By ADAM ZAGORIA
Montverde Academy (FL) and Oak Hill Academy (VA) are among the top independent schools that have formed the new 8-team National Interscholastic Basketball League.
The teams will play 12-14 games from early January through late February in a series of events across the nation. In addition to Montverde and Oak Hill, the other teams are Bishop Walsh (MD), Hamilton Heights (TN), La Lumiere (IN), Legacy Early College (S.C.), Sunrise Christian (KS) and Wasatch Academy (UT).
Montverde coach Kevin Boyle, who has coached six top-3 NBA Draft picks since 2011, was a major part of putting the league together, helping to coordinate the effort to get the coaches and heads of school connected. La Lumiere coach Pat Holmes handled the scheduling duties..
Games will take place at a number of national events, including the National Hoopfest (VA), Flyin’ to the Hoop (OH), Hoophall Classic (MA), Hoophall West (AZ) and the Metro Classic (N.J.).
The league will culminate in the Elite High School Basketball Conference Tournament in Evansville, IN March 11-13.
The league plans to undergo 13 rounds of COVID-19 testing every Monday beginning Dec. 18. Teams in the league will play non-conference games outside of the league as well.
“We are excited to play high-level games against the best high school teams in the country in this season of uncertainty,” legendary Oak Hill coach Steve Smith said.
Montverde is ranked No. 1 in several preseason polls, including the Ball is Life poll, with Sunrise Christian at No. 3, La Lumiere at 8, Wasatch at 11 and Oak Hill at 12.
This post has been updated. Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram And Like ZAGS on FacebookHere’s the full schedule for the new National Interscholastic Basketball League (NIBL) featuring @MVABasketball and @OHACoachSmith among 8 teams pic.twitter.com/QCd5UsNb8X
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) October 30, 2020
