MVA Wins 2012 Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament
- Details
- Published on Monday, 30 January 2012 11:06
Last Saturday night, our Montverde Academy Eagles Boys' Varsity Basketball team won the prestigious Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament (M.A.I.T) by defeating Orlando Christian Prep 49-40 in front of a full-capacity crowd watching inside MVA's Henry O. Roberts Gymnasium. It was the Eagles' fourth championship in the annual tournament (now in its 9th season of operation) and the OCP victory further punctuated Montverde Academy's two previous accomplishments on both Thursday evening when they overwhelmed Monsignor Pace 68-37 and Friday evening when they defeated Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, stronghold Roman Catholic 78-61. Imhotep Charter School, also from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, nearby Leesburg High School, Mount Vernon High School of Mount Vernon, New York, and Shiloh High School from Snellville, Georgia were also contenders in the three day basketball tournament.
As excitement built around the championship game's opening tip-off, MVA Senior Basketball players and cheerleaders were honored with a special recognition before the singing of the National Anthem. Soon after, it was time for the Championship to be determined. Despite strong court performances from OCP players such as senior guard Isaac Cohen (a highly skilled multi-year starter) and the dynamic half-court trapping defense directed by OCP's outstanding head-coach Reggie Kohn, MVA prevailed and under the proficient performances of the nationally recognized guards-duo of Senior Michael Frazier (M.A.I.T. MVP) and Junior Kasey Hill (M.A.I.T Most Outstanding Player) the Eagles proved too much for the Warrior's to handle. Many Eagles contributed to MVA's three day successful run including Senior Patricio Garino, an all-tournament selection, who sank many clutch three-pointers, laid-down many dunks, and hustled extremely hard on defense helping to disrupt opponent's offensive game plans. Senior Landry Nnoko consistently operated well boxing-out and gaining position to retrieve both offensive and defensive rebounds - an important factor in the tight, low-scoring championship game. MVA's Boys' Varsity Basketball team's current record is 19-3, they are ranked #1 in the Orlando Sentinel's Super 16, and #16 in ESPN's Fab 50 rankings nationally.
Montverde.net and the entire MVA community congratulates Coach Boyle, his stellar staff, and our amazing Eagles on a tremendous championship win in the 9th annual M.A.I.T and we wish them continued success with the two remaining games of their momentous season!
(Photography by Jincong "Jim" Li)
