Central part of Florida tournament featuring top teams in nation
Not many basketball teams from the Midwest can say they were invited to Florida twice in two years for a tournament.
The Central High School boys basketball team can, as it will take part in the 17th annual Montverde Academy Invitational, with four teams ranked in the Top 50 nationally.
“Last year, when we went down to the City of Palms and we played well down there and ended up winning our bracket,” Central coach Todd Fergot told WKTY from the O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. “That put the word out a little bit that we do play some good basketball up here in Wisconsin.”
The Red Raiders (8-1) dropped to No. 2 in the AP poll for Division 2 this week, after suffering its first loss of the season Friday, 73-61 to Onalaska (12-1), which is now ranked No. 1.
Every win this season for Central has come by 25 points or more.
But, this upcoming tournament that runs Thursday-Saturday, is about more than basketball.
“For some of these kids they’ve never flown before,” Fergot said. “It’s a great opportunity for the kids who might never have a chance to come to Florida during this time of year, and partake in that.”
After the Red Raiders came back from winning a title at the tournament last season, Fergot noticed some elevation in his team’s play and more confidence.
“It gave some of our guys confidence that, ‘Hey, we’re playing against some of the best kids in the nation,'” Fergot said. “I think, for our younger guys, this is a good opportunity, too, for them to be challenged.”
The Red Raiders will have games Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
