Montverde Academy will host its annual Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament (MAIT) in 2021 with a new twist. This year, the MAIT will host the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC), a newly formed high school basketball conference comprised of nationally ranked basketball programs from across the country over two weekends – January 28-30 and February 4-6. Founding conference Heads of School and Boards of Trustees from #1 ranked Montverde Academy (FL), #19 LaLumiere School (IN), #5 Oak Hill Academy (VA), #2 Sunrise Christian Academy (KS), and #8 Wasatch Academy (UT), agreed to a multi-year agreement to compete in multiple events around the country annually. The schedule for the MAIT/NIBC can be found here.  

In the current COVID-19 environment, the schools agreed to a rigorous safety program that includes robust testing before, during and after travel. To reduce exposure from travel while still being able to compete at a high level, the schools will compete over two weekends from January 28-30 and February 4-6, remaining in a bubble environment in Florida while engaged in distance learning. Wild card teams for this year’s MAIT/NIBC include #10 AZ Compass Prep (AZ) the first weekend and #21 Calvary Christian Academy (FL) the second weekend. 

Multiple games will be aired on a nationally recognized sports network to be announced shortly. Seating is limiteddue to COVID-19 and reserved only for event sponsors. Attendees will be temperature checked upon entrance and masks are required. Sponsorship information can be found online at Montverde.org. 

For Media:  Rights to videography for the event have been secured by a third party for both weekends. No media credentials for videographers will be available and no video is permitted inside the venue. Print and digital media may apply for credentials at www.mvaports.com; however, due to COVID-19, only a limited number of print and digital media requests will be accommodated. For more information, contact Mr. Cole Kellogg, Sports Information Director. Print and digital media will have access to interview coaches and players through a Zoom platform established on site following games. 

When:       January 28-30 and February 4-6`

                  Game times are all between 1:00 p.m and 7:00 p.m.

Where:      The EdgeCenter for Health and Wellness

                  17235 Seventh Street, Montverde, FL 

Who:         Montverde Academy, Montverde, FL

                  Calvary Christian Academy, Fort Lauderdale, FL

                  LaLumiere School, La Porte, IN

                  AZ Compass Prep, Chandler, AZ

                  Oak Hill Academy, Mouth of Wilson, VA

                  Sunrise Christian Academy, Bel Aire, KS

                  Wasatch Academy, Mt. Pleasant, UT

About Montverde Academy:

Montverde Academy is a private, independent college preparatory school for grades Pre-K3 through post-graduate studies, with a boarding program serving grades 7-12 representing 90+ nationalities. Our mission is to inspire students to become knowledgeable leaders with global vision and passion for learning, in a disciplined and diverse community that nurtures character development. For more information, visit us online at Montverde.org and at MVASports.com. On social media, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

About National Interscholastic Basketball Conference: The National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC) was formed for the 2020-21 season by schools interested in high level competition for their basketball programs while following strict safety protocols. From that was born a collective interest to expand that concept and develop a conference of consistently recognized Top 25 nationally ranked basketball programs from not-for-profit 501(c)3 schools with sustainable history as academic institutions offering complete educational programs, extra-curricular programs and athletic programs for boys and girls. The NIBC is governed by a commission of the Heads of School from each institution and will participate in multiple annual events as part of the Conference. The NIBC allows for a number of “wild card” teams to be added to the Conference annually by members’ vote with the option to expand the membership in the future. Conference teams have agreed to observing eligibility standards for athletes commensurate with their state athletic associations and the NFHS. The Conference schools are also highly committed to developing a similar concept for girls’ programs. Dr. Kasey C. Kesselring, Head of School at Montverde Academy, is serving as the acting commissioner of the Conference until such time that a commissioner is secured by the member schools.