Lets quit comparing kids who don't have the talent to play with kids who do have the talent to play.
Two kids with talent, one has better skills, who is going to play?
And I have seen plenty of average talent kids in HS outplay kids who have better potential,talent. Their skill level and work ethic put them way past the talented kids. Who doesn't love the s c r a p p e r who has the dirtiest uniform? Now put that same type of kid, the dirty one, into a talented kids body. That is what you get with travel at a high level. Even the most talented kids have had to bust their hineys. They have the skills, motivation, talent from succeeding at a high level and they know how to play the game.
That is why you start early and get the best of travel. I just don't see any kids like that in Rec. I see them every tournament in travel.