LI Lutheran aims for hoops national championship
It was also their last practice before LI Lutheran plays in the Chipotle National Championship Tournament in Indiana starting on Thursday.
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LI Lutheran basketball coach John Buck has built the Crusaders into a national powerhouse. But Buck says there's still one thing missing in their gym- a national championship banner.
"We've had McDonald's All-Americans. We've beaten pretty much any program across the country. I guess you can say this is one goal we are ultimately chasing," said Buck as he led the boys through their final practice of the 2024-25 season.
It was also their last practice before LI Lutheran plays in the Chipotle National Championship Tournament in Indiana starting on Thursday.
"It's exciting to be able to play during this time of year," said senior guard Kayden Mingo. "At the same time it is bittersweet because it'll be the last time we all play together.
The Crusaders are the third seed in the Chipotle National Championship Tournament. They're also ranked third in the country according to ESPN. They'll also fresh off a championship at the prestigious "Throne Tournament" last weekend in New Jersey.
"It gives us a lot of confidence. A lot of teams have been off for a month or a month-and-a-half. But we were preparing for the Throne. So, we have a lot of confidence going to the Chipotle Tournament. We're playing like a well oiled machine," said senior guard Kiyan Anthony, who was the MVP of the Throne Tournament.
The Throne Tournament features state championship level teams from across the country. But the Chipotle National Championship Tournament features the nation's elite private and prep schools. So the team that wins is considered the "indisputable best team in the country" according to Buck.
He hopes that title belongs to his crew when it's over.
"I think it's something they want. It's something we are ready for. And we'll give it our best shot," said the coach.
