Triple Crown Round Table Preview Coach Mike DZ's Version Vol 2

One of the most anticipated tournaments at the beginning of each club season is the Triple Crown NIT because of all of the talent that will be under one roof.  It will be held in Kansas City, MO on February 18-20th.  Prep Dig has three scouts who will be covering the tourney.  I will be joining Chris Fitzgerald and Austin Kingsley at the tourney and we will each be offering our perspective on teams and players to watch out for during the weekend.  Let's “Dig” in to my take.   16s    What Teams Will Be Contending For a Championship On Day Three?    There are some amazing teams in action this year and after watching this age group very closely all of last year I am very intrigued to see some of these match ups.  Last year's USAV Open National Champion Alamo has battled some injuries in the past few tourneys but close sources have shared that they will be back at full strength for this tournament.  The second ranked player in Texas, [player_tooltip player_id='182110' first='Megan' last='Fitch'] and her squad will be ready to have a great showing.  They have a new lefty opposite who transferred in from Oregon in [player_tooltip player_id='161817' first='Macey' last='Hughes'] who is lethal at the net.  They also added [player_tooltip player_id='212730' first='Ada' last='Awagu'] in the middle and she is a load on both ends.  This team is looking to prove that they haven't gone anywhere.  Stud Libero [player_tooltip player_id='212735' first='Brooklyn' last='Vigil'] along with amazing setters Kaia Theile and Emma Gonzales will be ready for the challenge.  They are not afraid of anything.    Austin Skyline is a team that proving their capabilities early this club season.  They just finished in second place in the Tour of Texas and looked super strong.  They have some killers who play well together.  This roster is littered with State Ranked players.  Their supreme setter [player_tooltip player_id='180744' first='Jacy' last='Carrejo'] keeps the ship steady as she navigates the offense.  Outside Hitters [player_tooltip player_id='179891' first='Riley' last='Certain'] and [player_tooltip player_id='179919' first='Lily' last='Dee Davis'] can score from anywhere at anytime.  6'4” Opposite [player_tooltip player_id='179899' first='Addison' last='Gaido'] is someone who cannot be ignored wherever she lines up.  They can run her in different routes and tempos and she is a true point scorer when she contacts the ball.  One of the brightest stars of the show has to be the best libero in the state of Texas, [player_tooltip player_id='179887' first='Callie' last='Krueger'].  This young lady will run through a wall bloody and bruised, still be able to pass/dig a perfect ball to her setter, and then say “bring me some more”.  She is a warrior on the court and someone I would pick to go to battle with without question.  This team should be in the mix on day three for sure.  They are a close-knit/family-oriented team that have been playing together for a very long time and you cannot downplay that chemistry at all.    One team that dominated the Open division of three national qualifiers last year was Houston Skyline.  They are back and stronger than ever this year with point scorers like [player_tooltip player_id='179898' first='Bailey' last='Warren'] and [player_tooltip player_id='179890' first='Taylor' last='Porter'].  They could be the most dangerous duo of pins on one team in this age group.  Both young ladies can flat out fly and bang with the best of them in the country.  This squad has three middles who can turn it on at any given moment in [player_tooltip player_id='179893' first='Bayleigh' last='Minor'], [player_tooltip player_id='187020' first='Rebekah' last='Pfefferkorn'], and [player_tooltip player_id='190295' first='Carly' last='Paugh'].  Super setter [player_tooltip player_id='179888' first='Kassidy' last='O'Brien'] will garner a lot of interest from college scouts at the tourney with her size and skills.  The scary part for every team in this tourney is that they are even better than they were last season.  I will for sure have my popcorn ready to watch the high-powered show.    What Non-Power Pool Teams Could Sneak Up On People?    Austin Juniors 16 Adidas is a team full of stars.  They have a setter, [player_tooltip player_id='179918' first='Takyla' last='Brown'], who is silky smooth with the rock in her hand.  Power hitters like [player_tooltip player_id='287248' first='Parker' last='Duncan'], [player_tooltip player_id='314730' first='Simone' last='Baskin'], [player_tooltip player_id='178197' first='Alexa' last='Ankerstar'] and [player_tooltip player_id='212343' first='Donnica' last='Armstrong'] will have this team in the mix.  Libero [player_tooltip player_id='179911' first='Mary' last='Schirpik'] is one of the best liberos in the great state of Texas and has ball control for days.  This team can get on a roll and be scary.    Absolute Volleyball Academy of Texas is one of those teams who thrive on momentum and can rank up points in a hurry because of it.  Their star amongst stars, [player_tooltip player_id='212725' first='Kennedi' last='Rogers'], happens to be one of the strongest attackers in the country.  I love watching her play the game of volleyball.  I warn you now…if you stop by her court, you will get HYPED up watching her ball.  She is just that type of player.  Right Side [player_tooltip player_id='181381' first='Jordyn' last='Sims'] is a solid blocker and attacker who is coming into her own this year.  I love her upside and think she has tons of potential.  Setter [player_tooltip player_id='203987' first='Caelyn' last='Dumas'] is super strong and can deliver any tempo to any location from multiple spots and angels on the court.  She is one that I am watching very closely this year to take the next step in her journey to bettering her craft.  Middles [player_tooltip player_id='212737' first='Kimanni' last='Rugley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='314731' first='Sanaa' last='Donaie'] can take over matches at times hitting and blocking.  You need to know this name going into this tourney   Who are the big time players who will be having a huge impact on the tournament?    There might not be any bigger stars in this age group then [player_tooltip player_id='180469' first='Suli' last='Davis'] from Drive Nation 16 Red who is playing at her true age group this year.  She was dominant playing up last year and this year is no different.  We have her ranked as the third best player in the state of Texas and she is pleading her case for the top honors with what we have seen so far.  The scariest player in America might have to be Teraya Sigler from Arizona Storm 16 Thunder.  She can score when she wants from where she wants.  You cannot stop her at all…you can only hope to contain her/slow her down for a while.  Left side attacker [player_tooltip player_id='182109' first='Sydney' last='Bryant'] is someone who is throwing her name in the mix for top honors and deserves a lot of attention from scouts.  She is long and strong and has some serious game.  Mizuno Long Beach has one of the most dangerous point scoring 2026 left sides in the country in [player_tooltip player_id='228678' first='Layli' last='Ostovar'].  While only a freshman, she is proving that she belongs in the mix for top five in the country in her age group.  Surfside 16 PV Legends outside [player_tooltip player_id='188236' first='Kaci' last='Demaria'] is a load to handle for any team.  We will be watching her very closely.  Dallas Skyline has a few stars in high-flying [player_tooltip player_id='179568' first='Isabella' last='Ocampo'] (who also stars on the beach circuit), strong left side [player_tooltip player_id='180535' first='Ava' last='Steffe'], one of the best setters in the country in [player_tooltip player_id='180178' first='Taylor' last='Cook'] and stud middle [player_tooltip player_id='180177' first='Kaelynn' last='Sims'].  They also have a six foot three right side in [player_tooltip player_id='525236' first='Chichi' last='Nnaji'] who is turning some heads.  She shows flashes of brilliance and can light it up at times.    15s   What Teams Will Be Contending For a Championship On Day Three?    I have had a blast getting to know this age group from the Texas perspective so far this year.  I have not seen the Cali teams yet, but will be watching them throughout the tourney for sure.  I will only speak on the talent out of Texas in this article as this class is littered with top prospects.  Skyline 15 Royal out of Dallas has the potential to win the whole thing after watching them dominate at both stops of the Tour of Texas.  [player_tooltip player_id='254302' first='Skylar' last='Jackson'] is the stud left side who can score points in bunches.  She is a true six-rotation outside hitter who commands the court while in serve receive.  Middles [player_tooltip player_id='318137' first='Keoni' last='Williams'], [player_tooltip player_id='452241' first='LeVariya' last='Pinder'] play fast and big.  Middle/Right Side [player_tooltip player_id='318135' first='Armie' last='Hall'] is one of the strongest blockers in the country.  She can sky and press over the net so well.  If she does not shut down the hitter, she will for sure alter their shot and funnel it to the defense.  They have some awesome setters in [player_tooltip player_id='241932' first='Madison' last='Victoriano'] and [player_tooltip player_id='452246' first='Megan' last='Nguyen'] who are very technically sound and effective.  They have very little weaknesses and can exploit any team with solid ball control and defense.    [program_tooltip program_id='431200' first='[program_tooltip program_id='431200' first='Madfrog' last='']' last=''] 15 National Green is one of the fastest/most dynamically athletic teams I have seen this season.  While they might not wow you with their size, if you sleep on these kids…you will be sorry.  I guarantee if you compared cumulative verticals on every roster, [program_tooltip program_id='431200' first='[program_tooltip program_id='431200' first='Madfrog' last='']' last=''] will win that battle by a landslide.  High-flyer [player_tooltip player_id='235287' first='Kennedy' last='Crayton'] is so much fun to watch on the left side.  Fellow pin [player_tooltip player_id='293180' first='Blaire' last='Bowers'] never comes off of the court and gives so much to her team in serve receive and offense.  Opposite [player_tooltip player_id='226072' first='Dawn' last='Moore'] will scare every left side who matches up with her.  I feel sorry for each of them as she can jump out of the gym.  Both setters [player_tooltip player_id='318143' first='Maleah' last='Evans'] and [player_tooltip player_id='254165' first='Jaidyn' last='Hartsfield'] can probably play any position on the court.  That is just how good their ball control and athleticism are.  Middles [player_tooltip player_id='254160' first='Hannah' last='Lee'] and [player_tooltip player_id='318142' first='Bella' last='Lopez'] are legit.  Keep an eye on this team as they are ready to rumble with anyone.    Alamo 15 Premier is a team that no one wants to face in my opinion.  They will be in the mix on day three for sure.  Outsides [player_tooltip player_id='318131' first='Paisley' last='Pavliska'] and [player_tooltip player_id='318145' first='Jaylyn' last='Tuiasosopo'] are so smooth and only know one thing….how to score.  They are like two energizer bunnies in the fact that they just keep going and going.  I know I just showed my age with that reference but its cool because the kids won't even know what I am talking about when they read it.  Setter/Right side [player_tooltip player_id='225200' first='DaMya' last='Mann'] has to be one of the strongest setters in the age group.  She has power for days and can deliver the ball to the target from any location on the court.  Setter [player_tooltip player_id='289655' first='Lauren' last='Garcia'] is in my notes as one of the top setters in her age group.  She is only a 2027 but is gaining some amazing experience starring at this level.  Her stock is on the rise as a setter/hitter and if you want to get a name early on your list…jot it down.  It will be one of the best-kept secrets I can give you.  Libero [player_tooltip player_id='318146' first='Shayne' last='Zammiello'] is one of the big reasons why this team is so scary on offense.  Her passes out of serve receive are like darts to the bulls eye.    What Non-Power Pool Teams Could Sneak Up On People?    TAV Houston 15 Adidas is a team that is scary good.  They will for sure sneak up on everyone and turn many heads as they are solid across the board.  Libero [player_tooltip player_id='235997' first='Cali' last='Reece'] is one of the best in the state.  She is the type that will play with only one leg and still push off to extend her range.  [player_tooltip player_id='254288' first='Peytyn' last='Pyle'] and [player_tooltip player_id='224309' first='Mia' last='Crowley'] are beasts at the net for this squad.  [player_tooltip player_id='254134' first='Carly' last='Thomas'] is definitely a name to know in the setting position.  She is making a huge name for herself around Texas.    Drive Nation is a squad that could be in the running on day three as they have some stars in every position.  [player_tooltip player_id='254142' first='Kareena' last='“Coco” Natarajan'] could be one of the best setters in her age group in a few years as long as she keeps working hard.  The potential is definitely there.  Middle [player_tooltip player_id='318130' first='Camille' last='Perry'] is one of my picks for strongest in the great state of Texas.  I think she will showcase very well for every college scout that watches this age group.  Right side [player_tooltip player_id='241693' first='Angelique' last='St Laurent'] aka “Geli” is a huge recruit on the opposite pin.  This kid is a stopper on the block and can bang with anyone.  [player_tooltip player_id='254082' first='Brooke' last='Lacewell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='254291' first='Ryea' last='Jackson'] are two strong ballers at the net for this awesome squad.    Who are the big time players who will be having a huge impact on the tournament?    The best player in the nation, [player_tooltip player_id='318127' first='Henley' last='Anderson'], plays for Austin Performance and she is worth the price of admission.  Every college coach knows her name and will be fighting over her recruitment.  Outside [player_tooltip player_id='318128' first='Halle' last='Thompson'] is someone who they might not know yet, but I guarantee after this tournament, everyone will.  She has the potential to overtake the number one spot in Texas in a few years if she keeps perfecting her craft.  She is the real deal and has no weaknesses in her game.  A true point-scoring six-rotation left side attacker who can play at the 18s level right now and star if she wants to.  Check her out and you won't be disappointed.  Another left side with scary potential is [player_tooltip player_id='269780' first='Arianna' last='Muoneke'] from [program_tooltip program_id='431166' first='Houston' last='Juniors'].  This kid is a flat out star and plays with fire.  Her power is immense and she can score from the front row or back row at any time.  Setter Blaire Thiebaud from Houston Skyline is the best setter in the state hands down.  When she connects with high-fliying middle [player_tooltip player_id='209539' first='Lacy' last='Tinnell']…watch out.    As always stay tuned for more articles on your favorite athletes.  If you have anyone you think we should watch out for, please shoot me an email with some info at <a href="mailto:nov8vb@yahoo.com">nov8vb@yahoo.com</a>.  Also don't forget to help these kids get more exposure by sharing our stories with your friends.  Help us help them by simply retweeting on Twitter or sharing on Facebook.  Thanks for following us, Prep Dig Family!  Don't be afraid to interact with us.  We love the likes, shares, and quotes/comments.  Keep them coming!

One of the most anticipated tournaments at the beginning of each club season is the Triple Crown NIT because of all of the talent that will be under one roof. It will be held in Kansas City, MO on February 18-20^th. Prep Dig has three scouts who will be covering the tourney. I will be joining Chris Fitzgerald and Austin Kingsley at the tourney and we will each be offering our perspective on teams and players to watch out for during the weekend. Let's “Dig” in to my take.