The Ray Seymour Invitational’s 14U division is set to showcase elite talent, fierce competition, and high-level softball. With teams from all over the country vying for supremacy, it’s clear that this year’s tournament will be one to watch. This division will be stacked with premier programs that have earned national recognition, making for some exciting matchups and plenty of storylines to follow.
Here’s a breakdown of each team by pool and what you can expect from these rising stars.
Please note all team records mentioned are current as of October 14, 2024.
Pool A: Stacked with Pitching Powerhouses and Potent Offenses
Pool A brings together a mix of top-tier talent with a proven ability to win. This group is headlined by teams that know how to close out tight games, especially with dominant pitching staffs. Here’s a look at the teams to watch.
Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2028 Brashears
This is their first tournament of the fall, but don’t let that fool you—they’re far from rusty. After an impressive 26-8-1 run this past summer, the Thunderbolts finished the season with 11 straight wins. Their pitching was rock-solid during that streak, and they’ll be the team to beat in Pool A. Expect their well-rested arms to make a statement right out of the gate.
EC Bullets Ellis/Cornett
Riding a perfect 9-0 record so far this fall, the EC Bullets have outscored opponents 48-9, showing their balance between strong pitching and timely hitting. With a relentless lineup and a pitching staff that has dominated early, they should challenge the Thunderbolts for the top spot in the pool. If their early-season form continues, they could easily find themselves contending for a deep run.
Tampa Mustangs Bedenbaugh 14U
The Mustangs have opened the season with a solid 4-1 record. This tournament will be a great measuring stick for them, as they face some of the toughest teams in the region. With a reliable pitching staff, they’ll look to make a statement by hanging tough with the top teams in the pool. Don’t sleep on the Mustangs; they have the potential to surprise.
Fury Platinum X Higdon/Huckabay
At 4-2 so far, Fury Platinum X comes in hot, winning their last three games. Their strength lies in their offense, with six players currently batting over .400. However, in a tough pool like this one, pitching will need to step up. If their arms can keep pace with their bats, Fury Platinum X could make a lot of noise in Pool A.
Indiana Magic Gold 14U Langlois
With a 6-4 record this fall, Indiana Magic Gold is another team that has been tested early. They play a tough schedule and will face stiff competition in Pool A, but their pitching has shown flashes of brilliance. If their bats can find the explosiveness they’re known for, they could prove to be a dark horse in the group.
Starz Gold Bunn 14U
Sitting at 7-3, Starz Gold has shown they can score in bunches. This makes them dangerous no matter who they face. Playing a solid schedule has toughened them up, and they’ve shown they can hang with anyone. Expect them to be a formidable opponent, especially if their offense is firing on all cylinders.
Pool B: Battle-Tested Teams and High-Flying Offenses
Pool B is full of teams that have already proven themselves this season, and they’ll be eager to carry that momentum into the RSI. With offensive firepower across the board, this pool could turn into a slugfest.
Florida Gold 29/30 (Weston)
With an 8-4 record, Florida Gold is a solid, battle-tested team. They’re aggressive, particularly on offense, where they’ve shown the ability to manufacture runs. Keep an eye on them as a team that can potentially run the table if they get hot at the plate.
Tampa Mustangs Szabo
The Mustangs come into the tournament with a 6-7-1 record, which might not look impressive on the surface. But considering the tough early schedule they’ve faced, they could be primed for a breakout performance. Their offense has been steady, and with some strong bats in the lineup, don’t count them out.
Impact Caymol National – Bozeman
This will be Impact Caymol’s first event of the fall, but the organization’s reputation speaks for itself. They’ll bring a strong, well-rounded squad that is always competitive. They may fly under the radar early, but don’t be surprised if they make a deep run.
Carolina Elite SC National RWZ/Drotar
At 9-4, Carolina Elite has been tearing it up this season, averaging nearly 7 runs per game. They’ve won seven of their last eight and seem to be hitting their stride. If they can keep up their offensive output, they’ll be tough in Pool B.
SFL Intensity KOD/LALA
With a 5-3-1 record, SFL Intensity has shown flashes of excellence this season. Their aggressive style of play, particularly their ability to manufacture runs, makes them a dangerous team. If they can get their pitching to hold up, they could make a serious push.
Unity 14U 2028 Attard/Hagen
Unity has had a strong start to the season, going 5-1-1. Their pitching has been the backbone of their success, but they’ve also shown the ability to put up runs when needed. They’ll be a tough team to beat if they can maintain their balance between strong arms and productive bats.
Fury Platinum X Helton/Carr
Off to a 3-2 start, Fury Platinum X has done well offensively, but they’ll need more from their pitching staff to make a splash in this tournament. If their pitchers can step up, this is a team with enough talent to contend for the top spot in Pool B.
Santa Fe Inferno Humphrey 14U
With a blistering 13-1 start to the season, Santa Fe Inferno has all the tools to dominate this pool. Their pitching has been dominant, and their offense has been relentless. They’re the favorites in Pool B and will be tough to beat if they keep playing at this level.
Pool C: A Tough Group with Explosive Offenses
Pool C features a collection of teams that have shown they can score runs in bunches. With several teams boasting perfect or near-perfect records, this pool will be a true test of which squads can back up their offensive numbers with solid pitching.
EC Bullets Jackson/Travis 14U
Boasting an 18-3 record this fall, EC Bullets Jackson/Travis has been sharp in the circle and timely at the plate. Their pitching has set the tone for their success, and if they can maintain their form, they’ll be in the mix for the top spot in Pool C.
Mojo Lovelace 2010
At 14-5, Mojo Lovelace has shown they can swing the bat, but they’ll need more consistency on the mound to contend in this pool. This tournament will test them, but if their pitching holds up, they have the firepower to make a deep run.
Clearwater Bullets Schultheis 14U
A perfect 10-0 to start the fall, Clearwater Bullets Schultheis has outscored their opponents 37-5. They’ve been dominant on both sides of the ball and should be considered favorites in Pool C. Their well-rounded squad will be tough to beat.
Fury Platinum National – McCallum
Starting the season at 4-2, Fury Platinum National has faced tough competition already and held their own. Their strength lies in their hitting, but they’re backed up by solid pitching. They’re well-coached and should be competitive in this pool.
Rock Gold Walker
With an 11-6-1 record, Rock Gold is a team to watch. They’ve won five straight, scoring 53 runs in those games. Their offense has been on fire, and if that continues, they’ll be a tough out in Pool C.
Unity Jones 2028
Unity Jones comes in with a 4-3 record. While their pitching has been solid, they’ll need to generate more offense if they want to make a run in this pool. This will be a critical test for them.
Stars National Hannigan 14U
This appears to be their first event of the season, so not much is known about Stars National Hannigan. However, as a new team entering a tough pool, they’ll have their work cut out for them.
Final Thoughts
The 14U division at the Ray Seymour Invitational promises to be packed with exciting matchups and plenty of storylines. With teams like Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier and Santa Fe Inferno riding strong records and others like EC Bullets and Clearwater Bullets looking sharp early in the season, the stage is set for an epic showdown.
The question now is, who will rise to the occasion? Only time—and a whole lot of softball—will tell.
