(La Porte, IN) - The nation’s top basketball prospects will once again gather to play at the historic La Porte Civic Auditorium.

 

According to the Mayor’s Office, the games will return for a third year beginning on January 4th, with additional games the following two days.

 

The nationally televised and live-streamed basketball event will feature 11 of the best high school programs in the nation, along with over 20 of ESPN’s top-ranked recruits as well as matchups featuring local powerhouse La Lumiere.

 

With its old-school charm and classic “Hoosiers” feel, Mayor Tom Dermody said there’s no better stage than the Civic Auditorium 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. 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,” he said.

 

As a preview of what can be expected at this year’s invitational, the Lakers will host an open practice at the Civic Auditorium at 6 p.m. on November 9th.

 

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.