(La Porte, IN) - Basketball fans can watch some of the best talent in the nation again in La Porte.  The La Porte Invitational returns for its fifth year with three consecutive days of games beginning January 9.

The nationally recognized basketball showcase at the nearly century old Civic Auditorium will feature 12 of the best high school programs in the nation, with dozens of ESPN’s top-ranked players.  Dermody called the atmosphere “electric.”

“This event gathers the best of the best from across the nation and draws the attention of greats like Carmelo Anthony and Coach Calipari all in a gym that replicates the energy and atmosphere of the classic basketball film Hoosiers,” he said.

Anthony, a former NBA superstar, attended last year to watch his son play while John Calipari, the head coach at the University of Arkansas, has also been there to scout talent.  “You’ll be hard-pressed to find an event like this anywhere else in the Midwest. This is one basketball fans of all ages won’t want to miss,” he said.  

Dermody said the event has welcomed more than 25 McDonald’s All-Americans and over 20 NBA Draft picks, including the 2025 first overall selection Cooper Flagg.  A full game schedule and ticketing information is available online at laporteinvitational.com.