nashville or Jupiter, I don't know what to tell you.
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im not disagreeing with the fact there are scouts there
im not disagreeing with the fact those scouts arent at the local pbr turny either
i am disagreeing with the fact that they are "must events" to get recruited

88% of the kids going to those turnys from OH arent going to the SEC, ACC, southern schools that recruit down there. theyre going to end up at colleges within 2-4 hours of OH.. or the d1/d2/d3 down the road. we could probably name the ohio boys that have gone SEC/ACC/South from ohio in less than 38 seconds

midwest prospect league at grandpark is just as good if not better than those also. music city classic IMO is no where near midwest prospect league level


BASESWIMPARENT said:
Over the last few years, I have changed my mind about most tourneys and those situations that ask a team to play 5 games in 2 days. I like the round robin concept where you find 3 other teams and play 3 games in 2 days. Or 3 games in 3 days at a local well maintained high school field. These situations are more realistic, allow a regular size team to manage its pitching and should allow more participation. 2 or 3 highly competitive tourneys is enough. As far as recruiting goes (and I am now replying to the gentleman above you), local tourneys are not well attended by scouts of any sort and if you are playing in them for that reason, I think you would be disappointed. Now, as far as choosing a baseball program at the next level. I say go where you will play. And honestly, at D1 programs, freshmen don't play. For example, LSU has had two very highly rated freshman classes the last 2 years and most of these guys are gone because they did not play. I like JUCO's in Illinois, Florida and California for good freshmen but there are other good choices out there. The transfer portal has changed everything.
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agreed
 
Yea we are opening up summer ball with a 2 day 3 games round robin at our park!

I don't want the kids to come off HS ball and straight into a 5 day event or the parents to have to burn up vacation days (or myself lol) right out of the gate! I had the luxury the past few years of having an EX major league guy (former Elder grad) that did all of our pitching and it ran like a glove. this will be my first year in a few running the pitching so I want to have a plan in place and although i have a really good idea, I want to find out who my "saturday" arms are and who my "sunday" arms are. I can assure you this , you wont watch our game changer and see kids 100+ pitches , throwing 100+ and going to play SS ect ect. Just not in it for those reasons or to hurt any of our kids arms.
We do it a tad different and have quite a few kids from the Taylor but I still have (Lakota East , Harrison , Elder , Oak Hills and Hamilton) represented on the team.
 
BASESWIMPARENT said:
Over the last few years, I have changed my mind about most tourneys and those situations that ask a team to play 5 games in 2 days. I like the round robin concept where you find 3 other teams and play 3 games in 2 days. Or 3 games in 3 days at a local well maintained high school field. These situations are more realistic, allow a regular size team to manage its pitching and should allow more participation. 2 or 3 highly competitive tourneys is enough. As far as recruiting goes (and I am now replying to the gentleman above you), local tourneys are not well attended by scouts of any sort and if you are playing in them for that reason, I think you would be disappointed. Now, as far as choosing a baseball program at the next level. I say go where you will play. And honestly, at D1 programs, freshmen don't play. For example, LSU has had two very highly rated freshman classes the last 2 years and most of these guys are gone because they did not play. I like JUCO's in Illinois, Florida and California for good freshmen but there are other good choices out there. The transfer portal has changed everything.
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In the world of the transfer portal as it sits now, I think you have to go somewhere you will play right away. There are too many examples of kids balling out anywhere in the country and getting picked up by better schools.

Now with the new roster limits of 34 I think this is going to change the landscape even more. Will schools have to enter the fall with 34? Can that roster change over the winter? So many questions that will effect the players involved. If you have spent any time on X over the past month you can see 5-10 decommitments everyday from HS players that most likely have been told by the school they now longer have room for them.
Lets not forget that just bc the NCAA says schools can have 34 scholarships doesnt mean they will be funded. I would guess very few schools in Ohio will be fully funded.

Very few get the opportunity to play college baseball, even fewer get the opportunity after that. For most that do get that chance, it should be a decision based on the school, major, then baseball. I know this is so hard to get across to players as I would of played ball for any school that would let me, but I got lucky and found places that I enjoyed.
 
Baseballfan20 said:
In the world of the transfer portal as it sits now, I think you have to go somewhere you will play right away. There are too many examples of kids balling out anywhere in the country and getting picked up by better schools.

Now with the new roster limits of 34 I think this is going to change the landscape even more. Will schools have to enter the fall with 34? Can that roster change over the winter? So many questions that will effect the players involved. If you have spent any time on X over the past month you can see 5-10 decommitments everyday from HS players that most likely have been told by the school they now longer have room for them.
Lets not forget that just bc the NCAA says schools can have 34 scholarships doesnt mean they will be funded. I would guess very few schools in Ohio will be fully funded.

Very few get the opportunity to play college baseball, even fewer get the opportunity after that. For most that do get that chance, it should be a decision based on the school, major, then baseball. I know this is so hard to get across to players as I would of played ball for any school that would let me, but I got lucky and found places that I enjoyed.
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My understanding it that is going to be a hard 34 from the 1st day of school regardless of whether they are funded or not. So, no more starting with 45 to 50 and sending 10 out the door and redshirting 5. And I don't see most schools funding 34 players. Personally, I would just like schools to fully fund their coaching staffs. In college baseball, every year is a discrete season. Everybody is re-recruited every year. Players have to perform or they will be asked to leave or scholly's will be pulled. Again, I recommend go where you know you know will get developed and trained and unless you are near draft ready as a high school senior, D1 baseball is probably not for you
 
CometssFan88 said:
im not disagreeing with the fact there are scouts there
im not disagreeing with the fact those scouts arent at the local pbr turny either
i am disagreeing with the fact that they are "must events" to get recruited

88% of the kids going to those turnys from OH arent going to the SEC, ACC, southern schools that recruit down there. theyre going to end up at colleges within 2-4 hours of OH.. or the d1/d2/d3 down the road. we could probably name the ohio boys that have gone SEC/ACC/South from ohio in less than 38 seconds

midwest prospect league at grandpark is just as good if not better than those also. music city classic IMO is no where near midwest prospect league level



agreed
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There are more local boys from SWO that have gone down south than you think and that Midwest Prospect League was not a thing 4 or 5 years ago so maybe that is something new. I have no experience with it. But I do believe that being seen by big time programs is important especially with the transfer portal being open season every year. But we will see moving forward. The sands are literally shifting under our feet right now. Anyway, this is my boy's last year of eligibility. I am hoping he has a successful and enjoyable season
 
BASESWIMPARENT said:
There are more local boys from SWO that have gone down south than you think and that Midwest Prospect League was not a thing 4 or 5 years ago so maybe that is something new. I have no experience with it. But I do believe that being seen by big time programs is important especially with the transfer portal being open season every year. But we will see moving forward. The sands are literally shifting under our feet right now. Anyway, this is my boy's last year of eligibility. I am hoping he has a successful and enjoyable season
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pretty exclusive event sir. almost been around for 20 years


https://play.bullpentournaments.com/events/midwest-prospect-league-westfield-kokomo-in-06-11-2024

The event was originally built in 2006 to create an event catered towards player exposure. The Midwest Prospect League is a round robin with no champion (there will be bracket play for 13u, 14u and 15u divisions). This weekend is built for players to showcase their talents in front of colleges. In 2022 & 2023, the event saw roughly 200 college schools/coaches, with numerous power 5 conferences in attendance.

* 13u-17u = Metal Bats

* This event is an Invite-Only. Invites will not be issued until the end of October. We will let all teams know by December 15, 2023 if you have been accepted.

BASESWIMPARENT said:
Anyway, this is my boy's last year of eligibility. I am hoping he has a successful and enjoyable season
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hope he has a great spring sir good stuff
 
CometssFan88 said:
pretty exclusive event sir. almost been around for 20 years


https://play.bullpentournaments.com/events/midwest-prospect-league-westfield-kokomo-in-06-11-2024

The event was originally built in 2006 to create an event catered towards player exposure. The Midwest Prospect League is a round robin with no champion (there will be bracket play for 13u, 14u and 15u divisions). This weekend is built for players to showcase their talents in front of colleges. In 2022 & 2023, the event saw roughly 200 college schools/coaches, with numerous power 5 conferences in attendance.

* 13u-17u = Metal Bats

* This event is an Invite-Only. Invites will not be issued until the end of October. We will let all teams know by December 15, 2023 if you have been accepted.



hope he has a great spring sir good stuff
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Thank you,

Have a good summer. Maybe we will cross paths. I follow what used to be the Miamisburg Canes around. I am friends with those guys.
 
93 red ls said:
Looks like there has been quite the shake up in what organizations are offering what sanctioning's in and around Cincinnati in 2025!

Looks like there will be little to no PBR events held at ACTION SPORTS or Kings Sports.
Both facilities have switched over to USSSA only.

Flames tournaments No Longer Scouted by PBR , now being scouted by prospect select.

The biggest (if the rumor is true)

Perfect Game will be hosting some events at Hero's sports park. Again this is a rumor I heard from a pretty good source. Supposed to be announced any day now
Click to expand...

I saw Flames tournaments imploding last year. Basil's head got super big and there were truly awful experiences for families at SEVERAL of their tournaments. Games were held up (with tournament organizers standing on the field) until ALL spectators were verified paid. Verbal abuse toward parents, kicking parents out, and threatening to call police...all to parents as they were entering the sites to pay. And for what? Barely a blurb on X about kids or games. They weren't "scouted", they paid kids pittance to take video and slap the PBR stamp on an X post. Half the time they weren't paying attention. Flames used to run good events with solid teams. The older you get, the worse they are.
 
BASESWIMPARENT said:
I wonder what is going on with PBR? They seem to have the best database (easiest to read). The organization I support really likes Prospect Select but they have gotten pricey too. Perfect Game has never gotten a foothold up here in Ohio but they are huge everywhere else. Hero's Park looks nice.
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With a kid who plays on a team at THE highest level in the city, you pay PBR for a ranking. The more events you pay for, they higher they will rank you. Trust me, we don't do PBR events, so we constantly see names on these lists of kids who have no business being there except that they "play the showcase game".
 
Bottom line: if you want to put your kid in the best position to play in HS and beyond, then find a school/team/coach that lobby for its players. Sure, you can play in every PBR, PG, etc event for 4 years and not get a sniff of interest if your coaches aren't reaching out to talent-appropriate schools. Congrats, you played in some of the biggest tournaments in the country and get nothing for it. Now, get a coach who is sending rosters, lineups, rotations and players to watch and you'll have dozens of scouts there to watch YOUR kid. That's the value of positioning your kid on the right team. Those events are important mostly because you aren't going to get scouts/coaches coming to a local round robin event to watch one or two kids when they can go to Lakepoint, East Cobb, Carey NC, etc and get a saturated talent pool of players to view. And that's where the coaches come in. Scouts are there, but it's up to your coach to direct them to the talent you're bringing. I've watched several kids get offers on the spot from schools at these events. That only happens if they've been appropriately informed BEFORE the event with communication from your coaching staff.
 
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