The Triple Crown National Invitational Tournament (NIT) 17 Elite division resulted in one of the most challenging final days of the year. Seven of the elite eight teams began in Power Pool A and all four teams in the semifinal round competed in the most difficult opening pool in Kansas City.

The winner, No. 1 A5 17-Jing, finished with an 8-1 record after outlasting No. 6 Sunshine 17 Westside in the 17 Elite final.

A5 was already at a crossroads of its season. This year the team ranked No. 1 nationally in the preseason had finished fifth at both the Central Zone Invitational and Northern Lights Qualifier and had compiled three losses – two to MKE Sting 17 Gold and one to OT 17 O Felix.