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#1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Malicous Bystander on April 6, 2026, 11:15 pm

Big game tonight... Marist looks to be all of #1 in 4A after knocking off #3 StCE, 4-0.

Marist pitcher was dominant, and exposed the challenge for StCE - offense. StCE pitcher was good, but not good enough.

Maybe these teams see each other again, and StCE will have a revenge motivation.

But a loaded [private school] roster is tough to beat in [public school] HS season.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Yeppers! on April 7, 2026, 10:04 am, in reply to "#1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

STCE has 2 bats in the entire lineup. The pitching staff will need to stand on their head all season long.

I think STCE takes 4th place in DuKane.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Agreed on April 8, 2026, 6:40 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

Saw the game versus LWE and a similar result - couldn't put hits together.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Cheetahs on April 7, 2026, 10:55 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

Cheetah nation must be scrambling for excuses

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Poor putty catz on April 7, 2026, 12:21 pm, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

Ha!

But you can't compare travel to HS (or private to public).

A B-level travel team would win IHSA. Different worlds

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Laurence on April 7, 2026, 12:41 pm, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

St Laurence will take 4a

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by The Messenger on April 8, 2026, 9:09 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

I hope this is a joke, St. Laurence lost to LWC.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by @poor The Messenger on April 7, 2026, 12:36 pm, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

A B-Level team would NOT win IHSA.

NOT EVEN CLOSE.

B Level travel would maybe win a few games at the freshman level at best.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Grade inflation? on April 7, 2026, 5:48 pm, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

I'm not exactly sure what everyone considers to be a B level team...

Okay, at 18U you can safely presume Chill and Bandits are A. Probably IMG and Cheetahs too.

So what is a B level - a good NLL? Sparks? Denison?

If those are B level, most of them have 9 very solid defenders and at least 6 solid hitters.

I don't know of any HS teams - at least public - that have that "high of a floor". 5 strong hitters would be elite in HS.

In other words, I don't think it's impossible to think that a B wouldn't win IHSA, but no idea how everyone else classifies things.

(Those A teams would go undefeated!)

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by @grade inflation on April 8, 2026, 3:19 pm, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

You’re stupid. Obviously you haven’t a clue on classification

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Internet Police on April 13, 2026, 10:56 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

Whether they are correct or not, calling someone "stupid" is not acceptable. Grow up. Even though it is clearly VERY difficult for you, at least make an effort to be an adult....

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Class on April 9, 2026, 8:39 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

All these so called classifications are ridiculous. Nobody knows. B team call themselves A. A teams call them elite and elite is a pure money grab along with the A and B organizations lol
Just go and watch you kid play and enjoy. Goes by quick

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by @Grade on April 8, 2026, 8:56 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

NLL, Sparks, Denison, etc., are very much A-level teams. Look at the tournaments they compete in and their recruiting levels. Anyone sending kids to college is an A-level program.

Ironically, most of the parents I hear bitching about the low level of play in high school have players who aren't having success in high school.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Total grade inflation! on April 8, 2026, 9:01 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

Okay, so if NLL is an A club, what is Bandits/Chill?

I assume we all see those two as different levels, right?

So if you want your NLL types to be considered A, we need to create something above A for Bandits!

Or, let's just start at the top and move down... You'd have to put NLL and the like at a B!

This is nuts. Come on.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by @@Total on April 8, 2026, 10:16 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

If the Bandits are the top, why would they take someone totally undeserving/not offered a spot back after one year?

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by @Total on April 8, 2026, 9:46 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

The teams mentioned play A Level softball. The Bandits and Chill play at elite softball nationally.

The three mentioned play A Level regionally.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by grading on a curve on April 8, 2026, 11:38 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

we have some good 'ol boy club protections at play here so far in this conversation. your daughters are not sitting next to you (I hope) so you dont need to bend reality to support her confidence. this club includes Sparks and NLL. Sparks are the leg up, hands down, from recruiting, developing and competing. NLL has Jim's team, period. outside of the good 'ol boys are Dennison, Wisconsin Lightning, Peoria Sluggers, local Mojo franchises and Cheetahs. these are all B teams. occasionally this group has a team that transcends, Cheetah Connoly is the best example; they have competed over more than one year and place at national tournaments, hopefully coach can keep this going. Sparks do this here and there, Molito has had stong teams as have Wisc Lightning and Peoria Sluggers. IMG, Iowa Premier, Bandits and Chill compete at this high level consistently which makes them A teams of the region. don't confuse, we are going to California to mean you are an A team or at an A org. some don't have this vanity and have P4 commits, these include Cheetah Baer, Dennison McNulty and others. the ones pounding their chests from the good ol boy club, how many P4's do you have on your B teams?

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Thank you on April 9, 2026, 8:24 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

Excellent analysis.

Too many kids and parents led to believe that they are headed to some nationally significant weekend who don't have any idea how many more rungs there are up the ladder.

This doesn't mean that there isn't a place for everyone in the sport, and even in college - but don't let yourself be misled by orgs that because you've been to Huntington Beach that you're a national player.

Go look at Scenic City TOP 25 from fall or summer. Those are your A teams. Kids in that tourney will be playing on ESPN. Then compare who those teams play versus the scheduling from the Wasco Diamonds

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by You makey no sensey on April 8, 2026, 10:52 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

It seems like we're all making this harder than it needs to be because no one wants their feelings hurt. All we're asking here is whether travel teams would be able to compete in IHSA.

In Illinois, the best 18U clubs right now are Bandits, Chill and Cheetahs. Let's call them "A", even if it breaks some hearts.

Then, because there has to be a level below, and because the alphabet has worked in this order since the 16th Century, we'll call it "B". That level would include NLL, Sparks and Denison. Maybe others.

I think our Illinois A teams would win IHSA hands down. Not sure if they'd go undefeated, but I bet they'd go undefeated at least against public HSs.

I think our Illinois B teams would do quite well, winning most conferences and maybe contending for IHSA titles.

But please, let's all put on our big boy trousers and be able to speak truth there to A, B and - GOD FORBID - C.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by @Grade on April 8, 2026, 7:53 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

NO, NLL, Sparks, and Silverhawks are not B Level teams. These programs do a solid job getting their girls recruited, and play a challenging schedule.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Bill Conroy on April 8, 2026, 10:42 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

Not sure why I decided to post on this thread because everything mentioned is a matter of opinion. In my opinion, all the teams mentioned are A level teams. There are different levels of A level teams but most of the teams mentioned play IDT, PGF Nationals, Top Gun, Scenic City Top 25 and other top tournaments would qualify all those organizations as A teams. How success each team is and what level of college the players commit to would be a different rating within the A level teams.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Oh come on on April 8, 2026, 1:48 pm, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

Why is it so hard for us to "be real"?

"Different levels of A teams" is the same mindset as "everyone gets a ribbon".

Different levels BY DEFINITION means a difference. Why can't we just say that?

I'm truly not trying to "put down" anyone, but I'm just amazed that we can't just be honest with ourselves here.

It's very nice of some to play nice, but it's also so intellectually dishonest.

Everyone is perfect, just to varying degrees!

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Get real on April 9, 2026, 6:34 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

All those teams mentioned are A level teams. Not all A level teams are the best of the best. Like maybe professional teams. Based on your take the lower level professional team are "minor league"? What is the minor leagues?

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by burn it all down on April 9, 2026, 8:15 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

Think of how much time we spend on which program / HS is better... looking at rankings... watching the playoffs, etc

And yet we have people in this thread who think everyone is an A club. There are maybe three teams in the entire state of IL that are A teams - GA T25 level competitiveness.

Everyone else is just pretending, or in denial.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Hey Oh on April 8, 2026, 5:40 pm, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

I think the hangup is classifying good programs as
B Level. B Level teams play in Kankakee, Michigan City, and Midlothian. They do not go to Colorado, Kansas City, and Georgia to play softball.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by kryponite on April 9, 2026, 9:17 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

So, based on your rationale, the Nationals are an A org? Just cuz you travel, just cuz you pay, just cuz you are with the good-old-boys and they let your team in, does not mean you are at the competitive level of an A team. The poster asking about P4 coaches at the backstop is a lot closer to the definition than this "they do not go" BS.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by nationals? on April 9, 2026, 12:56 pm, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

Are the Nationals still around? that's a legit question btw.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by These are not the same on April 9, 2026, 8:11 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

Just going to those locations doesn't make you an A team.

CO - IDT is more competitive than Fireworks Power Pool, which is more competitive than Sparkler Power Pool, which is more competitive than Sparkler Open.

GA - There is the Scenic City T25, in summer and fall, which is more competitive than anything else in the state (or maybe country)

KC dynamics are the same. Huntington Beach dynamics are the same. Etcetra etcetera etcetera.

The comment about P4 coaches is correct. If you're not seeing multiple ACC/SEC/B1G coaches in your complexes, you're not an A club.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Ill bite on April 8, 2026, 3:52 pm, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

Ok. Ill play along. That would mean Iowa Premier, Chill, IMG, and most Bandits teams are B teams because they do not win Alliance or PGF Nationals.

See how dumb that sounds.

All the programs mentioned are competing nationally in top tournaments. Some better then others but they are all recognized as A teams and that is how they get into those tournaments. It sounds like you need to let your ego take a break. Your daughter is still super special if she plays for one of the programs you think are A level.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by @Oh Come One on April 8, 2026, 2:35 pm, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

Why is everyone hung up on classifying travel teams? Just say a good travel team would probably win IHSA. Classifications are pretty broad throughout travel sports; if you're competing in PGF or Alliance, you're probably an A team; otherwise, you're probably a B.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Measure against other golfers! on April 8, 2026, 4:55 pm, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

Why classify?

Because comparison is the thief of joy... and that's what it's all about!!

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by @@Oh on April 8, 2026, 2:52 pm, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

I, for one, am hung on up on this because it's absurd we can't BE REAL.

Because you "compete" in PGF or Alliance doesn't mean you're an A team. Organizers are always happy to take your check(s)!

There are many levels, pools, etc. within those sponsoring organizations every weekend... if you're not sitting at a field/complex with multiple P4 coach watching, you're not an A team!

Now, someone tell me that the B level teams we've mentioned in this thread have P4 coaches behind their backstops in the summer.

They don't.

Everyone gets a ribbon is such bull!

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by @@@Oh on April 9, 2026, 11:56 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

Zero fucks given on what they call the kids' team. My guess is you're new to either Bandits or Chill and it just enrages you that you have endure the perceived slight that other teams could be labeled as A. Get over it, worry more about losing to B teams or your daughter going 0-for on her A team in front of all those P4 coaches.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Bill Conroy on April 9, 2026, 8:57 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

@@Oh You're certainly entitled to your opinion but based on your opinion we only have 20 or so A teams at each age division nationally.

Those 20 have a realistic chance of winning PGF or Alliance nationals. I feel there are another 60 teams at each age that I would consider A level teams because of the quality of their schedule and
college placement. I feel there is elite A, mid A and low level A. Most of the teams playing NSA and USSSA are what I consider B and C level teams.

As I said, you're entitled to your opinion but so am I.

In my opinion, Marist and Carterville (2A) are the strongest teams in the state and I would consider both A level travel ball teams that would win as well as lose if they played an A level Summer schedule.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by IMHOh on April 9, 2026, 4:02 pm, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

I would agree with much of what you say here. I just take issue that we’re so loose with the grades.

Maybe it’s:

A1 - 20 teams that could win PGF/Alliance. Agree.

A2 - 60 teams that can be competitive in any of the big dog tournaments in their best pools. Agree.

But if those 80 are in the A category, the Denisons, Wascos, NLL, etc. are Bs at best - some certainly C. Those 80 would consistently run rule all but 3 or 4 teams in all of Illinois.

(This means we also have hundreds of Ds and Fs, in Illinois alone. Maybe thousands in the country.)

You could use this same logic in college. P4 is not all the same. The SEC as a conference is head and shoulders above the Big 12, and in a different stratosphere from a mid major. Kudos to any kid who plays in college, and congrats to any kid who plays P4 - but even in those ~60 P4 programs there are huge differences.

I take issue with people who think there are more than a few As in the entire Midwest. That only works if you do the mental gymnastics of saying, “Well, they’re A… but there are three levels above them too”. That’s nuts, and not honest.

It’s a big sport, with incredible talent. Those kids in that top A1 level are light years ahead of the winner of some LP4U tournament in CP. I just don’t think most get it.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by @IMHOh on April 10, 2026, 8:51 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

I think the single most important point for you to consider is why this actually matters to you. We're talking about the classification of teams on an obscure, lightly read message board. These classifications don't affect anything, literally nothing.

I think we can declare you the winner. Only teams that can compete for the national titles shall, from this point forward, refer to themselves, either privately or publicly, as an A team. Case closed.

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Gerald on April 10, 2026, 9:25 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

"Our long national nightmare is over."

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Bernie Sanders nephew's neighb on April 10, 2026, 2:00 pm, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

What if I rebrand my team from back to gold?

Can we be an A team then?

Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)

Posted by Sparky on April 9, 2026, 8:47 am, in reply to "Re: #1 vs #3 (Marist vs StCE)"

Very true about all these different levels in softball. All these sports are ridiculous. It’s getting like volleyball. Pretty soon there will be colors. Sparks 16u went 7-0 in Tennessee in the fall and they were playing in the lower level. So what does that make them? B? That team is stacked.

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