(La Porte, IN) - A full slate of high caliber nationally televised basketball is on tap again for today and Saturday at the Civic Auditorium in La Porte.

 

La Lumiere is among the best high school teams in the nation competing in the NIBC Invitational televised by ESPN.  The Lakers after winning Thursday play again on Saturday at 7 p.m.

 

Civic Auditorium Director Brett Binversie said he expects 1,000 or more people to be in attendance for some of the Friday and Saturday games.  It’s the second year in a row La Porte has hosted the tournament at the historic Civic Auditorium.

 

“We could not be happier.  It’s a great event,” he said.

 

30 of the players in the invitational are ranked among the best college basketball recruits in the nation.

 

“National talent.  All here in our community at the people’s house.  The Civic Auditorium,” said La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody.

 

La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Jack Arnett said there will be an attempt to make the invitational an annual long term event in the city.  The invitational is here again this year in the second year of a two year contract.

 

“Our goal is while they’re in town to start the discussions,” he said.

 

Arnett could not make any promises because many other communities are vying to host the tournament.

 

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to bring them back,” he said.