Just got back as well.
For team, the key (IMHO) is slower response covers, which for me was the Web Tour with about 2000 on it.
I think urethane is in play, but your going to have unhappy teammates unless you are in a different zone. Rev rate with urethane helps, if not, you may not get it to carry
For minors, 500 grit 1' pin-axis symmetric
Then switched to Statement Pearl at 2000
No matter what ball you end up with, you need to make really good shots every frame.
Most important piece in the bag is your spare ball.
go to the booth with your equipment, get their advice on what they think will work and what surfaces.
This was advice I chose to follow and it gave me the shapes I was looking for.
These guys at the Hammer booth know what types of equipment is working and what surfaces to use.
Did the same thing before minors and they were spot on for both events in my case.
I watched multiple squads prior to get an idea and did the BJ and practice lanes.
the practice session was worthless
the BJ I got some value from, did not use much if any surface and played straight up the boards, you need to be able to be soft or the ball will not read. I did not use the BJ to try and score, just me though.
just my .02$