The building was packed, the enthusiasm was contagious, the entertainment was spectacular and the on the court action was thrilling as the twentieth Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament (MAIT) proved to be all it was advertised to be on the Montverde Academy campus last weekend.
Capped by a weekend that saw the Eagles go a combined 5-0, including a 3-0 record by the boys and 2-0 record by the girls, MAIT brought the entire campus together for a three-day extravaganza that exemplified campus community.
While the boys' and girls' basketball teams impressed in the heavily attended games, it was the contributions by the Montverde Academy campus community that made the event a must see event for anyone who is enthusiastic about high level high school basketball and school community.
In the midst of the basketball teams earning their wins, the crowds were given the privilege to witness the abundance of talent within the Montverde Academy student body and the surrounding community.
Fans in attendance got to hear five different renditions of the Star-Spangled Banner from a combined eight different students.
Montverde Academy student Sophia Marangoni performed for the crowd prior to the MVA girls' basketball game against Riverview High School on Thursday evening. Then the trio of Lily Downs, Amelie Jaime and Arianna Parrilla performed before the boys' game against Westminster Academy on Thursday night.
Then on Friday, prior to the boys' game against Owyhee High School, violinist Imen Nasser preformed the song on her violin as the MVA student section sang along in unison.
On Saturday before the girls' game against Palm Bay High School, Giavanna Parker performed before the game tipped off, then Trinity Clarke took center court in front of the capacity crowd in the championship men's game against St. Rita. Prior to the championship game, 100-year-old World War II veteran Frank Klum, who is a proud great grandfather of MVA students Owen and Keye Magnuson, was honored and received a rousing ovation from the crowd who began enthusiastically chanting USA! USA! USA!
Halftime proved no time to leave your seat. MVA's Pom Squad performed in three of the halftimes. Other mid-game performances were performed by the Montverde Academy Lower School Cheer Team, Montverde Academy Pep Band and Dreamplex, which is a center for therapy specifically for individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Homecoming royalty was also announced. Also, MVA's track & field teams were honored and received their 2022 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state championship rings. The girls' basketball team was also honored during a halftime for their GEICO High School National championship season last year.
The results on the court were not disappointing. The boys won the championship,first by defeating Westminster Academy 85-53 on the opening night, and downing defending Idaho state champion Owyhee 76-40 on Friday night. The Eagles then beat St. Rita High School 90-70 in the championship to claim the top prize. The girls' meanwhile beat Riverview High School 69-50 on Thursday night, before defeating Palm Bay High School 75-65 on Saturday.
