La Porte Invitational to host nationally ranked teams Jan. 9–11

The La Porte Invitational, an annual high-school basketball tournament hosted at the La Porte Civic Auditorium, will be held Friday through Sunday, Jan. 9–11, organizers said. Pat Holmes, head coach of the La Lumeir Lakers boys team, said the event will feature about a dozen high-level games spread across the three days and aims to be family friendly.

Holmes described the field as strong, noting that two of the three out-of-state invitees are ranked among the top 25 nationally. Long Island Lutheran will play La Lumeir on Friday night; that game is scheduled to air on Fox Sports 1. The remainder of the tournament will be streamed on the League Ready YouTube channel, Holmes said. Holmes also encouraged fans to buy tickets at laporteinvitational.com.

Holmes said the Lakers are 11–0 entering the weekend and that several returning players are committed to Division I programs, including commitments to Notre Dame, Purdue and Kentucky. He called the roster a mix of experienced upperclassmen and juniors and said the program tries to keep a community focus, hosting an open practice for fans and media on Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Organizers expect strong attendance; Holmes anticipated sellout crowds for all three nights and highlighted community partnerships with the local convention and visitors bureau and city officials that help bring scouts and college coaches to the event. The segment closed with host Drew White promoting the tournament schedule and ticketing information online.

The team will practice before the tournament and look to protect its home court in front of local fans. No formal government action, ordinance, or vote was discussed during the broadcast.