2006 Maryland USSSA NIT

AM Las Vegas/Benfield/Reece/Shade Rest/Easton wins the second conference tournament of the season. “The Gamblers” did it the hard way by coming out of the loser’s bracket to win. “The Vegas Boys” got upset early, but then put it all together on route to the Championship. I like the way the B & C teams are coming out to play in these conference tournaments. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again this is a great experience for Class B & C teams to see what it’s like playing against the best teams in the world. I know this, there will be more upsets in this conference play the rest of the season, I guarantee you. I also know this is very good for the game. Make no mistake “The Vegas Boys” are a very solid team, having some of the best young players in the game, that’s for sure. This bunch has a whole lot of very good athletes who can flat-out play the game, and that’s what it takes to be a top team in today’s game. I believe the gamblers will battle Bell Corp and Resmondo all season long, and have a good chance of being at the top in the end, we will see. Great job boys and good luck in your next one.

Second place went to Aubrey’s/Worth, who has played exceptionally well in it’s first two conference tournaments. “The Aubrey Boys” finished third in Kissimme and second in this one. I believe this is one of the best A teams in the country, and will be a contender to win one or two A Worlds this season, we will see. Great job boys and good luck in your next one.

Third place went to Angle Inn, a Class B team who played extremely well this past weekend and won a big one over AM Las Vegas. I’ve said it before, it’s great to see teams like Angle Inn participate in these NIT’s. I hope more teams like them get in all season long. Great job boys in good luck in your class the rest of the season.

Fourth place went to another Class B team, ABS. I would like to congratulate you guys on playing a very good tournament. I’m glad to see you guys playing in these NIT’s and playing against the better teams. Good job and good luck along the way. Laservision/Easton also played very good to earn the fifth spot in this one.

I am here to tell you it’s going to be a battle every weekend in this conference play. This is as competitive as it’s been in “Bigtime Softball” in a long time. I said that this game would come back, and I believe it is headed in the right direction and will be back at the top in a very short time. Good job to Bob Holland and his staff in Maryland for having a very good turnout and running another good NIT, as usual. This week’s tournament is in Euless, Texas, and this one should have about 24 teams, and I guarantee you it will be a great one. Good luck to all the teams and until next time.