[5 Star Elite]

Good luck Hoop Dreams and Ky Elite Kings. Both very strong programs.

I join 5-Star-Elite in encouraging more to participate. It’s a tremendous experience for the kids. You have to qualify for entry, but if you really want to go you can find a tournament to get you qualified.

Before my son’s Charlotte Court team went to 7th grade nationals last year, I had an interesting talk with the coach of the Central Ky Warriors, who had been to these things several times. He said once kids this age went to nationals they’d play harder for the rest of their lives, that it would really open their eyes. The point being, the kids would no longer feel like they were as good as or better than all the other players they played against. Instead, they’d be surrounded by hundreds of kids who were all good and all played hard. No more being a big fish in a small pond.

He was right. It really helped the boys raise their games and play more aggressively. It really helped my son develop the intensity needed to transition to high school ball last season.

On the downside, for the 7th grade these things drag on forever with only one game a day for each team, and that makes them expensive, also makes it impossible for some coaches who can’t get nine days free. For us in Ky 7th grade is the most convenient time to go, it’s in Memphis. All the other grades go to more distant cities. High schoolers can get elite competition in other events, too, but for middle schoolers nationals is as good as it gets.

I agree 100%