Same thing with Coach Chass's comments about players that helped on his team. I had some girls at Westside who did not play club and were athletic, stepped it up, had heart, etc., but then neither Berkeley nor Westside were dominant, highly ranked programs with a realistic shot of making it to the state championship.
No amount of heart and determination from any group of girls that does not have a few years of competitive club experience under their belts is going to beat a TL Hanna or a Wando.
Berkeley High is ranked 101 on the 2007 poverty index and Westside is ranked 105. Out of 48 AAAA schools, there are 35 and 37 respectively that have a wealthier mix of kids than these two schools. Spartanburg is ranked 1 lower than Westside in the AAAA poverty index and they find a way to be a top 10 school every year. It may take more creative methods to get kids into club, or to sell them on the idea, but I think athletic, CLUB players, at our schools will be what ultimately closes the gap.
