|
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 471
goal
|
OP
goal
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 471 |
With realignment set to occur in 2009-2010, it should be interesting to take a look a what teams benefit from classification jumps and region moves, and what teams may suffer in the long haul. I'll posit a few names, feel free to add thoughts from there: Benefits: In AAAA upperstate the list of teams who TRULY will face a much easier schedule in 2009 is pretty slim, and even the ones listed below may not reap much fruit from their labor. Gaffney - moves from the DEATHZONE that is region 2 into the slightly cozier, yet strengthened of late, Region 3. It seems the last time Gaffney was in region 3 they made a playoff appearance, but 2009 will see them struggle against power Ft. Mill, surging Clover, always competitive Northwestern, and 2nd year surprise, Nation Ford. Spring Valley - Inherits a Region IV that is nothing like it used to be, gone is Irmo, SA, Aiken, NA, and Lex. The road to the title of region champs should be easy, though Blythewood and Ridge View will definitely have a shot at making their presence felt. The 4th place team from this region will most likely be the weakest to make the AAAA playoffs in the upperstate, with the 4th spot in Region-I being only slightly stronger. No other AAAA Upper State schools look to benefit from the realignment, nor do any look to really suffer. AAA - Benefits Daniel inherits a much weaker Region I, with loss of Greenville and TR. Blue Ridge is handed the "Golden Chalice" per se, as only Riverside, the class of AAA programs, remains in their region, and a 2nd place finish could become a formality in 2009. AC Flora and Chapin also look to benefit from almost non-existent region foes, as the only battle in Region IV will be for 1st or 2nd. Who Doesn't Benefit??? In AAA Upper State, the dubious award clearly goes to Region II, chock full of potentially dangerous teams: Eastside, JL Mann, Greenville, Wade Hampton, and TR. Has a region ever had 5 ranked teams? Get ready for some battles in this one. Whoever wins the region crown will definitely be battled tested. In AAA Lower State, another cauldron of competitive teams bubbles up in Region V, with: Airport, South Aiken, BC, Dreher, and Swansea looking to become the Southern equivalent of Region II's potent status. Here again, 4 of these teams may be legitimate AAA State Title Contenders, and they're all in the same region!!! As entertaining and nervewracking as realignment can be, there are always teams that reap the benefits and those that are left wondering what if. This Westside coach for one, is happy to have been left exactly where he was in 2008! Well, except out of the playoffs that is... 
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,768
World Cup
|
|
World Cup
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,768 |
Riverside is actually a AAAA sized school playing in AAA. If not for their petition, so close BR!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,147
brace
|
|
brace
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,147 |
gaffney gets it worse on the travel and gas budget.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,659
world cup
|
|
world cup
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,659 |
Good preview/analysis Ryan.
In Region 4 4A next year, either South Pointe, Rock Hill or Lancaster should finish fourth and make the state playoffs.
None of those teams were able to advance to the state playoffs in the eight-team Region 3 4A this year.
Kids play sports because they find it fun. Eliminate the fun and soon you eliminate the kid.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,147
brace
|
|
brace
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,147 |
Quote:
Good preview/analysis Ryan.
In Region 4 4A next year, either South Pointe, Rock Hill or Lancaster should finish fourth and make the state playoffs.
None of those teams were able to advance to the state playoffs in the eight-team Region 3 4A this year.
i know rock hill is not that far from spring valley,blythwood and that area of columbia but where is ridge view?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,659
world cup
|
|
world cup
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,659 |
Ridge View is right there with the other two, in northeast Columbia.
Kids play sports because they find it fun. Eliminate the fun and soon you eliminate the kid.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 27
kick off
|
|
kick off
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 27 |
Region 4 AAAA is going to be a bear for the potential 4th place team and RHH, SPHS and LHS will spend some serious time beating up one another for that playoff spot. Should be interesting - and will probably come down to goalkeeping.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,147
brace
|
|
brace
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,147 |
about 30 min from rock hill high.that is closer then going to clover and getting your butt handed to you.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,659
world cup
|
|
world cup
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,659 |
The top teams in Region 3 4A benefit from addition by subtraction. Now in a six-team region, Fort Mill will lose two matches with Rock Hill and two matches with South Pointe (Lancaster and Gaffney wash). Instead of four matches against relatively weak region foes, the Lady Jackets can now add games against the likes of Charlotte Catholic, Weddington, Marvin Ridge and Ardrey Kell.....all of which are less than a half hour's drive away. 
Kids play sports because they find it fun. Eliminate the fun and soon you eliminate the kid.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 27
kick off
|
|
kick off
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 27 |
Moving from 3 4a to 4 4A is a definite disadvantage in cost. With gas estimated to be approximately $985098745084575948957908450970945.47 soon, there's going to be some transporation issues involved.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,147
brace
|
|
brace
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,147 |
i think we will see less non-conference games played or played closer to home.might see alot less scrimmages.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 277
corner kick
|
|
corner kick
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 277 |
Quote:
Daniel inherits a much weaker Region I, with loss of Greenville and TR.
That's an understatement!
One advantage though is it opens things up for more non-region matches against 4A schools in the area, Hopefully we can work with you, CJ, and Burris to set all that up next fall.
Hope to see all your girls at tryouts Monday.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 471
goal
|
|
OP
goal
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 471 |
It has been a few years since all four teams got to play each other. 2009 should be a strong year for each of them!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 471
goal
|
|
OP
goal
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 471 |
A few more thoughts on winners and losers due to the 2009-2010 realignment:
AAAA Lower State
The lower state will now boast two 5 team regions, VII and VIII, meaning that in each case teams like Berkeley, Goose Creek, Beaufort and Colleton County have a much better chance of reaching the playoffs than in years past, since only TWO REGION WINS may be enough to make the playoffs. WOW!
Region VI again registers as the overall weakest region in the state, with only West Florence capable of threatening a TOP 15 ranking.
AAA Lower State
OK, let's be realistic here. Other than Region V which is arguably the 1st or 2nd toughest region in the state by a MILE, the rest of the lower state is very, very spotty.
Basically, the other contenders consist of always strong Hilton Head, and perennial top 15 squads Myrtle and North Myrtle Beach. Region VI in AAA follows suit with its AAAA sister as the weakest region in the state. Think about it, do you think a 4th seeded Dreher is going to be scared traveling to Marlboro County, or Camden in the 1st round of the playoffs???
Teams to Watch....
The following three teams either moved up or down a classification, and it should be interesting to see how they handle the jump.
Moving UP!!!
West-Oak
The Lady Warriors are a virtual unknown entity outside of the upper corner of South Carolina, but coach Bobby Noriszan has turned this group of athletic young ladies into a consistently competitive squad at the AA levels, note their win over Southside Christian to advance to the 3rd round of the playoffs. Will AAA ball be as kind when West-Oak is forced to face a club heavy Daniel squad in the region, and the possibility of a Greenville/Columbia powerhouse in the 1st Round? Only time will tell, but look for them to be competitive in their first season up.
Blythewood
Next to Blue Ridge, the mostly highly publicized (or rather self discussed) team in the state over the past two years. But wins over Dreher last year, and the aforementioned DW Daniel this year in the playoffs, prove Tony King's girls have the grit to reach the elite 8 of the AAA ranks. 2009 will see them face Spring Valley and Ridge View in the region, with the prospect of earning a 3rd seed and traveling to either Mauldin or Spartanburg in the 1st round. Ouch! Welcome to AAAA Lady Bengals!!
Drop it DOWN a Notch...
South Aiken
The only team of note moving DOWN in classification. Coach young led his Lady T-Breds to a school record tying 17 wins in 2008, but the path to the top somehow doesn't get any easier in 2009. With Dreher, BC, Airport, and a newly strong Swansea waiting to cut their teeth on the Aiken girls, AAA could prove to be just as hostile as the very deep region 4-AAAA was. South Aiken moves from 4A Upper State to 3A Lower State and should make some noise in the seasons to come, with a highly talented JV squad and a pipeline to the ever successful Aiken Fireballs club team. If ever a coach has fielded a squad that will be up for the challenge, it will be Young, and it should set the AAA world on it's ear to have the state's most prolific poster moving down south!
Again, I'm all out of thoughts...
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 106
goal kick
|
|
goal kick
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 106 |
Are you trying to say that AAAA soccer is better? More difficult?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 72
throw in
|
|
throw in
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 72 |
Ryan i have no doubt that our LADY BENGALS can play with any team in that 3A has talented teams just like 4A it sounds to me like you cant give credit where credit is due. : /
Blythewood High School Boys Soccer
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,768
World Cup
|
|
World Cup
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,768 |
I don't think there is too much debate in whether 4A is more competitive than 3A. I'm not saying that there aren't some quality teams like Riverside, HH, BC, and Airport that could hang with or defeat some of the bid dogs in 4A. I think his point is not in the quality of 3A teams, but the depth of 3A. Don't be so sensitive and self conscience, many AAAA teams would love to trade the talent held by some of the AAA powers.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,768
World Cup
|
|
World Cup
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,768 |
And thanks be to RR for taking up such an interesting topic that all of us can participate in. I'm guilty of being classification specific, but this thread is a great bridge.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 72
throw in
|
|
throw in
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 72 |
Blythewood High School Boys Soccer
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 976
brace
|
|
brace
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 976 |
Greenville area gets really interesting. The current Region II - Riverside, Eastside, J.L. Mann, Wade Hampton, Blue Ridge, Union, Clinton, Greer really changes soccer wise next year with Chapman coming in and Eastside, J.L. Mann, and Wade Hampton moving out. [Sound - that is air slowly exhaling after 6 years] The power moves to the region with TR, Greenville, Eastside, Mann, Wade Hampton and I think Greenville. That will be one tough region.
Retired, Old, Happy, and off into the sunset
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 976
brace
|
|
brace
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 976 |
With gas prices where they are, does everyone think they will get pressure to stay close to home next year? We are starting to think this will happen.
Retired, Old, Happy, and off into the sunset
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,147
brace
|
|
brace
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,147 |
just saw on msnbc that they estimate gas prices hitting 7 dollars a gallon within the next 2 years. 124 dollars a barrel today and opec says there is no shotage.if no shortage then why does it keep going up.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 976
brace
|
|
brace
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 976 |
Quote:
With realignment set to occur in 2009-2010, it should be interesting to take a look a what teams benefit from classification jumps and region moves, and what teams may suffer in the long haul. I'll posit a few names, feel free to add thoughts from there:
Benefits:
In AAAA upperstate the list of teams who TRULY will face a much easier schedule in 2009 is pretty slim, and even the ones listed below may not reap much fruit from their labor.
Gaffney - moves from the DEATHZONE that is region 2 into the slightly cozier, yet strengthened of late, Region 3. It seems the last time Gaffney was in region 3 they made a playoff appearance, but 2009 will see them struggle against power Ft. Mill, surging Clover, always competitive Northwestern, and 2nd year surprise, Nation Ford.
Spring Valley - Inherits a Region IV that is nothing like it used to be, gone is Irmo, SA, Aiken, NA, and Lex. The road to the title of region champs should be easy, though Blythewood and Ridge View will definitely have a shot at making their presence felt. The 4th place team from this region will most likely be the weakest to make the AAAA playoffs in the upperstate, with the 4th spot in Region-I being only slightly stronger.
No other AAAA Upper State schools look to benefit from the realignment, nor do any look to really suffer.
AAA - Benefits
Daniel inherits a much weaker Region I, with loss of Greenville and TR.
Blue Ridge is handed the "Golden Chalice" per se, as only Riverside, the class of AAA programs, remains in their region, and a 2nd place finish could become a formality in 2009.
AC Flora and Chapin also look to benefit from almost non-existent region foes, as the only battle in Region IV will be for 1st or 2nd.
Who Doesn't Benefit???
In AAA Upper State, the dubious award clearly goes to Region II, chock full of potentially dangerous teams: Eastside, JL Mann, Greenville, Wade Hampton, and TR. Has a region ever had 5 ranked teams? Get ready for some battles in this one. Whoever wins the region crown will definitely be battled tested.
In AAA Lower State, another cauldron of competitive teams bubbles up in Region V, with: Airport, South Aiken, BC, Dreher, and Swansea looking to become the Southern equivalent of Region II's potent status. Here again, 4 of these teams may be legitimate AAA State Title Contenders, and they're all in the same region!!!
As entertaining and nervewracking as realignment can be, there are always teams that reap the benefits and those that are left wondering what if. This Westside coach for one, is happy to have been left exactly where he was in 2008! Well, except out of the playoffs that is...
5 ranked teams? Yes - this year, our region (the current region II): Riverside, Eastside, J.L. Mann, Wade Hampton, Blue Ridge. Actually, Blue Ridge beat TR in a scrimmage, and Riverside beat Greenville, so you could say that Region II will be weaker next year with the two new in and the two old out.
"Golden Chalice" - is that what Riverside beat us over the head with the last few years? Actually, as an English major, I know what a chalice is. 2nd is in reach and we are going to hope for better.
Last edited by Retired, Old, and Happy; 05/09/08 02:25 AM.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 976
brace
|
|
brace
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 976 |
Quote:
just saw on msnbc that they estimate gas prices hitting 7 dollars a gallon within the next 2 years. 124 dollars a barrel today and opec says there is no shotage.if no shortage then why does it keep going up.
Profit, of course! 
Retired, Old, Happy, and off into the sunset
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 976
brace
|
|
brace
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 976 |
South Aiken may not be very well liked moving into that region. I expect them to contend.
Retired, Old, Happy, and off into the sunset
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 14
bench
|
|
bench
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 14 |
gas prices rise because value of a US Dollar is weak..
|
|
|
|
