Notre Dame commit Jonathan Sanderson headlines LaPorte Invitational showcase

The LaPorte Invitational on Jan. 8 delivered what local fans expect from midseason showcases: high-level talent and college recruiting buzz. La Lumiere point guard Jonathan Sanderson, a 2026 Notre Dame commit and rated a four-star recruit by major recruiting services, was one of the marquee players competing across the weekend, giving college coaches and Hoosier fans a close look at a player already on the national radar.

Sanderson’s commitment to Notre Dame this cycle solidified his status as a leading prospect in the region. While recruiting services have labeled him a four-star, the LaPorte Invitational offered the eye test that complements those rankings: live minutes against top prep competition, opportunities running a team’s offense, and moments to showcase court vision and leadership at the point guard spot. For local scouts and college staff who made the trip, those in-person evaluations remain invaluable.

The Invitational’s draw went beyond Sanderson. Tournament organizers filled the weekend with several top-ranked teams and prospects, turning LaPorte into a crossroads for coaches, players, and families tracking late-season development and recruiting movement. That density of talent matters to the high school scene in Indiana because it concentrates exposure — not just for the headliners but for under-the-radar players who perform against elite opposition.

For coaches and players in the area, the practical takeaway is straightforward: these showcases are both a measuring stick and a stage. Competing against a committed Division I guard like Sanderson lets opponents test defensive schemes, see how their ball-handlers respond under pressure, and gather film to tweak game plans. For recruits hoping to raise their profile, a solid weekend against stacked competition can change the conversations on recruiting boards.

For fans, the LaPorte Invitational reaffirmed why these events command attention in January. They’re where future college rotations take shape, where rivalries get rewound and scouted, and where the pulse of the season is easy to feel up close. And for local programs, hosting or attending such events helps keep Indiana high school basketball central to national recruiting narratives.

The takeaway? If you want to understand how players stack up when it counts, prioritize live looks and film from these invitationals. Attend the games if you can, watch the film if you can’t, and use those performances as a benchmark for offseason work and recruiting conversations. Our two cents? Keep an eye on Sanderson’s development at Notre Dame, but don’t sleep on the supporting cast who used LaPorte to make their own cases.