15 Hot Takes on Intriguing NIT Challenge Matches

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Welcome to the “Challenge Round” where all the teams from the [program_tooltip program_id='428794' first='Power' last=''] pools play a non-[program_tooltip program_id='428794' first='Power' last=''] pool team who most likely won their pool yesterday for a chance to get into the top 32 Elite Division.&nbsp; I'm taking a look at the 16s and 17s Divisions on what matches might be ones to keep an extra eye on.&nbsp; When you're at Triple Crown, every match is big.&nbsp; Let day two begin!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MIZ LB 16 Rockstar vs. Academy 16-1O Yeti</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Academy out of Indianapolis was one of my predictions to be a threat come challenge pool time.&nbsp; Solid defense and pins who can score are always dangerous.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Premier Nebraska 16 Gold vs. Kairos 16 Alpha</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These clubs are familiar with each other and Kairos has some really big time attackers who can pack a punch.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Select 16 Elite vs. Miami Hype 16U Prime</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Do you believe the hype? Miami Hype has had teams create some chaos in challenge matchups and when it comes to an in-state matchup, who knows?&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":751051,"width":"454px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/02/RG1A2225.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-751051" style="width:454px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='475339' first='Shaye' last='Witherspoon']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PVA 16 Elite vs. [program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] 16 Elite</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kansas City vs. St. Louis, when [player_tooltip player_id='475339' first='Shaye' last='Witherspoon'] is on the court for [program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] they always have a chance, she is one of the best 2027s in the gym.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":751052,"width":"516px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/02/RG1A2208.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-751052" style="width:516px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='504014' first='Peyton' last='Heatherly'] of 1st Alliance</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1st Alliance 16 Gold vs. NKYVC 16-1 Tsunami </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1st Alliance is on a mission after being left out of a gold pool.&nbsp; This team is dangerous.&nbsp; They were 15 Open qualifiers in 2024.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>KC [program_tooltip program_id='428794' first='Power' last=''] 16 Johnson vs. Dynasty 16 Black </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two teams, one town - and they are playing in a “Home Tournament”, the Kansas City area is loaded with talent in the 16s division.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mintonette m.61 vs. Elevation 16 Goller</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another pair of teams from the same state. This is a battle of Ohio where there is plenty of familiarity between these two clubs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":751053,"width":"521px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/02/RG1A2252.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-751053" style="width:521px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='435843' first='Carly' last='Dawson'], [program_tooltip program_id='430006' first='Illini' last='Elite']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WPVC 16 Armour Black vs. [program_tooltip program_id='430006' first='Illini' last='Elite'] 16 Cardinal </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Watching [program_tooltip program_id='430006' first='Illini' last='Elite'] 16 Cardinal play yesterday, I knew they were going to win some matches this weekend.&nbsp; Can they win this one to break into the top 32?&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>VCNebraska 16 Elite vs. Nebraska ONE 16 Synergy </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another battle of two clubs in one town.&nbsp; The Lincoln area clubs know each other all too well from the high school and local courts of Nebraska.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>VCNebraska 17 Elite vs. Mintonette m.71</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mintonette was the 16s runner up last season, but this VCN team is sneaky good, could be a fun matchup.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Madfrog 17 Green vs. Adidas KiVA 17 Red</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jessica Smallwood the Florida commit for KiVA can take over a match. They are playing with plenty of momentum heading into this matchup at 4:00 today.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MKE Sting 17 Gold vs. MN Select 17-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MN Select has been on fire since the Northern Lights Qualifier, finding their groove.&nbsp; Stopped by their court yesterday and they were on a mission. Minnesota commit Elena Hoecke was looking scary good.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Premier Nebraska 17 Gold vs. Kairos 17 Alpha</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have the same matchup for the 16s.&nbsp; Gabi Zachariasen of Kairos 17 Alpha is the two time South Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year and can take over a match.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MAVS 17 Elite vs. NORCO 17 Black </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I saw NORCO play at the Northern Lights Qualifier and knew they were going to be a force at Triple Crown.&nbsp; Lot of size and physicality which includes Kansas commit and Wyoming Gatorade Player of the Year in Tessa Dodd.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Boiler Jrs. 17-1O Gold vs. AVC CLE 17 Red</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Honestly, I just want to sit back and watch this match, enjoy it.&nbsp; Indiana vs. Ohio.&nbsp; [program_tooltip program_id='428794' first='Power' last=''] and plenty of ball control.&nbsp; These teams are so disciplined, well coached, and play the game the way its meant to be played.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->