Triple Crown NIT Roundtable – Coach Mike DZ’s Version Vol 2
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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…
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Continue ReadingOne 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 17-19th. Prep Dig California has three scouts who will be covering the tourney. I will be joining Shannique Soliatia and Michelle Bamford 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 Cali Power Pool 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 in all of the large national tournaments last season, I am very intrigued to see them compete at a high level again during this wonderful event.
WAVE 16 Scott has a big reason to say that they will be in the running. Her name is Finley Krystkowiak Finley Krystkowiak 6'3" | OH Torrey Pines | 2026 State CA . The talented outside hitter is one of the best in the business and she let all of Texas know about it a few weeks back in the Tour of Texas stop number one tourney where her team tied for 1st place. She is not the only weapon on this tough defensive minded squad. Libero Presley Thompson Presley Thompson 5'5" | DS/L La Costa Canyon | 2026 State CA is all over the court in the back row and uses every part of her body to keep the ball alive. She has some of the best emergency techniques from a libero that I have seen in a while. Mix that along with her never say die attitude and it is a recipe for some awesome defense. Setters Soraya Dennis Soraya Dennis 5'8" | S SageHill | 2026 State CA and Catherine Beadles can thread the needle with the ball to all locations. They are both extremely fast on the court and are hungry to rally. Pin Sophia Johnson can tool anyone with a very heavy swing. Blockers this weekend should be very aware of her off the hands shot making. Abigail Lesagonicz Abigail Lesagonicz 6'3" | RS Rancho Bernardo | 2026 State CA and Kylee Wilson are both awesome attackers along the net for this wonderful squad.
SCVC 16 Roxy is on a mission so far this season and bring a ton of studs with them to KC. Audrey Flanagan Audrey Flanagan 6'2" | OH Mira Costa | 2026 State CA is listed as the second best player in her grad class for a very good reason and she will let every spectator in the gym know it with every contact. The six-two beast can drop some serious bombs on opponents from everywhere on the court. Six foot one setter Milly McGee Milly McGee 5'10" | S State CA has every college coach drooling with her frame and skill set. Her jump set can fool anyone and cause opposing middles to jump with her and be late to close their blocks. Middle Taylor Boice Taylor Boice 6'1" | MB Redondo Union | 2026 State CA has incredible power in every route she runs. Be prepared when you block her because she will bring down the hammer with authority. Left side attacker Samantha (Sammy) Destler Samantha (Sammy) Destler 6'1" | OH Marymount | 2026 State CA is a problem for any team to deal with as she can score with the best of them. She is second fiddle to no one and is a threat to kill the ball from all locations in system or out of system. Libero Kaitlyn Herweg Kaitlyn Herweg 5'8" | DS/L Los Alamitos | 2027 CA can flat our pass/dig the ball. This ball control floor general is fast and furious all over the court. This squad is primed and ready to compete for a title. They will be a tough out for anyone.
What Non-Power Pool Teams Could Sneak Up On People?
Sunshine 16 LA could shake up the power pool teams when they come out on top of Pool E on Saturday. They are led by stud players like setter Jordyn Scannel who can play defense like a libero and deliver balls all over the court with precision. Middle Lauryn Lewis Lauryn Lewis 5'11" | MB State CA plays very high above the net. She can sky and makes it very difficult for hitters to have an easy look at a score. Call her a blocking machine because that is exactly what will happen in every match. Right side Kapri Garnett is a six footer who spreads out the attack for this awesome team. I love how she uses her height and still contacts the ball at the peak of her reach. This makes it very difficult for blockers to time it correctly. Mia Stewart Mia Stewart 6'0" | OH Sierra Canyon | 2026 State CA is a solid second option on the left side who knows how to score in a variety of ways. She also has a very lethal serve that is stifling. This team plays well together and can be very scary to anyone that matches up against them.
Who are the big time players who will be having a huge impact on the tournament?
Vision 16 Gold has a golden player who will have a huge impact for her team. Her name is Leyna Nguyen Leyna Nguyen 5'8" | OH Archbishop Mitty | 2025 State CA and if you do not know her by now, trust me….you will by the end of the tourney. While she might be on the smaller size in height, she can jump out of the gym and unloads a cannon on anyone who doubts her ability. Elle Vandeweghe Elle Vandeweghe 6'5" | MB Marymount | 2026 State CA is a monster at the net. She is one of the toughest middles that you will see in the tourney. Her physicality will overwhelm most middles that she goes up against. Outside Brynn Minter Brynn Minter 6'0" | OH Los Alamitos | 2026 State CA can do it all for her Mizuno Long Beach squad. She will have a say so in how far they go in the tourney. It doesn’t matter whether she is swinging from the left or the right side as she is lethal from both pins.
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 Michael@prepdig.com. 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!