16U WWBA - Need Input

I think it depends on what your budget is and what your goals are. IMO, having gone at 14U and 15U and upcoming 16U, it's one of our favorite tournaments. Will there be lots of scouts at 16U? Probably not, at least not until the few final games because rising Juniors are still considered underclass rather than prospects right now.

Is this a really fun tournament, with lots of excitement, teams from all over the US, and well run? YES! You get to test your metal against talent you'd never otherwise get to see. I think it gives you a very good sense of where you stand among your peers as a player. Not a tournament with 20 teams, but one with well over 100 teams. Some are great, others are not so great, and it will all pan out.

If you are looking for college/pro exposure for your 16 year old, then ask yourself if the team he'll be traveling with is of National championship calibre (NorCal, East Cobb, TX D-Bats, etc.) If not, then you won't see a whole lot of scouts unless you are playing against these teams or end up in the finals. Wait a year. But if you are looking for great competition and an experience he won't forget, then it might be worth it.

*Note: we are having massive rainstorms, so I know the PG folks are pulling their hair out trying to play between the raindrops and find extra fields. Just luck of the season. A bit of water in the midst of our 3 year drought!

Being that we have been there 3 times now, I would tell you to stay home and use your money at college showcases that your son has interest in attending or even a PG showcase.

They promote that tons of scouts will be there and unless your son is a "Top Prospect" that they know about than there will not be many if at all scouts to see all the games. These fields are up to an hour away from the main East Cobb Complex, and that is usually where most of the scout will be. Especially if there are good teams playing.

The whole tounament should be moved to a better state with better weather. Way too many rainouts and cancellations and shortened games.

Sometimes you will drive up to an hour away to find out you are not playing because the field is under water. You still have to drive and go to the game because just because it's raining in one place, it doesn't mean its raining in another.

It's too expensive with traveling costs, hotels, and don't forget the 40.00 per person per week to see the games you already spent allot of money to get to.

Unless your kid is someone that is already on the radar and is with a great team that scouts "might" come to watch I would say your money is better spent elsewhere.

Hope this honest opinion helps.