In response to ROH requesting a NEXT LIST of girls who were barely left off the ALL-STATE squad, this proves a little too difficult to produce. Since I have taken part in All State meetings, I understand how much thought and deliberation go into whittling down a list of 50+ candidates to a mere 18, with a lot of strong players being left off. I think the hardest part is that there will never be a day when all players have been seen by all coaches present.
Due to the lack of visibility, it makes it hard to create a NEXT list, because there are a lot of deserving girls that I as a coach have not been able to watch play.
As the season winds down, I think it would be interesting to create a list of up and coming players, players to watch, etc. for the 2009 season, as this may shed some light on some quality ladies that perhaps flew under the radar in 2008.
Another idea that may be interesting could be the addition of a 1st and 2nd team All-State for the higher classifications (AAAA and AAA) and perhaps even 5-6 HONORABLE MENTION All-State Nominees at the A-AA levels. This would be something that Kevin and Kyle and other SCHSSCA Board members would have to look at, but I think all coaches, parents, and players would agree that the level of play has dramatically increased throughout South Carolina in the last five years, and thusly that there are FAR more talented players roaming the pitch than before!
I know larger states have 1st and 2nd team All-State Teams, and it may be something South Carolina chooses to move towards. I think any high school player, boy or girl, would be thrilled to make either tier of an All-State team as opposed to being left off altogether.
With the introduction of the Clash of the Carolinas, which allows even more seniors to be recognized, I believe SC is taking positive steps towards recognizing the improving level of play and I think they will continue to seek ways to reward student-athletes in the future.
