PGH Midwest Extravaganza: Must See Day 1 Matchup’s (17U)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Midwest Extravaganza brings a lot of competition together from all over the country. Below I've listed some of the most intriguing matchups of Day 1 at the 17U level that I can't wait to see. Programs that play with purpose, strategy, and most importantly a lot of heart. Next to the matchups I have listed which courts and what times that these games will take place. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>**Please Note: All of these games listed below will be played at The Centre of Elgin.**</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='712555' first='Illinois' last='Elite'] 2024 National VS [program_tooltip program_id='714272' first='Iowa' last='Battlers'] 2026 - Court 1 - 8:00 AM</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In one of the first matchups of the day we have two teams that I have wanted to see for a few weeks now. On one side you have an [program_tooltip program_id='712555' first='Illinois' last='Elite'] 2024 National team that is pretty stacked. Deep roster, D1 talent across the board, and they play as a single unit while on the floor together. On the other side you have the young guns. The only 2026 team in this tournament playing up in the 2024 age bracket and that is the [program_tooltip program_id='714272' first='Iowa' last='Battlers']. I'm curious how this is going to go. It's going to be younger VS older in this matchup. I can't wait to see if the younger talent is going to push the pace and keep everyone on their toes or if the experience of the veteran group will teach the Battlers a lesson. I'm not sure but hopefully it's a good one! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rice Prep 2024 VS [program_tooltip program_id='712577' first='Iowa' last='Prep'] Platinum 2024 - Court 2 - 10:10 AM</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have only had a chance to see one of these two teams compete thus far this season and that was the [program_tooltip program_id='712577' first='Iowa' last='Prep'] squad. A team that plays 9 girls who can move up the floor with speed, score in waves, and can put on some tight pressure in the open court. Not to mention that they have size, and all the physicality that a team would want to compete with. When it comes to Rice Prep they are going to bring fundamentals, a tricky offense, and some intangibles when they step on the floor as they are trying to make a name for themselves, showing everyone this weekend that they are one of the most competitive teams here. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='715646' first='Rockford' last='Elite'] 2024 VS Chicago Hoop Express 2024 (1) - Court 2 - 2:30 PM</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I mentioned in an article earlier this week that the [program_tooltip program_id='712446' first='Chicago' last='Hoops Express'] program was solid and stacked with a bunch of hoopers. Well I'm excited to see them compete again this weekend at the Midwest Extravaganza. They are sure to bring passion, skill, and a lot of pressure, putting them in a prime situation to capitalize on their opponents mistakes. While [program_tooltip program_id='715646' first='Rockford' last='Elite'] 2024 is going to bring some athletes, heart, and some overall strategic basketball. A program that can run teams out of the gym in the full court or who can beat you by slowing down the game in the half. These two teams are going to come out and try to punch each other in the mouth. The real question who is going to fall first, and when they fall, will they get back up? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='712577' first='Iowa' last='Prep'] Black 2024 VS [program_tooltip program_id='712446' first='Chicago' last='Hoops Express'] 2024 (2) - Court 2 - 5:45 PM</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both of these teams here I have not had a chance to see compete this spring season up until this weekend. With that being said if both of these teams are anything like the rest of their programs, we are going to have an exciting one. On one side we have a program in Prep that runs great offensive sets, looks in the post, and tries to score the easiest way they can in the half court. On the other side you have a program in CHE who brings pressure and intensity. Everyone dives on the floor, everyone tries to help their teammates up, and everyone really cares. There are two programs that always bring it but in this one, who is going to want it more? We will find out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->