Nationally televised high school basketball
returns to La Porte Civic this January
The nation’s top basketball prospects will once again gather to play at the historic La Porte Civic Auditorium this January, according to La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody.
The La Porte Invitational returns for its third year Thursday, Jan. 4 through Saturday, Jan. 6 at the Civic. This three-day, nationally televised basketball showcase will feature 11 of the best high school programs in the nation, with over 20 of ESPN’s top-ranked recruits. With its old-school charm and classic “Hoosiers” feel, Dermody said there’s no better stage than the Civic to watch the NCAA and NBA talent of tomorrow.
“The La Porte Invitational brings together some of the best high school basketball this country has to offer,” Dermody said. “A handful of young men who played in the Civic gym during the first two years of this event are now playing in the NBA. I’m not sure where else you can witness this sort of talent develop and unfold. Basketball of this caliber is hard to come by, and watching it in a building as historic as our Civic Auditorium is the icing on the cake.”
The games will once again be broadcast and streamed live across the country, including matchups featuring local powerhouse La Lumiere. As a preview of what can be expected at this year’s invitational, the Lakers will host an open practice at the Civic at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9. La Lumiere Head Coach Patrick Holmes said members of the public are invited to observe the practice and meet the team ahead of January’s showcase.
“We would love to invite everyone out to see our team practice and then get a chance to meet our team, so that you know who you’re cheering for in January during the La Porte Invitational,” Holmes said. “We have a team of high character,hard working, and talented young men who can’t wait for their opportunity to play in the Civic Auditorium in frontof a sellout crowd. We are proud to not only represent La Lumiere but also La Porte when we are on the national stage, and want to make sure that we bring that back to the community to celebrate.”
La Lumiere has been ranked in the preseason polls nationally as highly as 4th, and features a talented group of highly regarded juniors, with 6-foot-6 guard Jalen Haralson (the top in-state prospect), 6-4 guard Jerry Easter, 6-5 guard Darius Adams, 6-7 guard Chuck Love, and 6-4 wing Melvin Bell all ranked as consensus top 100 players. Senior guard Ace Buckner recently committed to Clemson University. As one of the blue bloods of high school basketball, Holmes said they’re known for a physical, championship worthy brand of basketball on the defensive end of the floor, and a high-powered offensive system.
Educational Excellence and Athletic Prowess: The La Porte Invitational's Commitment to Elite High School Basketball
Established in the year 2020, the La Porte Invitational stands as a preeminent consortium of renowned high school academic institutions united by their unwavering dedication to the pursuit of elite national basketball competition. These institutions, comprising the backbone of the La Porte Invitational, share common values and principles that extend beyond the basketball court.
Each member of the La Porte Invitational roster is an accredited, four-year high school, offering in-person learning experiences that meet stringent national academic standards. In addition, they steadfastly adhere to rigorous academic guidelines, emphasizing the importance of education in tandem with athletic excellence. This commitment to both education and athletics has allowed the La Porte Invitational to emerge as a distinguished platform for the development of promising student-athletes who are not only excelling in basketball but are also making strides in their academic journeys. With a rich history rooted in academic integrity and sportsmanship, the La Porte Invitational continues to foster the growth and success of young athletes across the nation.
La Porte, Indiana Set to Shine: La Porte Invitational Returns for Third Annual High School Basketball Showdown
The La Porte Invitational is back for its third consecutive year in La Porte, Indiana, and it’s promising to be a slam dunk of an event. This three-day extravaganza has quickly become a must-see on the basketball calendar, as it showcases 10 of the nation’s premier high school programs and boasts an impressive lineup of 30 of ESPN’s top-ranked recruits. For basketball enthusiasts, it’s a unique opportunity to witness the future stars of the NCAA and NBA right here in the charming City of La Porte.
As in previous years, the excitement will not be contained to the Civic Auditorium alone, as the games will be broadcast live on various ESPN networks, thrusting La Porte, Indiana into the national spotlight. The demand for tickets is soaring, so be sure to secure yours promptly. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind high school hoops experience!
Powerhouse Lineup: Meet the Ten Elite Teams of the La Porte Invitational
The La Porte Invitational brings together a formidable lineup of high school basketball powerhouses from across the United States. These ten member institutions are the driving force behind the tournament’s prestige and competitiveness:
- AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Az.)
- Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, NH.)
- IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
- La Lumiere School (La Porte, Ind.)
- Legacy Early College (Greenville, S.C.)
- Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, NY. )
- Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.)
- Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.)
- Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.)
- Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah)
2024 Schedule
Thursday, January 4
4:30 PM CST Long Island Lutheran (NY) vs. La Lumiere School (IN)
6:30 PM CST Oak Hill Academy (VA) vs. Orangeville Prep (Canada)
8:30 PM CST IMG Academy (FL) vs. Wasatch Academy (UT)
Friday, January 5
2:30 PM CST Long Island Lutheran (NY) vs. Legacy Early College (SC)
4:30 PM CST ESPN Showcase – Thornton (IL) vs. Richmond Heights (OH)
6:30 PM CST Sunrise Christian Academy (KS) vs. Oak Hill Academy (VA)
8:30 PM CST Canyon International Academy (AZ) vs. Orangeville Prep (CAN)
Saturday, January 6
2:30 PM CST Sunrise Christian Academy (KS) vs. Legacy Early College (SC)
4:30 PM CST IMG Academy (FL) vs. Canyon International Academy (AZ)
6:30 PM CST Wasatch Academy (UT) vs. La Lumiere School (IN)
Become A Sponsor
5 General Admission Balcony Passes For Each Section
Name Featured on Event Video Screen And Announced Over PA During Each Game
$2,500
BRONZE
5 VIP Passes For Each Session With Access To Courtside Seating
In-Game Food And Beverage Included
Sponsor Banner Along Upper Concourse Level
Name Featured On Event Video Screen And Announced Over PA During Each Game
$5,000
SILVER
10 VIP Passes For Each Session With Access To Courtside Seating
In-Game Food And Beverage Included
2 VIP Parking Passes
Sponsor Banner Along Floor Level And Upper Concourse Level
Half Page AD In Event Program
Logo And/Or Name Featured On Event Video Screen And Announced Over PA During Each Game
$10,000
GOLD
15 VIP Passes For Each Session With Access To Courtside Seating
In-Game Food And Beverage Included
3 VIP Parking Passes
Sponsor Banner Along Floor Level And Upper Concourse Level
Full Page AD In Event Program
Logo And/Or Name Featured As Presenting Sponsor On Event Video Screen And Announced Over PA During Each Game
$25,000
PLATINUM
Emailmschreiber@cityoflaportein.govfor more information.
