LAKEVILLE - For over 60 years, the everwise Bi-County Basketball Tournament has been a staple for several different communities in northern Indiana. It all started in 1966 as a showcase event for Indiana small schools. Over time, the tournament grew from a single elimination tournament to a two-game guarantee, with the winners getting three games in a week. In 1977, the girls bracket was added, which made for more teams to be participate and even more fans to help celebrate the tradition that Indiana calls 'Hoosier Hysteria'! As we tip off the 61st annual everwise Bi-County Basketball Tournament, we had a chance to chat with Tournament Director Will Hostrawser, who is also the LaVille Athletic Director. "The Everwise Bi-County Basketball Tournament is more than a competition," said Hostrawser a few days prior to the start of Bi-County Week.  "It’s a celebration of community, tradition, and the role LaVille proudly plays as the heart of bi-county basketball." While not always the sole host, LaVille has served as the central location, especially in recent years, hosting many rounds and games, including the 2026 version. Local high school teams that currently compete are Argos, Bremen, Culver, John Glenn, LaVille, New Prairie, Oregon-Davis, and Triton, with both boys' and girls' varsity/JV competitions for bragging rights and trophies. This tournament is known for intense rivalries and historic moments, along with creating a "state" tournament feel, with large crowds. For the past several years, the first round has been played at four sites and action from Wednesday through Saturday has taken place at LaVille, barring any weather snafooz. And with so many teams within 35 minutes of travel, there are some competitive rivalries. "For LaVille especially, it is a tournament we have always hosted," said LaVille head girls basketball coach Nicholas Amor, who played in the tournament and now coaches the Lancer ladies basketball team. "As a player for most it will be the largest crowd they ever play in front of. Whether you are a coach, player, or fan, if you love the game there is no better tournament." The tournament started as a varsity boys event in 1966 before the varsity girls were added in 1977. Not only are their brackets for boys and girls varsity teams, there are tournaments for JV girls and JV boys, as well. We had a chance to ask Hostrawser about Community Pride, Tradition, and LaVille: The Central Host of this prestigious event. Community Pride "For generations, the Everwise Bi-County Tournament has brought schools, families, alumni, and communities together under one roof. Packed gyms, familiar rivalries, and shared memories create an atmosphere that extends far beyond the court. It’s a week where school colors fill the stands, local pride is on full display, and basketball serves as a unifying force for the entire region." - Tournament Director & LaVille Athletic Director, Will Hostrawser Tradition "Few events in the area carry the history and meaning of the Everwise Bi-County Tournament. Passed down from one generation to the next, it represents everything that makes high school basketball special—hard-fought games, respect for the game, and a deep appreciation for those who came before. Each year adds another chapter to a tournament that has become a cornerstone of winter sports in the bi-county area."  - Tournament Director & LaVille Athletic Director, Will Hostrawser LaVille: The Central Host "LaVille’s role as host reflects both trust and tradition. Centrally located and deeply connected to the tournament’s history, LaVille provides a welcoming setting that feels familiar to every participating school. From organization and hospitality to game-day atmosphere, LaVille takes pride in serving as the gathering place where the Everwise Bi-County Tournament comes to life.Year after year, the Everwise Bi-County Basketball Tournament stands as a reminder that while championships are earned on the court, the true value of the event lies in the pride, tradition, and community that surround it." - Tournament Director & LaVille Athletic Director, Will Hostrawser Media Coverage: IHSAA Champions Network, LVH1, WRSW, MAX 98.3FM Live Webcast Link -  Girls Varsity Game:  https://www.ihsaatv.org/?B=2980661 Boys Varsity Game:  https://www.ihsaatv.org/?B=3528158 Quarterfinal action begins on Tuesday, January 20. Weather permitting, the varsity girls will move into semifinals/consolation round on January 22. The varsity boys continues with semis/consos on Jan 23. JV semifinals and championship rounds start at 9am Jan 24. Varsity championships will be settled Jan 24 beginning at 6:30pm We look forward to seeing basketball fans this week! Let's play ...