I think if a kid is not going to get any better playing against middle school talent, then he should be moved up.

There are also times when the varsity coach makes this decision and the kid does'nt want to move up. I know one in specific that wants to play with his friends at his age level but has been moved up strictly due to his size. You certainly dont want to turn a kid off to basketball this way so it is a very sensitive move.

 

What happens in small country schools is that the kid playing up competes in his age level as the primary team. If there are other nights that the older teams play and the kid is available, they bring him up. If there is a conflict, the middle school generally wins out. In the country schools such as Gallatin, Owen, Henry.... the middle school season starts in early October and is donein most cases before Christmas. That leaves about 2 good months for the kid to play up exclusively w/o messing up the middle school program.

What happens in small country schools is that the kid playing up competes in his age level as the primary team. If there are other nights that the older teams play and the kid is available, they bring him up. If there is a conflict, the middle school generally wins out. In the country schools such as Gallatin, Owen, Henry.... the middle school season starts in early October and is donein most cases before Christmas. That leaves about 2 good months for the kid to play up exclusively w/o messing up the middle school program.

That really seems to help programs such as those mentioned. I wish Carroll Co. would look at doing this. There are several talented 8th graders that could not only start at the fresman level but need to start at this level. This would be a big help in the years to come. I also agree that the priority needs to be with their actual team and playing up would only be allowed when there was no conflict.

I've only seen two middle-schoolers play varsity at Mason County over the past several years. Both were later named Mr. Basketball.

I've only seen two middle-schoolers play varsity at Mason County over the past several years. Both were later named Mr. Basketball.

 

Did Lofton actually play varsity as an 8th grader? I really cant remember.

I see nothing wrong with an 8th grader playing varsity. It is much more common in the smaller schools just because of lack of numbers.

I think you should play the best players, no matter what the grade level. I started varsity as an eighth grader, albeit it was at a small school. However, you must play who the kids who are going to give you the best opportunity to be successful. Playing up at the j.v. and varsity level is not too much too soon. It truly depends on the level of maturity and the basketball IQ the kid has. It is in no way detrimental, as the experience gained from playing more advanced ball far exceeds any downfalls.