Monday, Thorpe, and AAU

#1 posting 4.24.2006

Today Thorpe looks at the AAU Scene

POINT PARADE
HAWAII
D2
Jodi Kamemoto, Hawaii Baptist 28 vs Kamehameha 47-49
Siutiti Takai, St. Francis 20 vs Hanalani 60-46
Yacine Meyer, Seabury Hall 20 vs St. Anthony 43-40

#1s
Iolani is still in the top spot despite losing to Kamehameha. Iolani is 17-1. Here is the top 10 as the Honolulu Star Bulletin sees it http://starbulletin.com/2006/04/24/sports/story04.html

THORPE ON A SOAP BOX

Kevin, I see that last week was AAU roster week.

I remember when AAU started and Minnesota had 1 or 2 teams. It served a good purpose . It was an opportunity to get the top level players exposure at the college level. As AAU grew there were more and more teams. Now there are mega teams at every age level .
Is there really that many top level players in the State? The original goal has changed. I see the time, money etc and can’t help wonder if that’s the best choice for most players. I still remember Division 1 colleges sending letters to some of my JV players or even players that were or might be cut. These kids were thrilled to hear from a Division 1 school. I know colleges are just playing the odds but what a disappointment for that kid that is thinking she is a college scholarship player and struggles to play at the high school level. It also makes it hard on the coach.

For a few, I think AAU serves a good purpose and kids can benefit. For the majority I think time and money might be put to better use. How about open gym?? How about some good skill camps? Open gym and skill camps are out and AAU is in. Why?? AAU will continue to attract kids at all levels because most parents think their kids are in that elite category and patiently wait for that call offering them a college scholarship. Unfortunately only a few ever get that call. I read somewhere about 1%.

Kevin you are a numbers man. How close is that ?

Pretty darn close.

Have a good week
Dave Thorpe

UPDATES ON MN ALL STARS
where are they headed?
Erica Cleveland, Menahga to UM Duluth
Kylea Seboe, Barnum to St. Benedict's
Abby Thom, Meadow Creek to Bethel
Chelsea Lundgren, Crosby-Ironton to Northland, WI
Jenna Tammel, Kingsland to Iowa Lakes
Tessa Gronli, Princeton to UW Stout

Next up: tomorrow afternoon