I just watched the videos and it is clear they don't max out but maybe they got it based on execution? Does anyone have the scores because it would just be an automatic -6 on DOD. So maybe they scored high elsewhere? However, after watching the videos it is kind of crazy that they won. I was a GHSA judge way back when the score sheet first changed and I remember Pam Carter making it known that execution is everything. It wouldn't be fair to hold a team back because they couldn't do the skill but they could execute what they could do. If a team could only do 16 back handsprings and they were perfect in form, timing, and transitions then they could have a 2 or 3 on DOD (I forgot exactly the rubric) and Max out in execution. Columbus High School and Oconee County are prime examples from a few years ago.
And we can't forget the 3 little spaces at the end of the score sheet- creativity, transitions/formations, showmanship. Those are the most subjective parts. I am trying to be objective here because I would defend any of those top teams that day because everyone was so good even Pike County did well!
Not saying you are not correct on the execution portion, But I will disagree with you on how a non-maxed out DOD routine should beat one that is maxed out and hit just as good if not better.
They would have technically needed help in order to win how they did (and top teams in the state didn't necessarily help on this day, they all hit). Being a judge, you should understand the breakdown here (this is off the 3 scores being kept after high and low are dropped):
The top score for DOD in standing should have been a 5. This would have dropped their score to a 97 if everything was perfect. The top score for their DOD in partner stunts should have been a 7. This would have dropped their score further to a 94 if everything was perfect. This would have brought the highest total possible to 282. I can tell you this, their grand total was more than this. So in saying this, their 94 would have basically been three 100's on a perfect score-sheet. Now you do the math and watch the routine, was that a perfect 100 across the board?? let's just play the game a little further. Let's just say here and there they got a couple of points off for execution etc. And they had 3 91's on their score sheet (equivalent to three 97's with a perfect maxed out scoresheet), that means their top score should have been 273. What I can tell you again is, they were at least 10 points higher than that. Just wanted to point out how the breakdown would occur with a "perfect or next to perfect routine."
Listen, I am not saying Starrs Mill wasn't amazing, because they were. Those girls deserve to celebrate this victory big time, because this problem isn't on them. I'm pointing out the issues with the judging. I would feel real bad for one of the teams that goes and maxes out everything and hit's solid and then has it taken away from them because judges can't count or know what is happening in a routine. Sad.
Again, congrats to the winners on the day!
