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+

Three to receive 2023 'Virgil Sweet Award' from IBCA Grossman, McClanahan, Lopresti to be honored by coaches' group for contributions to basketball Three individuals with significant ties to Indiana high school basketball will be recognized with Virgil Sweet Awards from the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association in 2023, it was announced Wednesday (March 15).

Roger Grossman of WRSW Radio in Warsaw, summer basketball organizer Denise McClanahan of Indianapolis and longtime sportswriter Mike Lopresti of Richmond are the recipients of this year's awards. One person is honored from each IHSAA district -- Grossman in District 1, McClanahan in District 2 and Lopresti in District 3.

Virgil Sweet Awards are presented to those who have provided meritorious service in the promotion of basketball across Indiana. The award is named in honor of Sweet, a former Valparaiso High School basketball coach and executive director of the IBCA from 1974 through 1984.

This is the 47th year that the IBCA has presented an award or awards for service to basketball beyond coaching. A single winner was named from 1975 through 1979. Multiple winners have been named from 1980 to the present, although no winners were named in 1991 (no clinic was held that year) or 2021 (when the 2020 winners were honored because of the COVID-19 pandemic).

A list of winners from over the years -- plus a bio of Virgil Sweet -- are beneath the biographies of the 2023 winners.

This year's awards will be presented on Thursday, April 20 as part of the 2023 IBCA Clinic at Mt. Vernon High School in Fortville, Ind. For more information about the IBCA, go to in.nhsbca.org.

Here is more information about each Sweet Award honoree for 2023.

Roger Grossman

Roger Grossman has broadcast high school basketball and other sports in Warsaw and northern Indiana for more than 30 years. He now is completing his 32nd school year with WRSW Radio.

Grossman is a 1986 graduate of Argos High School, where competed in four varsity sports – three seasons in soccer, one season in basketball, four seasons in golf and, concurrently with golf, three seasons in baseball.

He went on to Butler University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in radio/television in 1991. He began broadcasting Butler men’s basketball, women’s basketball and football games in 1987 on WAJC Radio while a college student. He also played on the Bulldogs’ golf team for one season and served three seasons as a student manager for the Butler women’s basketball team.

Grossman began his professional career in June 1991 as a summer intern at WRSW, then stayed on as a football analyst that fall and provided play-by-play coverage for Warsaw girls’ basketball that winter. He added football and boys’ basketball play-by-play duties to his responsibilities in 2002.

Over 32 seasons, Grossman has broadcast nearly 2,800 contests in boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, football, baseball, softball and soccer. He also hosts the “Tiger Talk” program on 35 Saturdays each school year.

He has been named the state Broadcaster of the Year three times by the Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association. He also was recognized as the IHSBCA district Broadcaster of the Year four other times.

Grossman was honored in 2010 as a recipient of the IHSAA Distinguished Media Service Award, and his broadcast location in the southwest corner of the Tiger Den in Warsaw has been named “Roger’s Roost” in his honor. He also has been a licensed basketball official since 1986. Grossman and his wife, Holly, are parents to two children – Hannah, 13, and Oliver, 9.

Officials to receive 2023 Gardner and Ball awards

Coburn, Day to be honored by Indiana Basketball Coaches Association

Game officials Eric Coburn and Ron Day will be recognized with special awards in 2023 by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association.

Coburn and Day will be honored as respective winners of the Roy Gardner and Mildred Ball awards as outstanding officials throughout long careers on the hardwood. The two officials are being cited for their work impacting the game floor, Coburn from 1985 to 2022 and Day from 1991 to the present.

Coburn officiated for 38 seasons, including five times in the boys' basketball State Finals and five times in the girls' basketball State Finals while a member of the Northern Officials Association of Indiana. The Leesburg resident received the IHSAA Award as Official of the Year in girls' basketball in 2007 and the IHSAA Award as Official of the Year in boys' basketball in 2015. He served as association secretary for 10 years, association president for eight years, has been an IHSAA clinician for 10 years and an IHSAA rules interpreter for 12 years. He also has mentored five officials who have gone on to work the IHSAA boys' and girls' State Finals.

Day, a Plymouth resident, just completed his 32nd season as an official. He has worked the boys' basketball State Finals five times and the girls' basketball State Finals five times. He has been a member of the Northern Officials Association of Indiana for 30 years and also the Lake County Association for 15 years. He has served as a clinician for a number of years and mentored many younger officials.

The Gardner Award is named after the late Roy Gardner, a Lawrenceburg native, Ball State graduate and former Batesville High School math teacher who worked three boys' basketball State Finals and officiated in the Big Ten from 1959-69. He passed away in 1977, and the IBCA has presented an award in his name since 1978. Gardner was inducted into the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1981 and the Ripley County Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.

The Ball Award is named after Mildred Morgan Ball, a graduate of Gary Roosevelt High School and Indiana University who served as an IHSAA assistant commissioner from 1977-97. During her time at the IHSAA, Ball was responsible for licensing and training of contest officials and also worked with the National Federation of High School Associations rules committee. The IBCA has presented an award in her name since 1997. Ball was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998, and she was the 2022 recipient of the Richard G. Lugar Award for Distinguished Service.

Coburn and Day each will receive his award during the IBCA's annual clinic on Thursday, April 20 at Mt. Vernon High School in Fortville. For more information about the IBCA, go to in.nhsbca.org.
More information about each award winner follows. In addition, a list of previous winners for these awards follows the biography information.


* * *

2023 IBCA Roy Gardner Award
Congratulations to the Roy Gardner Award Winner: Eric Coburn

Eric Coburn of Leesburg is the winner of the 2023 Roy Gardner Award.

Coburn is a 1974 graduate of Wawasee High School, where he participated in football, basketball and track. He then went to Ivy Tech, where he earned a certification in aircraft maintenance. He was a Warsaw city police officer for 32 years and has been teaching Aviation Ground School at Warsaw High School for nine years.

Coburn started officiating in 1985 after providing a police escort for the Warsaw Tigers, who won the IHSAA boys’ basketball state championship that season. He and his long-time police partner and 20-year basketball officiating partner, Lance Grubbs, argued calls during that championship game. They both agreed to get licensed in basketball and started officiating together at the elementary level, then moved into middle school and freshman level.

After joining the Northern Indiana Officials Association and being mentored by many veteran officials and learning from several past winners of the Gardner Award, they started working junior varsity games. Coburn’s first boys’ varsity game came at Penn High School in the inauguration game of the new “Penn Palace” basketball court.

After 38 years, Coburn has worked in both the girls’ basketball and boys’ basketball state tournaments. For girls, he has worked 28 sectionals, 19 regionals, 11 semi-states and five State Finals. For boys, he has worked 21 sectionals, 13 regionals, nine semi-states and five State Finals. He also has officiated in three Hall of Fame Classic events in New Castle.

Coburn received the IHSAA Outstanding Girls’ Basketball Official Award in 2007 and the IHSAA Outstanding Boys’ Basketball Official Award in 2015.

As a member of the Northern Officials Association of Indiana, Coburn has served as secretary for 10 years and president for eight years. He has also been an IHSAA clinician for 10 years and an IHSAA rules interpreter for 12 years. Coburn has mentored five officials who have gone on to work the IHSAA boys’ and girls’ State Finals.

He enjoys golf, hunting and flying. He has been an Angel Flight pilot since 2006, providing no-charge airplane flights for people in need to hospitals or doctors.

Coburn is humbled to receive this recognition from the IBCA and would like to give credit to mentors Gene Butts, Frank DeSantis, Tim and Jay Smith, Clark Hamilton, and current partners Kirk Robinson, Trent Long, Brett Patrick, and many others with whom he has officiated.

He also would like to thank the athletic directors who had confidence in hiring him and to the coaches who made him get better in officiating. He also expressed gratitude to his wife of more than 49 years, Yvonne, daughter Erica and son Will, who did not realize what they had gotten into.



2023 IBCA Mildred Ball Award
Congratulations to the Mildred Ball Award Winner: Ron Day

Ron Day of Plymouth is the winner of the 2023 Mildred Ball Award.

Now in his 32nd as an official, Day began officiating in 1991 and has worked at least one State Finals’ game in each class for both boys and girls. Among those games, he called the 2009 Class 4A girls’ title game in Lucas Oil Stadium between Ben Davis and South Bend Washington, a game considered a mythical national title game as the teams were ranked first and second in national polls. It was among the best attended girls’ basketball games with a crowd of 13,449.

During his time as a official, Day has worked 26 sectionals, 16 regionals, seven semi-states, five State Finals (2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2021) for boys’ basketball as well as 26 sectionals, 18 regionals, eight semi-states and five State Finals (2006, 2009, 2012, 2015 and 2019) for girls’ basketball. He also called the 2004 girls’ Hall of Fame Classic in New Castle.

Day as been a member of the Northern Officials Association of Indiana for 30 years and also the Lake County Association for 15 years. Has served as a clinician for a number of years and mentored many younger officials.

A 1981 graduate of Plymouth High School, Day participated in basketball and track, was a two-time all-conference honoree in track and part of a 400-meter relay that held a school record for more than 25 years. He went on to Indiana University, where he was a 1986 graduate of the Kelley School of Business. He has been a self-employed contractor in a family business for 33 years.

Day and his wife, Lori, have two adult children – Katie (husband Brendan) and Eric (wife Kristen) – as well as two grandchildren with a third grandchild due in June. In his free time, Day enjoys spending time with family as well as traveling, reading, golfing and cheering the Minnesota Vikings.

As for officiating, Day said: “I was fortunate to have three excellent regular partners in officiating – Tim Filson, Brian Allen and Tom Hinz. They made it fun each and every night. Also, a shout out to my son, Eric, who attended hundreds of my games and is the best observer I ever had.”

East Central boys - Departing Coach David Disbro
ST. LEON, Ind. -- (Updated 3/16) Veteran Coach Disbro wraps-up 23 largely successful years at East Central. This season’s Trojans were 7-16, and dropped the 4A Columbus Sectional opener to Shelby in OT. Varsity Clubber reports that only about seven Trojans regularly saw varsity court time, and of them, two graduate. That being said, neither grad put much in the scoring column. Shooting guard Carson Pieczonka (15ppg) highlights a pretty solid jr-2-b group. A trio of 6-4’s provide the height of the program, although much of that will be taking on expanded and unproven roles. JV squad is below average. 8th grade described as a very nice group - finished regular season 13-3. 7th grade squad competitive. Eled only at this point, but more are expected, and also deserves mention that Varsity Cubber reports EC not opposed to lay coach.

Still receiving insight on these openings for write-ups. I at least wanted to get them listed while I work on them:

Carmel girls
East Noble girls
Crawfordsville girls
West Washington girls
Trinity Lutheran boys

Sadly there's only one team I'm rooting for this year: Ashland Blazer

The 22-11 Tomcats -- home of notable alum such as Wynonna and Ashley Judd, Cy Young Award winning twirler Brandon Webb and former game show host Chuck Woolery -- fell to Boyd County in the 64th District Championship, 74-67. But thanks to Kentucky's awesome double-elimination aspect in the district championship game, Ashland Blazer smashed Boyd County in the 16th Region final, 73-51, to earn a spot in Kentucky's Sweet 16 at Rupp Arena.

The Tomcats have a shot at making the Elite Eight as they'll face 19-10 Owensboro on March 15 at 8:30 p.m.

Kentucky Sweet 16 Bracket

Bill Zych at Pike posted resignation letter on Twitter today.