As the calendar turns to December, the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC) will turn its attention to Montverde, Florida as Montverde Academy is set to host its turn in the 2022-23 NIBC rotation as they host the NIBC Sunshine Classic December 1-3.
The Eagles boys' basketball team will play all three days of the Sunshine Classic, including a game against in-state rival IMG Academy on Thursday at 5:00 pm, Long Island Lutheran Friday at 8:00 pm and Early Legacy College on Saturday at 8:00 pm. The girls will host a pair of games, including a showdown against Legacy Early College on Thursday at 2:30 pm and The Webb School on Saturday at 6:00 pm.
The boys enter the Sunshine Classic with a 1-1 overall record this season. The Eagles, who opened as the No. 1 ranked boys' basketball team in the nation, were defeated by No. 2 ranked A-Z Compass 65-54 in their season opener on November 22, before earning an 85-42 win over Pleasant Grove High School the next night.
Through the first two games this season, the Eagles have been led in scoring by Kwame Evans with 13.0 points per game, while Liam McNeeley is second at 10.5 points per game. Derik Queen has been the Eagles' leading rebounder at 5.5 rebounds per game, while Marvel Allen leads the team in assists with 6.0 per game.
On the girls' side, the Eagles are off to a 7-0 start. After earning three wins at home to start the season, MVA won both games of the Inside Exposure Thanksgiving Classic in Jacksonville on November 21 and 22, before winning a pair of games at Hoopfest in Dallas, Texas on November 25 and 26.
Through the first eight games this season, the Eagles have been led in scoring by Sahnya Jah at 10.7 points per game, followed by Cori Allen at 9.1 points per game. Lety Vasconcelos leads the team in rebounding at 8.0 rebounds per game, while Mjracle Sheppard leads the Eagles with 3.3 assists per game and 4.0 steals per game.
All three of the boys' basketball games will be televised on ESPN. Thursday's game is on ESPN U, while Friday and Saturday's games are on ESPN+. The girls' game on Saturday is slated to be on ESPN+.
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.
