You see this through the eyes of a yearly state contender. I have no idea if Venice gets transfers in but stronger classifications (i.e. fewer classifications) would not affect them each year and they would still be one of the strongest teams regardless of how few classifications where are. The only thing that would change is the road to the title would be harder as you already stated. However, there are only a few teams like this per classification. Maybe 10-20 per classification. The hundred+ other teams that make up the majority of each class would be severely affected, though. Their schedules are already hard enough and the idea of just making the playoffs is a once per decade accomplishment in the current structure. With fewer classes it would never happen. Also, these teams would get their brains bashed in twice as much or more as districts consolidate. HS ball has never been about championships and D1 prospects as this is a very small circle of teams. It has always been about much more than that and the memories and lessons learned I had from HS ball have lasted me a lifetime. No this is not about participation trophies and that is too easy of a talking point to dismiss what I'm saying. Just be a dad and watch your kid compete out there is enough. Stacking a team with D1 players just to win a championship is stupid because duh, of course you will win with better players. What's the point?