The Montverde Academy boys basketball team opened the Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament (MAIT) in dominant fashion, earning a 90–34 victory over Northside Christian on Thursdday night in The Nest.
The Eagles set the tone early, scoring the first 18 points of the game and leading from start to finish. Montverde Academy built a 29–10 advantage by the end of the first quarter and carried a commanding 45–16 lead into halftime.
Montverde Academy shot 54 percent from the field (32-for-59), including a scorching 62 percent (16-for-26) over the first 16 minutes of play. The Eagles controlled the game on both ends of the floor, overwhelming Northside Christian with defensive pressure and efficient offense.
Oneal Delancy led all scorers with 17 points while adding six rebounds. Joe Philon III was perfect from the field, finishing 5-for-5 shooting with 16 points. Derek Daniels recorded a double-double with 15 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, while also tallying three blocks.
Malachi Booker provided a spark off the bench with 13 points, and Javion Tyndale filled the stat sheet with game-highs of eight assists and five steals.
Montverde Academy dominated in every statistical category, holding advantages of 24–5 in points off turnovers, 17–4 in second-chance points, and 46–10 in points in the paint. The Eagles also outrebounded Northside Christian 40–17.
The win improves Montverde Academy to 12–5 on the season. The Eagles will face The Rock School in a winner's bracket matchup on day two of the MAIT, Friday at 8:00 p.m. The Rock School advanced after an 82–78 win over Riviera Prep in its opening-round game.
