The Montverde Academy boys basketball team delivered when the lights were brightest.

In front of a sold-out, capacity crowd inside the Nest, the Eagles defeated Faith Family Academy 59-53 on Saturday evening to capture the championship of the 2026 Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament (MAIT) presented by Discover Lake County on campus.

MVA answered every challenge Faith Family Academy presented, leaning on composure, timely scoring, and a relentless home-court atmosphere that once again proved to be a difference-maker.

Oneal Delancy led the Eagles with 18 points, while Dhani Miller added 14 points and four assists. Joe Philon III chipped in 12 points and six rebounds, providing key contributions on both ends of the floor.

The game opened as a defensive battle, with Montverde Academy holding a narrow 11-10 advantage after the first quarter. From there, the Eagles found their rhythm. MVA outscored Faith Family Academy 17-9 in the second quarter, taking a 28-19 lead into halftime and setting the tone for the remainder of the night.

Faith Family Academy did not go away without a fight. They trimmed the deficit to within one possession several times in the second half and never trailed by more than their nine point halftime deficit. Each time, Montverde Academy calmly responded though — whether it was a timely basket, a defensive stop, or a poised trip to the free-throw line — never allowing Faith Family to gain control.

Backed by a packed house and a student section that was loud, exuberant, and relentless from start to finish, the Eagles closed out the championship holding Faith Family Academy at bay.

Following the final buzzer, the celebration matched the moment. As has become tradition, the student section completely emptied onto the floor, joining the Montverde Academy players in a jubilant, unforgettable celebration of the 2026 MAIT championship.

Six Eagles were recognized for their performances throughout the tournament. Derek Daniels, Oneal Delancy, and Javion Tyndale were named to the All-Tournament Team, while Nikos Koulisianis earned the tournament's Sportsmanship Award. Joe Philon III was awarded the Monster Dunk Jam Trophy, and Dhani Miller was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

With the victory, Montverde Academy improves to 14-5 on the season.

With the MAIT championship now behind them, the Eagles now turn their attention to the road, returning to action on Friday, February 6, when they open the Dr. Pepper Classic in Chattanooga, Tennessee against Spire Academy in a Nike EYBL Scholastic showdown scheduled for 9:00 p.m.