Football, basketball, volleyball, golf, soccer, cross country, gymnastics, wrestling, swimming, track & field, and more filled our feeds this past year, featuring all the good news about our La Porte County athletes in their respective sports. There is so much talent to go around in our area, and we had a blast attending games, matches, meets, and more to help others see the action from a unique perspective.
Whether it was deep dives on high school and club sports, nationally televised basketball invitationals, coach spotlights, regional tournaments, new clubs, or anything in between, we shared it all in 2024 on behalf of the high schools and colleges that make our Region proud.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 sports articles on LaPorteCounty.Life to recap the good news in 2024!
La Porte Slicers return to the Civic Auditorium for the first time in years ahead of La Porte Invitational
On January 2nd, for the first time in years, Slicer Basketball returned to La Porte Civic Auditorium. Taking on the visiting Lowell Red Devils, the La Porte High School boys put on a show before a packed crowd – offering and experiencing a taste of history.
The Civic, built and gifted to the city in 1930, was once home court for La Porte High School Basketball, back before the newer school and its massive gymnasium were built. With the historic building’s towering, curved ceiling, elevated stadium seating positioned right on top of the court, and brick walls that enveloped the crowd – the game was a callback to a different era of Slicer history.
La Porte Invitational brings fresh basketball talent to a national stage
The La Porte Civic Auditorium is the perfect venue for many events. Concerts, conferences, business luncheons – if it draws a crowd, the Civic Auditorium can handle it. That’s why, for the third year now, the Civic Auditorium will host 11 of the top-rated high school basketball programs in the nation at the three-day La Porte Invitational.
Beginning this Thursday, January 4, the nationally televised La Porte Invitational taps into the Region’s love of high school basketball and features such highly rated programs as La Lumiere School from La Porte, Indiana, Oak Hill Academy from Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, and the Orangeville Prep from Canada, among others. This powerhouse of a showing had fans excited from the get-go.
How to get into the swing of golf with Briar Leaf PGA Pro Jay Williams: An All-inclusive guide
Golf is a pastime enjoyed by many across the country, and now that warmer weather has arrived, it’s the perfect time to bust out those clubs and head to the green!
Those new to the sport can head over to Briar Leaf Golf Club this season. The facility has tons of resources, including coaching sessions from PGA Professional Jay Williams, making it easier than ever for newcomers to join in the fun. Williams also provided a few tips and tricks below, so read on to learn the basics of golf to really get into the swing of the sport today.
Girls Tennis in the Region serves up success and sisterhood
As the seasons unfold, Girls Tennis teams are gearing up across the state. While the boys' season kicks off in the fall and the girls' season commences in spring, students and coaches alike eagerly anticipate what lies ahead. They await the development of team camaraderie and unity, as well as the blossoming of friendships, throughout the season.
Transitioning from the broader perspective of team dynamics and anticipation for the season, let's delve into the personal journeys of individual players. Understanding what initially attracted them to tennis and their experiences leading up to joining the high school team provides insight into their passion for the sport.
Embracing esports in high schools across the state with skill development, community, and academic opportunities
The phenomenon of esports, or competitive video gaming, has gained worldwide popularity and is now being recognized and valued in high schools. In this article, we will explore the presence of esports in high schools, highlighting the numerous benefits for students, the scoring systems utilized, the sense of community fostered, and the opportunities created for personal and academic growth.
The captivating nature of esports is evident in the field’s rising popularity among high school students. The availability of video game live-streaming platforms and organized competitions has significantly contributed to this surge. High schools have begun to recognize the value of embracing this digital phenomenon and have started establishing esports programs. These programs provide students with a structured platform to compete, develop skills, and connect with like-minded peers.
The rise of lacrosse in high schools in the Region: Fostering athletes and building communities
Lacrosse, a sport steeped in tradition and excitement, has seen a significant rise in popularity among high school students in Northwest Indiana (NWI). The Region, known for its rich sporting culture, has embraced lacrosse as a thrilling and competitive athletic pursuit.
Lacrosse, often referred to as "the fastest sport on two feet," is a dynamic and exhilarating game that combines athleticism, skill, and strategy. Originating from Native American tribes, lacrosse has evolved into a highly organized sport played worldwide.
Boys Volleyball sets the stage for others all across the state and beyond
In Northwest Indiana (NWI), Boys Volleyball is a developing sport that is only going to get stronger.
Boys Volleyball started in the area in late 2022 as tryouts and teams began to form. These boys compete in a league called the Indiana Boys Volleyball Coaches Association (IBVCA). This league controls the standings and rules within the Region.
Gymnastics takes every victory with resilience as they take over the Region
The gymnastics teams all over Northwest Indiana (NWI) have made a lot of triumphs this 2022-23 season. Valparaiso High School won its 14th state title, Portage High School ended the season with great numbers, Crown Point High School placed 3rd after there state championship, Merrillville High School continued showing resilience and a great attitude, Lake Central High School placed 5th in the state at the end of the season and so on. Each team in NWI and beyond worked hard to get where they are, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
High School Bowling teams all across Northwest Indiana are on a roll
Bowling in Northwest Indiana (NWI) is a hot commodity, especially in a high school environment. Schools like Valparaiso High School, Michigan City High School, Munster High School, Lowell High School, Wheeler High School, La Porte High School, and much more are competing in the Lakeshore Indiana High School Bowling Conference (Lakeshore IHSB).
Jay Williams celebrates 30 years as Briar Leaf Golf Club GM & Golf Professional
Briar Leaf Golf Club is one of the fastest growing golf clubs in the Region, boasting 18 memorable holes – with water on eight of them – along with top-notch practice facilities, quality food and drink, and affordable fees and rates. Much of that growth was kick started by PGA Golf Professional Jay Williams, who is now in his 30th summer managing general operations at Briar Leaf.