kcr4ray,
The loss of two key players to CESA last year after your team finished as a finalist at the U13 level is simply an example of what can happen when talented players want to compete at a higher level. Your team failed to achieve the objective of winning a State title and two of your players decided it was best for them personally to play with CESA Premier.
While situations like this are painful for everyone, there is always a silver lining in every cloud. I recommend you and your teammates get together to evaluate what each of you did right and did wrong this season. If you love the game as it sounds like you do then you'll likely decide you can each work harder individually to develop your personal skills away from the practices you have each week. Ask yourself how many times you and your teammates watched Premier level games to learn from better players and teams.
Become a leader or find a leader who can build a team of hard working committed players who are willing to essentially walk thru fire to win a game and you'll likely find yourself in a very competitive environment. If that environment doesn't inspire you and motivate you to be a better player everytime you lace up then you are in the wrong place.
Don't give up on the game and never give up on your dream. Anything worth having takes a huge level of commitment and sacrifice. Keep your chin up and always give it your very best shot.
