As the playoffs near, the real contenders for the mythical FAB 50 national championship are beginning to separate themselves from teams simply having excellent seasons. That was evident at the Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament, as the No. 3 ranked and host Eagles captured the championship and knocked two teams from national championship consideration. This week's results yielded three newcomers, including No. 35 Vashon of Missouri, which took third place in the MAIT, and No. 40 Fairfax (Los Angeles), which downed its archival to move in to the deepest set of rankings in the industry.<\/b><\/p>\n
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By Ronnie Flores<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n R<\/strong>ELATED: <\/strong>NCAA and NFHS Limit June Live Period Opportunities<\/a> | Subscribe on iTunes to new \"In the Paint Show\u201d podcast <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Many teams use the short week that follows MLK Weekend to recoup and return to league action and prepare for the post-season. For the nation's truly elite programs, however, there is really no rest as major showcases dot each weekend leading up to various state tournaments. For Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) and Rancho Christian (Temecula, Calif.), the Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament<\/em> in Florida offered a chance to establish themselves as serious contenders in the FAB 50 National title race.<\/p>\n What ended up transpiring was the field of bonafide No. 1 contender shrunk, as host and FAB 50 No. 3 Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) crushed Rancho Christian (Temecula, Calif.), 79-56, in Saturday's title game. McDonald's All-American<\/a> Precious Achiuwa<\/strong> led the way with 23 points and was named tournament MVP. Wing Cade Cunningham<\/strong> and guard Harlond Beverly<\/strong> also made the all-tournament team. Rancho Christian was actually able to move up in this week's FAB 50 because Montverde Academy has also easily dispatch No. 6 Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) and defeated No. 8 Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) twice by sizable margins.<\/p>\n Cole Anthony already pulling up from NBA range like it's nothing.. He's too nice! @The_ColeAnthony<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/qUTQdkddlB<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 27, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n