(La Porte, IN) - More high-quality basketball televised by ESPN is on tap in La Porte today.

The first four games in an eight-team college prep school invitational were held yesterday at the historic Civic Auditorium.

La Lumiere, one of the top teams in the nation, cruised to a 30 point victory. Head coach Pat Holmes said it was an old school environment where LaLumiere players could return to their dorms instead of a hotel which usually is the case in major basketball events they travel to during the season.

Mike Lindley came from New Buffalo to watch the action at center court. “It’s just outstanding basketball in a Hoosiers-like environment. I think everything has been done, first class. The talent on the floor is just absolutely amazing,” he said.

La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody said he received numerous text messages from people thrilled to see the Civic Auditorium featured on ESPN. “I think the nation now sees what we all see every day, how special La Porte is,” Dermody said.

Civic Auditorium Director Brent Binversie said the city sold about 450 tickets for yesterday’s games. He predicted a larger turnout for the games on Friday and near a sellout on Saturday.

The games are being televised mostly on ESPNU and ESPN+, but the La Lumiere game today at 2 p.m. will be on ESPN2.