Recently, the Battle at The Villages announced the tournament lineup for the 2019 tournament, six months earlier than normal – and for good reason.
The three-day boys basketball tournament in 2021 will boast the most challenging bracket to date with three state champions, four out-of-state teams and all eight competitors returning from last year’s playoffs appearances.
Orlando Christian Prep, the defending Battle at The Villages champion, is back to defend its title after winning its second straight Class 2A title and ninth state championship in the previous 14 years. They’ll be joined by Covington Catholic (Kentucky), who won the 2019 BATV championship by defeating host VHS.
Calvary Christian (Fort Lauderdale), the Class 3A state champion, will return to The Villages after competing in 2019, while back-to-back Class 6A state champion Bartow will make its debut appearance.
Out-of-state powerhouse programs Concord Academy (North Carolina), Lincoln Park Charter (Pennsylvania) and Roswell (New York) will fill out the 2021 field (Georgia).
“Every team made their respective state playoffs this year, and multiple teams won a state championship,” said BATV tournament director Marty Dzuro Jr. “It’s especially exciting to welcome back two former Battle champions.”
The teams for the tournament, which will be held at The Villages High School on December 27-29, are usually announced in October. Ticket details and a competition bracket will be revealed at a later date, according to event organizers.
“This is the first time we’ve announced teams this early,” Dzuro said. “It’s a testament to the hard work our committee and volunteers put in this past year to make the Battle still happen — even with the pandemic — that allowed us to attract a field with a ton of talent.”
– Attributed Source, The Villages Daily Sun
