[Wildcat18]

Yeah or it could be that I have won the 12th region as a player and had a son win multiple state championships in AAU. I'm also noticing a lot of 6"1 studs in 8th grade that are now 6'1 role players their junior in high school.

There's nothing wrong with being a role player. Role players are very important at any level of the game. You don't have to be a "stud" to be very successful in a team game. You are correct in a lot of cases. However, I can name a few players who were studs in middle school and are still those same studs in high school, all in the 12th and the majority being held back. Stearns, Blevins, Fitzgerald, Butt, Gover, Powell, Hall, Crutchfield, Harmon, Smith, etc. I'm sure you could do the same for those who did not pan out or chose another sport. It's just a difference in perspective. Doesn't mean folks shouldn't hold back to better themselves. Those who hold back often do not regret it. Those who don't hold back often complain about it.