Area teams to converge at New River CTC Invitational

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – With the conclusion of the Battle for the Armory, another hoops invitational is right around the corner.

From Monday, January 5, 2026 through Saturday, January 10, 2026 the New River CTC Invitational will take over the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center. Teams like James Monroe and Princeton’s boys’ teams are slated to return for this one, alongside plenty of other area squads.

Kelly Mann is the head coach of the James Monroe Mavericks. His boys will take on Westside on Tuesday evening at 8 p.m., plus Independence Saturday night also at 8 p.m. Mann is excited to bring the Mavericks back after the Battle for the Armory.

“This is a great tournament for us. We really scheduled up this year. I have said it many times. We are trying to get challenges every night. I think you really grow in games like that. You see guys, you know, they are challenged and they have step up and play a little bit,” said Coach Mann.

Coach Mann told 59News his team is still in the early stages of adapting to their new system, as they play an extremely up-tempo style of play. This playstyle helps his team make big plays and earn a little more space. Playing more games against higher caliber teams will help the Mavericks mesh better as the season progresses.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.