The Mercer Island boys lacrosse program will host one of the largest high school invitationals in the western United States this weekend, when 13 teams from around the country converge on the Island.

The event will feature 20 individual games.

Six of the competing teams are defending state champions, including the 2008 Nevada state champions, Bonanza.

The Mercer Island High School varsity and junior varsity teams will both take part.

Teams participating this year include: Montgomery Bell, a 2008 state title contender from Tennessee; Lakeridge, West Linn and Lincoln, from Oregon; Bingham and Bountiful, of Utah; Timberline, of Idaho; along with Issaquah, Bainbridge, Skyline and Bellevue.

The invitational is a good way for the Mercer Island teams to compete during the preseason and show off players to out-of-state teams and players.