12U is where many rec leagues disintegrate. In my area, even at 8/10U, it's becoming rarer to find a competent, experienced rec-league player. Once kids gain some basic ability, it's off to a travel/competitive/whatever-you-want-to-call-it team.
Up to 14U, I see plenty of "C" level teams that are essentially a group of reasonably experienced, but still very much developing players. "B" is fairly competitive and there are relatively few "A" teams, but most of those are pretty good. By 16/18U, it's either "A" or "B" teams...all self-identified, of course.
No one cares what level of ball somebody played at 14U or below. It's even less relevant now with the recruiting rules changes. That legit 12U "A" player may well burn out or be injured before they ever get the chance to be noticed by a college coach. Like others here, I see plenty of 12/14U "A" ballplayers who are no longer in the game, and plenty of 12/14U "C" players now in a college program. DD is in the latter category. It's all about skills and physical development, staying away from injuries, and long-term motivation.
Up to 14U, I see plenty of "C" level teams that are essentially a group of reasonably experienced, but still very much developing players. "B" is fairly competitive and there are relatively few "A" teams, but most of those are pretty good. By 16/18U, it's either "A" or "B" teams...all self-identified, of course.
No one cares what level of ball somebody played at 14U or below. It's even less relevant now with the recruiting rules changes. That legit 12U "A" player may well burn out or be injured before they ever get the chance to be noticed by a college coach. Like others here, I see plenty of 12/14U "A" ballplayers who are no longer in the game, and plenty of 12/14U "C" players now in a college program. DD is in the latter category. It's all about skills and physical development, staying away from injuries, and long-term motivation.