We’re finalizing our coverage of the Triple Crown National Invitational Tournament (NIT) this week – there was a lot to process! Upon reflection, the 16 Elite division has proven to have a great amount of parity this season. After all was said and done in Kansas City over President’s Day Weekend, Club Ignit Select 16 Blue, a team ranked No. 16 in the preseason and began the NIT in Pool B, took home Gold after an incredible show in the 16 Elite final against No. 3 AZ Storm Elite 16 Thunder.

Ignit is operating under a new name this season with the same goals. Formerly Central Iowa Select and the 2019 runner-up in the 15 Elite division at the NIT, coach Tina Carter has taken this group of athletes under her wing again this year and has added a pair of middles and a six-rotation OH. One of the middles, freshman Jasmine Namminga, has never played in a convention center-sized tournament and here she was, competing with and against many of the best players a year her senior in Kansas City.