I go to Broughton High in Raleigh and by confrence I think we are one of the strongest with commits to Arkansas,UNC,NC State, App State, last year we had two Pro Prospects also.
What do you guys think is the best area around
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
There is no doubt that the strongest area in the state of NC for HS baseball is the Charlotte area. The numbers do not lie. There are far greater numbers of outstanding baseball programs and players that move on to the next level.
why is this? I agree, but think it is interesting that there are not any powerhouse travel teams that come out of the area. I realize the On-Deck Os are very strong, but are not nesesarily the best team in the state. I have played against one or two very very strong teams, but they usually split up after a year or so. It seems odd tat there aren't more teams, especially in the lower ranks (10-15U where legion and monopolies like the Dirtbags aren't around).
sorry. unfinsihed thought. it seems odd that there aren't more teams that can compete on a national level in the Charlotte area, especially in the 10-15U age groups.
The last three 4a state champions are from Greenville and would not be surprised if a team from Greenville wins the 4a and 3a this year. How could any other area even be considered?
Strongest area not strongest program right? Strongest program in the state is from Greenville its Rose. And yes Conley was outstanding last year winning it all. But if we are talking about the strongest area it is Charlotte.
I would have to agree with Coach May on this one. The Charlotte area from top to bottom has teh strongest baseball region wise in the state, followed by the Triangle and Piedmont-Triad regions. While there are very strong programs in other parts of the state, you have to say that as a region, the Charlotte area is the strongest year in and year out.
I also believe the Charlotte area is the strongest from top to bottom. As for not being powerhouse travel teams, part of the reason there isn't a single powerhouse team is the dilution of talent. You have the On Deck teams that are very good, but you also have the MegaStars teams and Copperheads teams. The Anglers teams also pull players from a portion of the greater Charlotte area. A few short years ago you also had the Express (later the Reds) out of Extra Innings. Then you have numerous individual teams that are good in their own right like Gary Robinson's Express, and the Panthers. Stand alone teams are extremely prevalent in the Charlotte area - particularly in the younger age groups. Pineville Legion is strong and also pulls off some South Charlotte players as they get older.
I live North of Charlotte so I can talk a little more about the Copperheads successes. One of their 15 yr. old teams went to the WWBA 15U Nationals in East Cobb a couple of years ago and finished 5th (maybe higher, if I remember correctly) getting knocked out by the eventual National Champ NorCal. I believe they also had an 18U team win the USSSA Nationals a few years ago. The Panthers have also done well at several National Events. I'm sure the O's and MegaStars have also had similar success with some of their teams.
I live North of Charlotte so I can talk a little more about the Copperheads successes. One of their 15 yr. old teams went to the WWBA 15U Nationals in East Cobb a couple of years ago and finished 5th (maybe higher, if I remember correctly) getting knocked out by the eventual National Champ NorCal. I believe they also had an 18U team win the USSSA Nationals a few years ago. The Panthers have also done well at several National Events. I'm sure the O's and MegaStars have also had similar success with some of their teams.
Alot of it has to do with the sheer number of kids that are playing in one area as opposed to another. If you have alot more kids playing you will have more kids with talent as a whole. There are outstanding players throughout our state from the coast to the mountains.
I'm just sitting back glowing at the nice comments about the Charlotte area players...and I tend to believe it's true, too. But it was not that way 5 years ago.
I don't think it is a coincidence that the quality and quantity of players in Charlotte mirror the rise of the On Deck program. Mike Shildt does not get near enough credit for helping to develop and showcase the cream of the crop...since their inception, many other very good programs have been developed.
The biggest difference between the On Deck program vs Impact is that they do not recruit players outside of a 50 mile radius of Charlotte.
I don't think it is a coincidence that the quality and quantity of players in Charlotte mirror the rise of the On Deck program. Mike Shildt does not get near enough credit for helping to develop and showcase the cream of the crop...since their inception, many other very good programs have been developed.
The biggest difference between the On Deck program vs Impact is that they do not recruit players outside of a 50 mile radius of Charlotte.
Braves,
I wasnt here 5 years ago - but Shildt started up a great program IMO.
The On-Deck program is impressive - and not just for what they do baseball wise. I feel blessed that my younger guy will be starting his 3rd year with these fine people.
And it was all possible because of the kindness of HighHardHeat and his son Tom.
Say hello to TJ for me please.
Regards - Paul
I wasnt here 5 years ago - but Shildt started up a great program IMO.
The On-Deck program is impressive - and not just for what they do baseball wise. I feel blessed that my younger guy will be starting his 3rd year with these fine people.
And it was all possible because of the kindness of HighHardHeat and his son Tom.
Say hello to TJ for me please.
Regards - Paul