Triple Crown Day 1 Primer: 16U Power Pool Matchups to Follow
It’s almost here. Anticipation for the start of Triple Crown NIT is reaching a fever pitch, and we’ll have marquee matchups to watch right out of the gate. There will be plenty of recruiting attention on 16U power pools and…
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Continue ReadingIt’s almost here.
Anticipation for the start of Triple Crown NIT is reaching a fever pitch, and we’ll have marquee matchups to watch right out of the gate. There will be plenty of recruiting attention on 16U power pools and the talented 2025s within them, so it only feels right to lead off with a few Day 1 matchups that I’ll have my eye on.
What a way to start the madness.
Houston Skyline 16 Royal vs. 1st Alliance 16 Gold
It’s a battle between one of the top teams in Texas and last year’s Triple Crown champion.
In fact, you can probably call this a matchup between two of the best 16s squads in the country, regardless of region. My first exposure to the strength of Houston Skyline came at last year’s Northern Lights Qualifier, as this high-flying group scored a 15 Open title without dropping a set. There’s a wealth of elite frontcourt talent here, including Bailey Warren, Taylor Porter, Bayleigh Minor, and Ella Lewis.
But 1st Alliance clearly knows how to catch fire in Kansas City, so don’t count out the Illinois squad here. Abby Vander Wal will lead the charge offensively while Kiera O’Donnell and Jenna Kolosta are poised to make big contributions in the middle.
Drive Nation 16-Red vs. Surfside 16 PV Legends
Another Texas favorite in Power Pool A will end Day 1 with an intriguing contest against Surfside 16 PV Legends.
We’ll be talking about Drive Nation at the forefront of many different age groups, and 16U is no exception. It’s fair to expect star outside hitter Suli Davis to do a lot of scoring for 16-Red, but this team can also spread the ball around with setter Hannah Beauford leading the way.
While we’re talking about outside hitters being a team’s focal point, keep an eye on Kaci Demaria for Surfside. This long, physical pin hitter already looks like a college-ready outside, and Demaria will carry the bulk of the load for her breakout team.
Legacy 16-1 Adidas vs. Mizuno LB 16 Rockstar
Far-away teams are set to collide in what should be a thriller in Power Pool B.
Legacy 16-1 Adidas has been firmly on our radar since last year’s Triple Crown NIT. Superstar setter Campbell Flynn ties everything together for this group, but she has an enviable supporting cast, too. Devin Dzienny has had a great start to 2023 in the libero jersey, and Marie Laurio has carved out a major role on the pin.
On the other side of the net, Mizuno Long Beach will deploy a fascinating lineup of springy athletes who can score in tough situations. Outside hitter Layli Ostovar will bring one of the heaviest arms in the 16s age group. Meanwhile, Jamie Deines has been stout in the middle, presenting some scary matchups in a tightly contested Power Pool B.
GP 16 Rox vs. Adidas KIVA 16 Red
We’re going east of the Mississippi to find two formidable competitors in Power Pool C.
Florida’s GP 16 Rox is back in power pools this year, and the team’s fast offense will keep it in the championship conversation. Elena Maynulet and Victoria Hill are incredibly quick off the floor and provide some clutch scoring on both sides of GP’s pin lineup. Sydney Davis highlights the middle blocker spot.
It’s no mystery that Adidas KIVA knows how to show up on these big stages. 16 Red is stacked with standout Assumption talent, including libero Kristen Simon and middle blocker Bailey Blair. That cohesion could yield some positive results in a tough NIT group.
Dynasty 16 Black vs. Alamo 16 Premier
It’s the home team versus last year’s surprise GJNC champion in 15 Open.
Dynasty keeps building some serious contenders across the age group ladder, and 16 Black will be another frontrunner to follow. This group is so balanced that it’s hard to point to one or two athletes who have led the way at past events. Lauren Lopez and Epifania Salamasina have been a strong duo in the frontcourt, but don’t overlook the impact of strong ball control from setter Emma Christian and libero Hadley Porter.
The depth of Texas looms large again as Alamo looks to repeat last summer’s magical run. Lefty pin hitter Macey Hughes is an exciting prospect for 16 Premier, as is versatile setter-opposite Kaia Thiele. Expect a variety of personnel matchups in this Day 1 clash.