Powerhouse B Schools

[JoeyC]

Multiple reasons off the topic of my head, some of which I believe others here have already covered:
High concentration of hard competition in an area (pushes the level of competition higher)
Drive to win (how high most members prioritize SciOly)
Pools of feeder talent (includes the presence of people who can "carry"events)
Good team organization and coaching
Existing legacy of good performance - very important on a number of factors

Edit: FUNDING, parental support of the team as well

[boomifailure]

One powerhouse B school that definitely comes to mind is TJMS in Indiana. I think they’ve won state every year like ever. Anyways, do you guys think there’s any uprising powerhouses?

[EwwPhysics]

One powerhouse B school that definitely comes to mind is TJMS in Indiana. I think they’ve won state every year like ever. Anyways, do you guys think there’s any uprising powerhouses?

Definitely! There’s always new teams that become good. Currently in PA, Harlan Rowe has gone in a few years from like ~20th at states to 8th to 2nd by a hair i.e. making it to nats... this year they’re looking extremely strong. I don’t really know much about teams outside PA...

[Locoholic]

One powerhouse B school that definitely comes to mind is TJMS in Indiana. I think they’ve won state every year like ever. Anyways, do you guys think there’s any uprising powerhouses?

I bet there's a lot out there. One example is Cooper Middle in VA, which has become a lot better in recent years. States was pretty close last year. For Division C, TJHSST in VA comes to mind. Last year, they placed their highest at nationals ever, which I believe was 12th.

[NewSciolyer]

One the reasons why is coaching. Coaching is really important. North Bethesda MS in MD has been the dominant school for years, and I just found out that they have a seperate coach for every event, kind of like having a personal traininer in every event that you have. They also get lots of fundings, which is important. Urbana MS is one of the rising powerhouses in MD. Last year they got 2nd at states by 15 points, but that was only because their Battery Buggy got disqualified and placed last, 25th place. Pilgrimmage seems like its making a comeback as well, as they have consistently done well at Invitationals this year. A new school, Robert Frost middle school is also a threat. As for us.... well... let's just say we need some work in some areas.

[anandymous]

One the reasons why is coaching. Coaching is really important. North Bethesda MS in MD has been the dominant school for years, and I just found out that they have a seperate coach for every event, kind of like having a personal traininer in every event that you have. They also get lots of fundings, which is important. Urbana MS is one of the rising powerhouses in MD. Last year they got 2nd at states by 15 points, but that was only because their Battery Buggy got disqualified and placed last, 25th place. Pilgrimmage seems like its making a comeback as well, as they have consistently done well at Invitationals this year. A new school, Robert Frost middle school is also a threat. As for us.... well... let's just say we need some work in some areas.

Coaching does not have to be a big difference. Sure they are helpful, but many teams (such as my own) do not have coaches for every event and many of us study purely off of our own accord. If you study hard enough and if your team is consistent (doesn't really bomb events ever), coaching should not make a huge difference.

[builderguy135]

One the reasons why is coaching. Coaching is really important. North Bethesda MS in MD has been the dominant school for years, and I just found out that they have a seperate coach for every event, kind of like having a personal traininer in every event that you have. They also get lots of fundings, which is important. Urbana MS is one of the rising powerhouses in MD. Last year they got 2nd at states by 15 points, but that was only because their Battery Buggy got disqualified and placed last, 25th place. Pilgrimmage seems like its making a comeback as well, as they have consistently done well at Invitationals this year. A new school, Robert Frost middle school is also a threat. As for us.... well... let's just say we need some work in some areas.

Coaching does not have to be a big difference. Sure they are helpful, but many teams (such as my own) do not have coaches for every event and many of us study purely off of our own accord. If you study hard enough and if your team is consistent (doesn't really bomb events ever), coaching should not make a huge difference.

This might just be NJ, but we've never had coaches for any event, let alone a coach for every event. Coaching can be helpful though if the event isn't consistent though.

[AlfWeg]

One the reasons why is coaching. Coaching is really important. North Bethesda MS in MD has been the dominant school for years, and I just found out that they have a seperate coach for every event, kind of like having a personal traininer in every event that you have. They also get lots of fundings, which is important. Urbana MS is one of the rising powerhouses in MD. Last year they got 2nd at states by 15 points, but that was only because their Battery Buggy got disqualified and placed last, 25th place. Pilgrimmage seems like its making a comeback as well, as they have consistently done well at Invitationals this year. A new school, Robert Frost middle school is also a threat. As for us.... well... let's just say we need some work in some areas.

Coaching does not have to be a big difference. Sure they are helpful, but many teams (such as my own) do not have coaches for every event and many of us study purely off of our own accord. If you study hard enough and if your team is consistent (doesn't really bomb events ever), coaching should not make a huge difference.

This might just be NJ, but we've never had coaches for any event, let alone a coach for every event. Coaching can be helpful though if the event isn't consistent though.

I have to agree, imo, Coaching doesn't really seem to be the main reason why some B teams are powerhouses and others aren't(Still a factor). I think it's more about getting a really good batch of kids that inspire younger batches.

[NewSciolyer]

Gotta agree with you guys, but for some schools (like mine) kids aren't as motivated, so coaching is important.

[SilverBreeze]

Or you can do what some middle schools do and make more experienced students mentor newer ones even after repeated complaints at the expense of more experienced students' scores(and sanity).

Always follow mentor/coach/teacher etc. instructions in labs/lab event settings, even if they are only a few years older than you. You do not want to lose an eye to HCl, and you definitely, definitely don't want to run around my house while flicking a lighter on and off. Thankfully my house is still standing today.