The Stage is set. 

Grandview faces one of their most formidable opponents of all time today as they take on the #1 team in the nation in the Nike Tournament of Champions. The Wolves are 5-0 on the year and have recently been crowned #1 in the state of Colorado after their 62-53 win over Brianna Crittendon and the Riverdale Ridge Ravens. The Wolves are also ranked as the #21 team in the nation, with big wins across the board, including a 53-48 overtime thriller vs the former #1 team in Nevada, Bishop Gorman. On the other side of the court, the Knights are 12-0 with statement wins versus other powerhouse schools in California, including a 66-58 win vs Mater Dei and an 80-40 victory over Bishop Montgomery, solidifying their case as the top team in the nation. 

What to expect:

Grandview’s plan seems simple at the core. You have the #2 player in the nation. Run through her. Sienna Betts is nothing short of a solidified superstar; she has shown it this season. With 34 points in her outing vs Elizabeth Seton, she’s shown to have a hot hand along with her dominance on the glass, averaging an astounding 18 rebounds per game. She will create opportunities for her other teammates because of the amount of focus the Knights will have on her in the paint. Looking for other players to shine through as well, the 5 ’10 sharpshooting sophomore and the 4th best prospect out of Colorado in the class of 2027, Ava Cheng, will look to make a statement with her dominance beyond the arc.

For the Knights, they’re going to call on their superstar too. 5 ‘7 sophomore captain Kaleena Smith looks to lead the game, with an astonishing 31.8 PPG across her high school career, making her a 5-star and the top prospect in the nation for the class of 2027. Smith has been described as the nation’s most elite scorer by many top scouts. But it’s not just her scoring that stands out, Smith is averaging 7 assists per game for the knights, with Brandon Clay, director of scouting at 24/7 sports saying “There were multiple passes that Smith was able to fit through tight windows… She had the feel of a player who could make this roster as a true lead guard, and she proceeded to do just that.” regarding her performance in the USA Basketball 17-and-Under Trials. Smith will also provide support defensively, with a tally of 4.2 SPG in her career as well. Along with Smith, is the 6 ‘7 force of Sydney Douglas in the paint, an elite interior defender averaging 1.6 BPG across her career, who will be tasked with guarding Sienna Betts down low. 

A true classic is inbound at the Nike Tournament of Champions – Tip off is at 6 PM (MST)