"2) My original response was to a message where the sender said, basically, that "high school students don't know anything". My response is that we do have excellent teams here, and I stand by that." Take all the high school teams in Illinois. Examine the teams in the second and third quartile of abilities. That is probably the talent level which the original message referred to. Actually, no. Assume that Illinois is above average for a state. Imagine an average state, or one below average. Consider that state's mid-level teams. That's probably what was meant. "3) There are certainly teams in Illinois that can give the South Carolina teams a run for their money, if not win by a large margin. The difference is that the South Carolina coaches are allowed to compete nationally throughout the year--Illinois teams are lucky if they can attend ONE national tournament, and there is currently a proposal before our state association that would eliminate that." Good to see that such proposal is in the works, although I think your state pride veers dangerously into the territory of hubris, and if any South Carolina coaches read this, they will be happy to get their hands on you. The experience of competing nationally and regionally out-of-state or against out-of-state teams coming to your state cannot be underestimated. Keep us informed as to what happens regarding the proposal. "4) As for the Midwest in general, I think you're being a little presumptive. True, we don't often appear at national tournaments, but that doesn't mean that we aren't competitive, or worthy of national competition." Competitive? Yes. Worthy of national competition? Sure. In any way favored? Probably not, although that is much a function of being relatively unknown. Hopefully, restictions will be lifted and you will be able to prove yourself.
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