Posted by g on February 15, 2024 at 07:53:20:
In Reply to: Re: Hawaii/Orlando/Out of State Tournaments posted by Coach on February 14, 2024 at 15:52:08:
: : : : : : : : Does anyone have any tips/recommendations for out of state tournaments. KSA seems like they have a good Orlando package but does anyone know of any other companies or schools that host tournaments out of state that you recommend?(please no Vegas/Arizona) I've seen teams go to Hawaii but not sure if they did all the logistical planning on their own or had a company.
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: : : : : : : Beckman HS has gone to Hawaii recenty.
: : : : : : : Artesia HS has gone to Florida recently.
: : : : : : : I'd say you'll probably get some useful info from reaching to their coach about the logistics if they're willing to share.
: : : : : : Why not help save the families money and stay local. KSA is over-rated. Damien tournament is far superior as one example.
: : : : : We are lucky to host many events also so the families wouldn't be footing the bill. Trying to give the team a unique experience of taking a flight and staying overnight as most of them have never gone anywhere.
: : : : : What about KSA was overrated since I'm assuming you've gone if you are stating that.
: : : : Also I wouldn't want to go to Damien because we aren't a high level team and im not sure what the benefit is making the commute to Damien compared to a more local tournament.
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: : : Damien has so many tiers now. I'm sure your team can be competitive! It is still a really cool experience.
: : Actually if you are not in the top 2 or 3 divisions or make the championship game in a few of the lower divines all your games are at local high schools. If you want a team bonding trip, definitely travel. We have played in the Damien classic in a lower division, it is not any different than most local tournaments.
: Yes we want the team bonding experience, more of the once in a few years trip that most average/below average teams from low socioeconomic dont get.
Took my team to KSA in Orlando several years ago. Package is all inclusive and takes care of everything. The beauty of it is that there is nowehere for the kids to go to get into real trouble. Give them a curfew, double check they are back, tape the doors if you feel it's needed, and enjoy your time. It's expensive, but I know that those boys will always remember that trip.
As for the basketball, it was pretty good. We actually went 0-4 there and we were a pretty decent team. Played teams from all along the East Coast. Biggest issue for me was actually not having a shot clock, you don't really realize the impact it has on the game until you don't have one.
If it wasn't for some parent drama that came from the amount of money it cost, I would do it again, but it left such a bad taste in my mouth personally that all future holiday trips have been down to San Diego for Torrey Pines.