As the 2024 PGF Florida Summer State Championships approach, anticipation is building for what promises to be a great tournament. Taking place in the Sunshine State, this event will showcase some of the top teams across four age divisions 12U, 14U, 16U, and 18U. Here’s a detailed look at the teams to watch and predictions for this highly competitive tournament.
As the 2024 12U PGF Florida Summer State Championships approach, anticipation is building for what promises to be an electrifying tournament. Taking place in the Sunshine State, this event will showcase some of the finest young softball talent from across Florida. Here’s a detailed look at the teams to watch and predictions for this highly competitive tournament.
12U
Pool A
Weston 2011 enters the tournament with an impressive 34-14-3 record, having played numerous games against older 14U teams. Their experience and team cohesion make them a formidable force in Pool A. They will be closely challenged by the Gainesville Gold Shields 12U who boast a solid 24-8-2 record. Expect a fierce battle for the top spot in this pool.
Pool B
Tsunami 2011 has shown a powerful offense this season, coming in with a 32-11-1 record. Their ability to score runs makes them a favorite in Pool B. The Clearwater Lady Bombers Clark at 26-12-1 are no strangers to tough competition and could very well challenge Tsunami for pool supremacy.
Pool C
In Pool C, FL Power Black-Savulak has been consistent and strong all summer, marking them as the team to beat. However, both the Central Florida Suns and Santa Fe Hooper have the potential to upset the favorites, making this pool one to watch closely.
Pool D
AFA 12U comes into the tournament with a stellar 47-win spring season. Their track record makes them the clear favorite in Pool D. Nevertheless, the Coral Springs Panthers 12U-Courtney and Jax Gold 2012 have demonstrated their capability to compete with the best, promising intense competition for the top position.
Pool E
Tampa Mustangs – Clendenin is expected to lead Pool E with their potent offense. The Florida Typhoons – Perez have also had a strong spring, setting the stage for a potential showdown between these two teams.
12U Prediction
With several strong contenders in the mix, the 2024 12U PGF Florida Summer State Championships are set for an exciting showdown. While AFA 12U stands out as the slight favorite due to their dominant spring performance, Weston 2011 is right on their heels, ready to capitalize on any opportunity to claim the championship. Keep an eye on these two powerhouses as they vie for the top honor in this prestigious tournament.
14U
Pool A
Santa Fe Inferno Humphrey enters as a solid, balanced team, making them the top pick in Pool A. However, the Lady Dukes Thompson, traveling from the Panhandle, are expected to provide a formidable challenge. This matchup could set the tone for the pool.
Pool B
Fleming Island Storm 14U Patterson boasts the best record in Pool B, positioning them as favorites. The Clearwater Bullets ‘10 – Castro are poised to challenge for the top spot, ensuring a competitive race to see who emerges as the pool leader.
Pool C
Clearwater Bullets 14U Schultheis consistently performs at a high level, making them the team to beat in Pool C. Their main competition is likely to come from Unity Lanier, a team known for being a tough opponent. Expect a tight contest when these teams face off.
Pool D
Santa Fe Inferno 27/28 Thornton is a new but impressive squad, having looked sharp in their lone event. They could top Pool D, but Team Tampa 2028, a seasoned team, is ready to challenge and compete fiercely for the pool’s top position.
Pool E
Puerto Rico 14U VG brings an intriguing lineup with talented players, making them the likely frontrunners in Pool E. However, Firecrackers Smith 14U, with a strong spring season under their belt, could leverage their team cohesion to edge out the competition.
Pool F
Miami Stingrays ’09 are known for their disciplined play, great defense, and a blend of speed and power, making them favorites to advance from Pool F. Team Tampa Fuller, having had a solid spring, is expected to be their toughest competition.
Tournament Prediction
Given their consistent performance and depth, Clearwater Bullets 14U Schultheis stands out as the favorite heading into the tournament. Close on their heels are Santa Fe Inferno Humphrey, known for their strong pitching and aggressive base running. The Miami Stingrays ’09 and Team Puerto Rico also present significant threats with their disciplined and talented rosters.
16U
Pool A
Tampa Mustangs Langston brings a wealth of experience to Pool A, having thrived in high-pressure events. Their track record makes them the team to watch. Meanwhile, the Miami Lady Canes 16 from South Florida have shown solid performance in their short season, poised to challenge the Mustangs.
Pool B
Team Tampa 09 steps up to the 16U division for this tournament, bringing grit and experience. They are likely the team to beat in Pool B. Central Florida Gold – Peterson 16U had a strong fall season and aims to build on that success this summer, promising good competition for Team Tampa.
Pool C
Pool C is arguably the deepest in the 16U division. Santa Fe Inferno 09 Donlason has added new pieces and boasts a deep pitching staff, giving them an edge. Team Tampa 08 split games with Inferno in the fall, indicating a close rivalry. Clearwater Bullets Vigue is always a contender, and Impact Grooms has the capability to compete with any team, making this pool highly competitive.
Pool D
Unity Luke 26/27 is one of the top teams in the 16U division, known for solid pitching and a balanced offensive attack. Firecrackers Mueller 26/27 could pose the biggest threat to Unity Luke, while SWFL Elite has a few standout players who can make a significant impact.
Tournament Prediction
Bracket play is expected to be fiercely competitive, with Unity Luke 26/27 being the slight favorite based on their past performances. However, if Santa Fe Inferno 09 Donlason is performing at their best, they will be tough to beat. Both Team Tampa squads are known for representing their city well and could make deep runs. Ultimately, the final showdown might come down to a coin flip between Unity and Inferno.
18U
Pool A
Santa Fe Inferno Nowling 18U stands out as the team to beat in Pool A. Known for their strong pitching and aggressive batting and baserunning, they are formidable contenders. The Miami Lady Canes are poised to be their top competition, but the Inferno’s consistent performance makes them favorites to win the pool.
Pool B
Pool B is wide open, with Firecrackers FL – Hughes holding a slight edge over Firecrackers Stockton. However, Clearwater Bullets 16U Kimmet and Clearwater Lady Bombers Ries are also strong contenders, making this pool highly competitive and unpredictable.
Pool C
Windermere Wildfire 18U – Paulson enters as the favorite in Pool C. They have demonstrated their ability to beat top teams and are expected to perform well. However, they will face a tough challenge from Firecrackers Yeary, who have also excelled in major events, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.
Pool D
Clearwater Lady Bombers – Santiago had a stellar fall season, winning over 35 games. They are looking to carry that momentum into the summer and are favorites in Pool D. Santa Fe Inferno Mallard could pose a significant challenge, having shown they are ready for a strong summer campaign.
Pool E
Clearwater Lady Bombers Gold – Mason are the early favorites in Pool E, known for their powerful hitting. Florida Gold Lopez/Santana is also a strong team with impressive wins from the fall, making this pool highly competitive.
Pool F
Florida Storm National – Masso is the team to beat in Pool F. This experienced squad boasts great balance and has performed well in past tournaments. Unity Pryor will be a formidable competitor, having looked sharp at the end of fall, making this pool an exciting battleground.
Pool G
Pool G is wide open and could go any number of ways. Florida Impact Gold Ladd might have a slight edge, but the Fillies out of Fort Myers are equally competitive, setting up an unpredictable and thrilling contest.
Tournament Prediction
The 18U division at the 2024 PGF Florida Summer State Championships is packed with talent, making for an exciting and unpredictable tournament. Santa Fe Inferno Nowling 18U is a strong contender based on their overall skill and aggression. However, Clearwater Lady Bombers – Santiago, Clearwater Lady Bombers Gold – Mason, and Florida Storm National – Masso are also top threats. With competitive teams across all pools, the championship could come down to any of these powerhouse squads.
