Montverde has had a remarkably quick rise to the top of the high school basketball world under coach Kevin Boyle, now in his third year in Florida.
Montverde Academy head coach Kevin Boyle talks with Chris Egi during the team’s practice on on Thursday Nov. 14, 2013.
Fresh off a crown at the Pro Bass Shop Tournament of Champions earlier this weekend the Eagles arrive in Springfield, MA 18-0-0 and ranked No. 1 in the nation by USA Today ahead of Monday’s marquee clash with Curie (Illinois). MVA destroyed Oak Ridge (Orlando) in their last game, 93-57, behind Bend Simmons’ 22 points and seem poised to put up a strong effort in this one.
Eagles are led by 5-star junior Ben Simmons, who is considered one of the better players in the Class of 2015 and also feature Markham, Ontario native & Harvard bound big man Chris Egi. On Martin Luther King Day Monday Egi will have the tall task of slowing down the Currie Condors elite power forward Cliff Alexander. Who is the No.3 overall player in the class of 2014. His condors are 13-1 and Cliff has been the catalyst for their success.
Montverde Academy’s Chris Egi lets out a scream after dunking the ball during their game against Abraham Lincoln High School.
Alexander dropped 29 points and 17 rebounds in his last outing, a 75-59 shellacking of North Chicago. He’s been absolutely terrifying for defenders to try and stop, something that has rarely happened this season.
This weekend marks both a challenge Chris relishes and a playing stage he will cherish. Texting from Florida Tuesday night Egi explained,
“I think its a blessing to be able to participate. Just to have a chance to go up against top notch talent from around the country. That competition is what the games all about and I love it. For me thats fun” said the future Crimson Tide who commmited to Harvard this past fall.
“In terms of Cliff (Alexander) he’s a great player. I respect his game and I’m just going to go out there and compete. I know he’ll do the same” said the former St.Andrew’s College and CIA Bounce stand out.
“Individually I just want to help win games” Egi reiterated. “But the event is about the team and not any individual match ups. We are having a great season as team, are undefeated and we just hope to continue that”
As for his first season off the court in Florida? Nicknamed the “Valedictorian” amongst Canadian basketball fans, get this, the team player and model student athlete owns a stellar 4.53 gpa and 97 percent average. Moving forward to the next level he is a physical player who competes with a ton of energy on both sides of the court and should be able to make an immediate impact for Harvard in the Ivy League.
Since taking his talents South Egi has only enhaced his reputation of soft hands, quick feet with tremendous instincts around the basket. Keep on going Chris, sky is the limit.