Frontier girls - Departing Coach Kyle Marlatt
CHALMERS, Ind. -- (Updated 3/25) Coach Marlatt will not be returnings after four seasons. The Falcons managed just a 5-18 mark last soon, and good Varsity Clubber reports a similar talent pool is on paper for incoming coach. Gone are three seniors including two leading scorers. A decent sr-2-b in Haley Jay leads a returning cast of four other letterwinners, but all are limited. JV was competitive in most outings.

My buddy down south sent me a couple of pics of the Hatchet House for the 1A semi-state final game between Indy Lutheran and Rock Creek Academy. What a joke. The place seats over 7,000 and there was probably only about 1,500 people there.

AND THIS IS A SEMI-STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME?????

Thank you IHSAA. What a joke class basketball really and truly is. I was thinking about driving down for the game but decided to head to Southport to watch Brownstown and Linton instead. Sure glad I did.

r/GC

What time will everybody be gathering for our yearly breakfast?

They open at 7:30am.

Mt. Vernon boys - Departing Coach Ben Rhoades
FORTVILLE, Ind. -- (Updated 3/23) Coach Rhoades’ has resigned as boys basketball coach at Mt. Vernon. This from the Indy Star: ”Rhoades was placed on leave following his arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated Feb. 20 in Shelbyville. He was allowed to return to his teaching position starting next week, though his coaching position was under review.” During his five seasons there he went 77-43 and won two Sectionals. Last year the Marauders finished 16-9, but to point to the 3-4 senior contributors would be burying the lead. Good Varsity Clubber reports that a very strong soph-2-b group is in the system, and specifically two went for 13ppg each. Other underclassmen logged enough varsity time to point to, at least on paper, several successful seasons in the near future. Several openings with more expected. Currently: HS Math, MS Math, HS Computer Science, Eled and Sped. Apps deadline 4/14. Interim Coach and MtV teacher Nate Bingham odds on favorite.

Lawrence Central boys - Departing Coach Al Gooden
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- (Updated 3/23) Coach Gooden has announced he is leaving LC after nine years leading the Bears. Last season the east side school was 15-8, but next year’s Bears will look vastly different. Six seniors graduate, and those players made-up virtually the entire varsity effort. The only other player to log extensive varsity time was freshman Albert Gooden III.. So his status as a LC Bear is obviously on a lot of folks’ minds. JV was competitive last season, but given LC’s schedule, which is regularly one of the toughest in the state, fielding a team of move-up JV players may spell trouble. Current teaching openings reported as: MS English, MS Science, Eled, HS English, HS Science.


Penn boys - Departing Coach Al Rhoads
MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- (Updated 3/23) Al Rhoads announced his retirement last night at their team banquet at Penn. Not often that you see a squad that graduates nearly 65ppg in offense, but that’s the headline with this high-scoring Penn squad. This past season was one to remember as Penn ran off a 28-2 mark, losing only to Ben Davis in the HOF Classic, and Kokomo at Semistate. The reality is that most games were runaways including most of their run-up all the way to Semistate. God Varsity Club member emails that there is still talent returning to the Penn locker room, but just not near what the Kingsmen suited-up last season. With likely four letterwinners back, and dynamite 19-2 conference champion JV squad awaiting their turn, Penn should be just fine. Oh, and an undefeated frosh squad with some real height. One name already earning some buzz is Penn VA/JV Tyler Leighton. Plenty of teaching gigs to work with though: HS Art, HS Tech, HS Science, HS Spanish, HS English, MS English, MS Social Studies, and Eled.

University boys - Departing Coach Brandon Lafferman
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- (Updated 3/23) Good Varsity Club member reports Coach Brandon Lafferman met with team yesterday - retiring after 10 years to spend more time with family (3 young kids) and more work demands (lay coach.) Coach went 179-70 in 10 years at University. Won last 6 PAAC championships. Won 2 Sectionals - 2018 1A lost to eventual state champion Morristown by 2 in Regional and 2022 2A - lost to Eastern Hancock in Regional Final. Last season record 22-3 against Sagarin's 6th strongest 2A schedule. Conference champs, lost Sectional final. Were 3-1 over 4A schools with wins over Roncalli, Westfield and Decatur Central. Played all 6 Circle City Conference teams and went 5-1 losing only to 3A finalist Guerin Catholic by 9. Report continues seniors lost - 4 including 3 starters and 1 rotation piece. 26.5 ppg graduates along with 4 of 5 leading rebounders. Returning players for the Trailblazers include 4 rotation pieces - size is lacking. Senior to be Sabien Cain - 6-0 - two time PAAC Player of Year, has Arizona State offer, named to IBCA Underclass Supreme 15. 20.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg. Senior to be starter Robert Russell - 5-7 - 6.0 ppg. Senior to be sixth man Bryce Gray - 5-6 - 6.0 ppg. Junior to be Zien Bland 5-6 - 1.1 ppg. JV had a winning record against tough schedule. Large senior class to be in program - growth of these players who saw a lot of JV time will be key. Some unproven size in the JV group. University enrollment is around 350 - small 2A even under the new proposal. Sectional has 5 teams - Park Tudor, Covenant Christian, Cascade, Sheridan. PAAC splits in two divisions - University plays in North Division with Liberty Christian, Seton Catholic, Muncie Burris and Anderson Prep. University is a high school only with no feeder schools so flow of talent can be uneven, but sits in a talent rich area. School website currently shows English opening and an opening in the Communications group.

Delta girls - Departing Coach Andy Lewman
MUNCIE, Ind. -- (Updates 3/23) It is now official that Coach Lewman will not be leading the Eagles next year after seven seasons. The last few have been tough ones for Delta. Last year the Eagles went 6-16 and struggled to score points in most outings. However, a good Varsity Clubber reports an interesting anomaly from last year’s roster. Only two seniors graduate, and they were collectively responsible for less than one bucket a game. Several frosh appeared in varsity games including leading scorer and rebounder Jillian Barr (13 & 9.) Varsity Clubber reports that much of the angst that goes with younger players playing over older has already been plowed through, so hopefully, at least with this particular roster, that road has already been paved. Improvement in the win column is more than realistic for incoming coach. The Mendoza line is a realistic goal next go round. Both 8th grade and 7th grade squads finished county runners-up last season. 6th grade group finished as county champs. Internal interest expected. Openings include: HS Biology, HS English, MS Science, and MS Counselor

North Harrison boys - Departing Coach Lou Lefevre
RAMSEY, Ind. -- (Updated 3/22) Coach Lefevre has announced on social media that he is resigning after four seasons with the Cougars. Coach has been very successful winning 64 games in his four seasons there. Last year’s Cougars were 9-12 and 4-4 in Mid-Southern Conference games. Limited report states a ton graduates. Decent JV.

Blue River Valley girls - Departing Coach Terry Bales
NEW CASTLE, Ind. -- (Updated 3/21) It’s been a great six year span for the Vikings as Coach Bales has led them to 112-42 during that time. Last year’s squad went 16-9 and broke a four-year Sectional title streak. Next year’s roster will look substantially different according to Varsity Clubber. Five seniors including star Maci Chamberlin and her 22ppg depart. Three underclassmen who hit the varsity court pretty consistently are expected back led by jr-2-b Charlee Gibson and sr-2-b Maciah Driskill (All-Conference.) Finding the pieces to go with them will likely be more challenging than the past few years. A .500 JV should help provide depth. County champion group in middle school. nMultiple teaching positions available. $7000 stipend.

Concord girls - Departing Coach Cassie Cepeda

ELKHART, Ind. -- (Updated 3/22) Good Varsity Club member reports Internal Interest: Jaclyn Heath (current Varsity Assistant), Jim Read (current JV), Sarah Deshone (former LaPorte HC and current Varsity Assistant to her brother Derek DeShone---Concord Boys)---front runner. Potential Shawntes Gary, former Concord/WMU player who's daughter is coming thru the Concord MS ranks and is very talented.

Western boys - Departing Coach Mike Lewis
RUSSIAVILLE, Ind. -- (Updated 3/22) Coach Lewis has resigned to take an administration job at Western. This from the Kokomo Trib: “Lewis compiled a 79-60 record in six seasons with the Panthers. He inherited a program coming off back-to-back 4-19 seasons. Following a 6-16 record in his first season, he produced five straight winning seasons. He led the Panthers to a sectional title in 2020 and conference titles in 2021 and ‘22.” The Panthers finished last season 14-13, but conference woes again plagued them, going just 1-4. JV reportedly solid. MS Math, HS Math, Eled, HS Ag, and HS English. Some internal interest expected.


Lake Central boys - Departing Coach Dave Milausnic
ST. JOHN, Ind. -- (Updated 3/22) Lake Central has now posted this listing as open. Coach Milaisnic has won 264 games during a 19 year career all with the Indians. Most recently LC went 16-9 and was martyred in the Sectional by rival Munster. Good Varsity Clubber reports Indians do lose a lot, but the roster is far from gutted. The always tough Duneland Conference will still be an uphill battle, especially with so much toughness graduating. However, report points to proven underclassmen ready to take their positions as leaders. Average JV reported. Openings include HS Business, HS Math, and Sped. Stipend $11,392

New Castle girls - Departing Coach Molly Bates
NEW CASTLE, Ind. -- (Updated 3/21) Now official that Trojans will have a new leader for the first time in five seasons. The talent level during that span has been a case study in public school enrollment. Varsity Clubber reports it’s truly been feast or famine during her tenure. From most recent: 0-23, 14-10, 2-17, 3-20, and 16-10. From last year’s 0-season, Varsity Clubber reports about 23 ppg should be back. Trouble is that 18 of that comes in one uniform. Sr-2-b PG Emma Hart is about it in terms of proven varsity production. Hart is the real deal for sure, but graduation guts what little post presence the Trojans could put on the court last year. No where to go but up from winless, but substantial growth (5 wins?) is going to be a tough goal. JV beyond bad. On the bright side, 8th grade described as competitive. Younger grades have players that are on track to contribute to varsity effort well down the line. MS English, MS Instructional Coach, MS Careers, HS Science, HS Math, MS Sped. One email indicates looking outside.

HOOSIER BASKETBALL MAGAZINE TABS TOP 60 SENIOR BOYS

Attached is a list of Hoosier Basketball Magazine's Top 60 senior boys’ basketball players for 2022-23 as compiled by Hoosier Basketball Magazine. These boys were selected from approximately 1,500 senior players statewide. This event will be at Marian University in Indianapolis on Sunday, March 26, 2023.

Hoosier Basketball Magazine's Top 60 Senior Workout is highlighted by 10 players who will participate in the 2023 IHSAA State Finals including— Clay Butler, Zane Doughty and Sheridan Sharp of Ben Davis and Zavion Bellamy, Kokomo from AAAA; Cade Brenner and Ian Raasch from AAA NorthWood; Josh Furst and Gage Sefton of Fort Wayne Blackhawk along with Joey Hart and Logan Webb from Linton-Stockton representing AA. Unfortunately, due to spring break conflict, Kamea Chandler from AAA Guerin Catholic is not able to attend.

There are 20 players who averaged more than 20 ppg this season who are part of the Top 60 Senior Workout this year topped by the state’s leading scorers— Tyler Myers, Evansville Day (31 ppg) and Markus Burton, Penn (29.7).

Featured Top 60 players who will stay in the Hoosier State as Division I recruits include Burton (NOTRE DAME), Jermaine Coleman, Park Tudor (FORT WAYNE), Myles Colvin, Heritage Christian (PURDUE), Doughty, (VALPARAISO) and Mason Jones, Valparaiso (BALL STATE).

More Division I talent will be on display at the Top 60 Workout with Hart, (Central Florida), Logan Imes, Zionsville (Penn State), Sam Orme, Carmel (Belmont), Nick Richart, Zionsville (UNC - Charlotte), JQ Roberts, Bloomington North (Vanderbilt) and Sharp (Nicholls State). Of Note: Xavier Booker, Indianapolis Cathedral (Michigan State) was selected, but can not attend due to travel for the McDonald’s All-American game.

Statistical evaluation, game observation and statewide research were conducted throughout the season to determine Hoosier Basketball Magazine's Top 60. Two sessions of the Top 60 Senior Workout will be hosted on Sunday, March 26, 2023 by Hoosier Basketball Magazine, in conjunction with the IHSAA and the IBCA, at Marian University in Indianapolis (3200 N. Cold Spring Road).

Boys primarily from Northern and Southern Indiana will participate in the first session (1:00-3:00 pm EST). The remaining players, mostly from Central Indiana, will compete during the second session (3:30-5:30 pm EST).

Coach Christopher Hawkins (Indianapolis Attucks) will direct both sessions. Four other outstanding IBCA coaches— Donnie Bowling (Anderson), Brent Dalrymple (North Daviess), Greg Dean (Fountain Central) and Ryan Miller (Providence)— have been invited to assist with on-court coaching.

KnowYourBaller will be filming the Boys Top 60 Senior Workout again this year. They will provide summary videos with all pertinent clips for participating players.
Both sessions are open to the public for admission fee of $8.00 ($5 for elementary age students). Media can call (317) 925-8200 if interested in credentials for one or both sessions. The Top 60 boys follow.

Weston Aigner, Castle
Jeremiah Alexander, Beech Grove
Luke Almodovar, Noblesville
Marcus Ankney, Center Grove
Matthew Arthur, New Washington
Anthony Ball, Decatur Central
Zavion Bellamy, Kokomo
Landon Biegel, Oak Hill
Peyton Bledsoe, Loogootee
Cade Brenner, NorthWood
Darrion Brooks, New Haven
Joey Brown, North Central (Marion)
Markus Burton, Penn
Clay Butler, Ben Davis
Ahmere Carson, Anderson
Jermaine Coleman, Park Tudor
Myles Colvin, Heritage Christian
DaJohn Craig, Lawrence Central
Nolan Cumberland, Tippecanoe Valley
AJ Dancler, Southport
Caleb Dewey, Edinburgh
Zane Doughty, Ben Davis
Cooper Farrall, Culver Academies
Aidan Franks, Wapahani
Josh Furst, Fort Wayne Blackhawk
Josh Gatete, Penn
Arlondo Hall, Tindley
Joey Hart, Linton-Stockton
Andrew Hedrick, Columbia City
Ben Henderson, Harrison (West Lafayette)
Jamie Hodges Jr., Michigan City
Jalen Hooks, Warren Central
Dayton Hoover, Frontier
Cooper Horn, Columbus North
Logan Imes, Zionsville
Mason Jones, Valparaiso
Casey Kaelin, Providence
Kyron Kaopuiki, Homestead
Mason Larkin, Fountain Central
Nickens Lemba, Southport
AJ Lux, Crown Point
Keegan Manowitz, Jennings County
Luke McBride, Norwell
Willie Miller, Lake Station
Dylan Moles, Greenfield-Central
J.J. Morris, Argos
DJ Moss, Gary 21st Century
Jaylen Mullen, North Daviess
Tyler Myers, Evansville Day
Sam Orme, Carmel
Cole Pride, Batesville
Ian Raasch, NorthWood
Nick Richart, Zionsville
JQ Roberts, Bloomington North
Alex Romack, Westfield
Luke Saylor, Heritage
Gage Sefton, Fort Wayne Blackhawk
Sheridan Sharp, Ben Davis
Jacob Spaulding, Eastern Hancock
Silas Spaulding, Eastern Hancock
Ian Stephens, New Palestine
Deaglan Sullivan, Mishawaka Marian
Jaron Tibbs, Indianapolis Cathedral
Logan Webb, Linton-Stockton
Gavin Welch, New Castle
Spencer White, Carmel
Ashton Williamson, Gary 21st Century
Gavin Wisley, Bloomington South
Devon Woods, Pike

SELECTED BUT INJURED and UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE
Jaxson Gould, Warsaw
Jordan Woods, Hammond Central

SELECTED BUT UNABLE TO ATTEND
Chase Bachelor, Prairie Heights
Xavier Booker, Indianapolis Cathedral
Kamea Chandler, Guerin Catholic
Jacob Cherry, Eastern (Pekin)
Drew Cook, Northview
Austin Cripe, West Noble
Jake Davis, Indianapolis Cathedral
Elhadj Diallo, Brownsburg
Owen Duff, Carroll (Flora)
Tyson Good, Lewis Cass
Brycen Hannah, Glenn
Isaac Higgs, Evansville Reitz
Isaiah Malone, Prairie Heights
Bauer Maple, Maconaquah
Kaden Oliver, Silver Creek
Brandon Trilli, Munster
Caleb Washington, Floyd Central

The Indiana High School Athletic Association is pleased to announce that Earl Smith, Jr. of Gary, IN has been named the recipient of the IHSAA Ray Crowe Excellence in Leadership Award.

The IHSAA annually presents this award to an individual on the merits of their achievements, civic contributions, and community legacy, and who exemplifies the highest standards of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and moral character.

Smith will be recognized on the court at halftime of Saturday’s Class 3A state championship game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. He is the second recipient after last year’s inaugural award was presented to the family of Ray Crowe.

A 1952 graduate of Gary Roosevelt High School, Smith went on to a 56-year career with Gary Schools retiring in 2013 as City Athletic Director. Considered a great coach and teacher, Smith is widely regarded in the Gary Community as an outstanding mentor, father figure, and advisor for so many and has set an example of responsibility, sportsmanship, how to be a good citizen, and the value of giving back to the community.

Smith coached at Tolleston, Froebel, West Side, Emerson and Lew Wallace high schools during his career and was the first African-American head coach at Froebel, Emerson and Lew Wallace.

He coached football, track and field, golf and basketball during that time. His basketball teams won 323 games in 26 seasons, five conference titles, three sectionals, three regionals and reached the Elite Eight twice. His 1977 Emerson team won the inaugural Hall of Fame Classic and reached No. 1 in the state polls.

He was inducted into the Indiana Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1990, the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2007, and the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.

A multi-sport star in high school, Smith played football, basketball and track and field. He won the state championship in the long jump in 1951 and repeated in 1952 as a senior when he set the state record of 23-2.5 and helped Roosevelt win the first two state championships in school history both years.

Smith would go on to the University of Iowa where he was the 1954 Big Ten indoor and outdoor long jump champion and was a Big Ten honorable mention selection that year while leading the conference with 11 touchdowns and 66 points while playing for the Hawkeyes football team.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Iowa and earned post-graduate degrees from Indiana University. He and his wife, Roberta, reside in Gary. The award is named in honor of the late Ray Crowe (1915-2003) who served his community as a basketball coach, educator, school administrator, and later a government official.

Crowe was best known as the head basketball coach of Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis in the 1950s when he established what would become one of the greatest eras of Indiana high school basketball while serving as a pillar of Indiana’s African-American community.

IBCA/Franciscan Health boys' all-state honors set
Top senior, underclass players receive 'Supreme 15' accolades for 2022-23 season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Pat McKee, 317-403-1665
March 22, 2023 IBCA Director of Special Projects

Fifteen seniors and 15 underclass boys' basketball players have earned IBCA/Franciscan Health "Supreme 15" All-State honors for 2022-23, it was announced Wednesday (March 22).

The IBCA also named Large School All-State teams (15 seniors, 15 underclass) and Small School All-State teams (15 seniors, 15 underclass).

The "Supreme 15" is the top honor awarded, and players were voted to that group without regard to school size. The Large School and Small School all-state teams are secondary accolades -- the Large School group including players from Class 3A and Class 4A schools and the Small School group including players from Class A and Class 2A schools. Players who make the Supreme 15 are not considered for Large School or Small School honors.

In addition, 90 more seniors and 90 more underclass players were selected honorable mention all-state. The honorable mention laurels are awarded without regard to school size.

Those voted to the 2023 IBCA/Franciscan Health Supreme 15 Senior boys team are, listed alphabetically: Xavier Booker, Indianapolis Cathedral; Markus Burton, Penn; Myles Colvin, Heritage Christian; Zane Doughty, Ben Davis; Joey Hart, Linton-Stockton; Logan Imes, Zionsville; Mason Jones, Valparaiso; A.J. Lux, Crown Point; Sam Orme, Carmel; Ian Raasch, NorthWood; JaQualon Roberts, Bloomington North; Sheridan Sharp, Ben Davis; Jaron Tibbs, Indianapolis Cathedral; Brandon Trilli, Munster; and Ashton Williamson, Gary 21st Century.

Those voted to the 2023 IBCA/Franciscan Health Supreme 15 Underclass boys' team are, listed alphabetically: Isaac Andrews, Wapahani; Jack Benter, Brownstown Central; Flory Bidunga, Kokomo; Dezmon Briscoe, Indianapolis Attucks; Sabien Cain, University; Kanon Catchings, Brownsburg; Jalen Haralson, Fishers; Brauntae Johnson, Fort Wayne North; Carter Kent, Jennings County; Chase Konieczny, South Bend St. Joseph; Tyler Parrish, Chesterton; Kellen Pickett, Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian; Azavier Robinson, Lawrence North; Justin Sims, Chesterton; and Trent Sisley, Heritage Hills.


The IBCA/Franciscan Health All-State teams are selected through a process organized by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association and presented by Franciscan Health Sports Medicine.

All IBCA-member head coaches have the opportunity to nominate players. A panel of 20 IBCA coaches -- 16 from the current regional areas, three district representatives (one each from IHSAA Districts 1, 2 and 3) and the committee chairman -- then meets to review the nominations, vote and finalize the selections.

Those on the IBCA all-state committee for 2023 included chairman David Wood, former coach at West Lafayette, plus Chris Benedict of Whitko in District 1, Chris Hawkins of Indianapolis Attucks in District 2 and J.R. Holmes of Bloomington South in District 3.

Completing the voting panel were Mike Hackett of Munster, Ryan Osborn of Carmel, Mark James of Perry Meridian and Jim Shannon of New Albany in Class 4A; Aaron Wolfe of NorthWood, Matt Kostoff of Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger, Bobby Allen of Guerin Catholic and Gene Miiller of Washington in Class 3A; Kent Chezem of North Judson, Matt Luce of Wapahani, Aaron Spaulding of Eastern Hancock and David Benter of Brownstown Central in Class 2A; and Scott Bowersock of Washington Township, Brian Klein of Blue River Valley, Keith Witty of Edinburgh and Josh Thompson of Barr-Reeve in Class A.

Franciscan Health Sports Medicine is making a financial contribution to the IBCA Scholarship Fund as the presenting partner of the IBCA all-state teams. As part of the partnership, Franciscan Health Sports Medicine will provide plaques to Supreme 15 honorees and certificates to players receiving Large School All-State, Small School All-State or Honorable Mention All-State recognition. Those items will be made available to each recipient's coach during April, allowing his coach to present the award to each player prior to the end of the 2022-23 academic year.

The IBCA thanks Franciscan Health Sports Medicine for being a partner in this annual project.

The complete 2023 IBCA/Franciscan Health Senior All-State and 2023 IBCA/Franciscan Health Underclass All-State teams for boys' basketball are listed below.

2023 IBCA/Franciscan Health Senior All-State
Supreme 15
Xavier Booker, Indianapolis Cathedral
Markus Burton, Penn
Myles Colvin, Heritage Christian
Zane Doughty, Ben Davis
Joey Hart, Linton-Stockton
Logan Imes, Zionsville
Mason Jones, Valparaiso
A.J. Lux, Crown Point
Sam Orme, Carmel
Ian Raasch, NorthWood
JaQualon Roberts, Bloomington North
Sheridan Sharp, Ben Davis
Jaron Tibbs, Indianapolis Cathedral
Brandon Trilli, Munster
Ashton Williamson, Gary 21st Century

Large School All-State
Luke Almodovar, Noblesville
Markus Ankney, Center Grove
Cade Brenner, NorthWood
Ahmere Carson, Anderson
Cooper Farrall, Culver Military Academy
Jamie Hodges Jr., Michigan City
Keegan Manowitz, Jennings County
Luke McBride, Norwell
Jaylen Mullen, North Daviess
Nick Richart, Zionsville
Alex Romack, Westfield
Ian Stephens, New Palestine
Deaglan Sullivan, Mishawaka Marian
Devon Woods, Pike
Jordan Woods, Hammond Central

Small School All-State
Lukas Balling, Marquette Catholic
Peyton Bledsoe, Loogootee
Jacob Cherry, Eastern (Pekin)
Jermaine Coleman, Park Tudor
Peter Combs, Bloomfield
Owen Duff, Carroll (Flora)
Aidan Franks, Wapahani
Josh Furst, Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian
Isaiah Malone, Prairie Heights
Gage Sefton, Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian
Jacob Spaulding, Eastern Hancock
Silas Spaulding, Eastern Hancock
Wyatt Thornburgh, Blue River Valley
Logan Webb, Linton-Stockton
Brady Yoder, Westview

Southport boys - Departing Coach Eric Brand
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- (Updated 3/20) Seven seniors graduate from the Cardinal program including Southport’s all-time leading scorer, AJ Dancler. Good Varsity Club member reports the whole varsity enchilada departs. Only sr-2-b guard Jye Rudolph returns with any significant varsity time. MS Language Arts, HS Social Studies, HS Art, and Eled. More info coming soon!

One of the finest basketball gentlemen I know suggested compiling a list of all those Indiana high school basketball courts that have been given a name. Ultimately I plan to include all these compiled lists as part of the HH Book of Indiana High School Basketball Records. This would seem to be on the easier side of compilations considering it doesn't apply to most high schools - at least I've never noticed all that many. Still I agree it's a great idea. Please drop me a email or text if you can add to this very meager beginning!

HickoryHusker@yahoo.com
317-224-7150

Floyd Central -- Joe Hinton Court
New Albany -- Romeo Langford Court
West Washington -- Ron Smith Court

Bluffton boys - Departing Coach Karl Grau
BLUFFTON, Ind. -- (Updated 3/20) Bluffton boys officially now listed on their employment info page. It’s been a tough spell for Coach Grau during his three seasons with the Tigers. 7-15, 4-19, and most recently just 2-20. It’s tough to get too excited about a roster that only won two ball games last go round, but Varsity Clubber familiar with the program does expect growth next season in terms of wins and losses. Only two seniors graduate, and sr-2-b leading scorer Tucker Jenkins is expected back. The 6-1 athlete was good for about 16 and 8 last season and did so as the focal point of most defenses. There are a handful of others that gained varsity experience the hard way. That will no doubt help, but just to what degree is the question. The Tigers were so up against it last year in terms of talent, that even with experience, a .500 record would surprise most. Another unknown is the status of 6-0 soph-2-b Kaden Grau. He went for just under 10 a game as a varsity frosh. His departure, if that occurs, and the graduation losses to boot, the Tigers will really be behind the eight ball in terms of ball handling duties. JV was reportedly surprising competitive given the varsity record, and some will probably compete for roster spots next go round for new coach. Solid middle school program in place. HS Social Studies, MS Art, Eled Sped.

New Pal girls - Departing Coach Sarah Gizzi
NEW PALESTINE, Ind. -- (Updated 3/20) A fixture at New Pal, Coach Gizzi has resigned after six seasons, nearly 100 wins, and two Sectional titles. She was also named an Indiana All-Star as a player for the Dragons. Last season New Pal finished at 13-12 and Sectional runners-up to rival Mt. Vernon. Varsity Clubber reports just one senior graduates, but it’s a very big loss. Coach Gizzi’s daughter matriculates to play college ball and takes with her nearly 25ppg. Six underclass are expected back with letter jackets on, but all will have to take on expanded roles. Another area of concern is a lack of skilled height. 5-8 will be about it for head-toppers next season in red. A decent JV should help. Not much help expected from 8th grade, but 7th grade group described as very, very good. HS Science, HS Math, HS Sped, Eled.

On the job page, it says that Wawasee's coaching stipend is $3600???? That can't be correct, can it? Even most small 1A schools are probably at least $5k+