Email came advertising Rensselaer as open. What do we know about this one?

Floyd Central girls - Departing Coach Randy Gianfagna
FLOYDS KNOBS, Ind. -- Jerry Hickey (Closed 5/8)


Salem girls - Departing Coach Jerry Hickey
SALEM, Ind. -- (Updated 5/8) Coach Jerry Hickey departs Salem after 11 seasons with the Lions to take over at Floyd Central. Report states a ton of seniors leave along with Coach Hickey. The days of Salem dominance also seem to have left the building. Jr-2-b forward Sidney Burton is expected to return, and varsity Clubber underlines that she is a true scoring threat and very solid rebounder. She will likely finish her career as a four-year starter. Outside of Burton though, the roster looks pretty thin. There are a few pieces, but virtually all scoring contributors are history. Report states there are several players in the lower grades that will most likely be quality high schoolers, but are still a way off and will not be any help to Burton and the current Lion efforts. Besting last season’s 6-18 record will be a challenge even if Burton is able to hit for 25 a night. Both 8th grade and 7th grade middle school teams reported as strong. Solid feeder program already in place with Lady Lions Cubs. Eled, MS Science, MS Digital Citizenship(?) Good Varsity Club member reports already an early front runner - Wade Tomlinson

I am not sure tihs is going to be a good thing. I have not seen this being an issue and now we are going to have the officials have to judge one more thing. THe issue I see is they do not know these kids and how strong or weak they are. I understand falling before contact or when there is no contact but the rest they can't judge that.

There are to be more rules about officials not more for them to enforce or determine.

I saw this job posted on the DOE site. Will this not be the fourth straight year of getting a new coach?

I really think with all the short stays, it is starting to show players, parents, school boards, or all three are taking a toll on younger coaches and they are getting out before they get in too deep. Not saying that is the case here, but I feel like young coaches are not sticking around long.

I recently heard about a friend, an officiating partner, an official I had work for me and call my games. He was a truly great friend and an even better person. He had a fun goofy side to him that just made him likable. He could make a mistake and it was hard to yell at him. He was not one of those officials who had a chip on his shoulder or was out to get you. He truly was there for his passion for the game and the players. I met him back in the mid 90's and I always looked forward to him doing our games. You could get on him, and he would look at you with that crappy grin and say, "oh come on, did I miss that"? He was truly a great one and I will miss seeing him at clinics, meetings, and on the courts and fields.

RIP Kevin Fetterman

Angola boys - Departing Coach Brandon Appleton
ANGOLA, Ind. -- (Updated 4/18) The Angola Herald-Republican is reporting that Coach Appleton was terminated by school officials just before their recent spring break. The reason given, according to the paper, was lack of winning and lack of development of the Hornet boys basketball program. The Hornets went 35-60 during his four years there. Most recently Angola was 8-16. Angola admin must have forgotten that Coach Appleton had previously gone 114-40 including a Sectional title as the Angola girls coach previously. Also probably worth noting that perhaps Angola admin has their program confused with one of a perennial winner. Instead the Hornets have managed just three Sectional titles in the last 40 years. Looking at the immediate situation, Varsity Club member reports only two of the top seven players graduate. Most of the scoring leaves with, but there are three underclassmen that went for about 7PPG each. In a best case scenario those three take the next step and become 12-15 each. Post defense will also be a challenge as the tallest in the program tops out at about 6-2. If only Coach Appleton had developed that height more. Angola does find itself in the rare position of having a head coaching opening and a pretty good JV (17-7.) That combo is a statewide rarity for some reason. Angola assistant coach Steve Helm mentioned as a potential candidate. Varsity Club report quote from Helm’s Trine University bio page: “I own and direct a youth basketball development program in the local area and coach boys' varsity basketball at Angola High School.” If admin would like to ‘develop’ the program from within and from without, Varsity Clubber surmises this might be a way to develop that height. Additional info: HS English, HS French, HS Math, HS Science, Eled. Stipend $8800 (Update 4/24) Good Varsity Club member reports Mike McBride from norwell has turned from whispers to a very real thing. (Updated 5/6) Hold the phone on McBride. Good Varsity Clubber reports McBride no longer in the picture for Hornets. Now word of a Coach Weber.

Brownsburg girls - Departing Coach Debbie Smiley
BROWNSBURG, Ind. -- (Updated 4/12) Coach Smiley has resigned after nine years at Brownsburg (151-82.) Last season saw the Bulldogs go 13-12, and Varsity Clubber reports much of that roster should be back. Chief among them is 6-6 sr-2-b post Avery Gordon (22PPG, 10RPG.) Backcourt graduate a great deal, but there are a few that report states could fill those voids if there is some growth. The schedule does no favors as it is regularly nails. Plus the Hoosier Crossroads Conference could make an argument as one of the toughest top to bottom in the state - Five teams in state top 25 last season. (Franklin Central, Fishers, Westfield, Zionsville, HSE, Avon, Noblesville.) Brownsburg teaching gigs include MS Health/PE, HS Math, HS Science, MS Science, HS, SS, HS Spanish, Eled, MS ELA, HS French. (Updated 5/6) Good Varsity Club member reports Michael Menser was slated - reportedly was offered last week, accepted pending school board approval but allegedly pulled out shortly after. Now reportedly in scramble-mode.

Frankfort boys - Departing Coach Rick Scholl
FRANKFORT, Ind. -- (Updated 4/12) Frankfort continues the turnstyle as they will be hiring their fourth coach in as many years. Coach Scholl’s Hotdogs were 10-15 during his only season there last year. Four seniors graduate and all four were starters and heavy contributors. Varsity Clubber reports the only 6-0 sr-2-b PG Alex Farley (16PPG) is the only holdover of consequence. Three other underclassmen saw varsity time on a regular basis, but were most definitely in the backseat. A typical JV should help fill out roster. Current conference - Sagamore Athletic Conference (2024 – 25) (Crawfordsville, Danville, Lebanon, North Montgomery, Southmont, Tri West, Western Boone.) However, beginning with the 25-26 school year, Frankfort will be joining the Monon Athletic Conference (Cascade, Crawfordsville, Greencastle, North Montgomery, North Putnam, Southmont, Western Boone.) Varsity Club member reports to emphasize this info - Although Frankfort has decent enrollment numbers, so many of the student population do not play basketball that their classification in terms of other schools is critically distorted. 3A on paper, but more like a 2A athletically when it comes to participation. More expected but at present the only teaching openings are MS Sped, MS Science, MS Media, Eled, and HS Auto. (Updated 5/6) Good Varsity Club member reports Derek Davis is in the mix, formerly of Clinton Central.

Tri-Township girls - Departing Coach Chris McGowen
WANATAH, Ind. -- (Updated 5/5) Now official that Coach McGowan won't return for a 7th season with the Tigers. Last season was one to remember, until it wasn’t. The Tigers stormed through the regular season going, 21-1. However, a Sectional opening 36-34 stumble of epic proportions to conference rival Morgan Twp spoiled an otherwise remarkable run. To make matters worse, Tri had downed Morgan by 16 just two weeks before. Varsity Club member reports the core should be back. Points to returning leading scorer and rebounder, 5-9 sr-2-b forward Jayde Pryor (15PPG, 8RPG.) Fellow 5-9 post jr-2-b Addison Hendrixonson (8PPG, 9RP) is also expected back and their presence inside should prove impactful again vs. Tri’s schedule. Report states that while a number of underclassmen logged varsity time last year, the challenge will be to find a primary ball handler among them. Nothing coming from JV. Report states potential internal interest. Also no teaching positions at this time.

North Putnam girls - Departing Coach Curtis Lawrence
ROACHDALE, Ind. -- (Update 2/20) Not sure what’s in the water at North Put, but can now confirm the Cougars will have their fourth new coach in as many years. LAst season North Put was 9-14 and competitive in most contests. That’s been the case for the most part throughout this run of new leaders. Sometimes we see a program that simply struggles and because of all the losing, it’s difficult to maintain consistent head coaching, but that is not the issue in Roachdale. A good Varsity Clubber reports that on paper next season appears to be more of the same from a talent standpoint. The negative first - Five seniors graduate including leading scorer (12 PPG.) However, same report emphasizes a pretty decent jr-2-b class and a collective group of underclassmen that logged plenty of varsity time last campaign. The bulk of the ball-handling should be back as are three regulars that netted about 7-8 an outing. 5-10 sr-2-b Rose Haste led the team in rebounding (8 RPG) without playing a true post. Incoming coach will likely deal with conference change on the horizon: Western Indiana Conference for next season, but New Conference starting 2025/26 School Year: South Put, Greencastle, Crawfordsville, Southmont, North Montgomery, Frankfort and Webo - Conference not yet named. Varsity Clubber reports a possible name as North Put asst Kelly Windmiller (teaches elementary within the North Put system) She handled substitutions last season. Current openings include: HS Math, Counseling Position, Eled, and Sped. More expected (Updated 5/5) Good Varsity Club member reports Kelli Windmiller pulled her name out before interviews. They offered it to someone, and he ultimately turned it down. They did not feel any of the other candidates met what they needed, and they reached back out to Windmiller. In the end, Windmiller interviewed and will be the next coach for North Putnam girls.

Hamilton Heights girls - Departing Coach Keegan Cherry
ARCADIA, Ind. -- Erin Trimpe (Closed 5/3)

Floyd Central girls - Departing Coach Randy Gianfagna
FLOYDS KNOBS, Ind. -- (Updated 3/13) Now official that Coach Gianfagna will not be returning to the Highlanders after six seasons with the Hoosier Hills Conference school. Several reports of red flags here. While the consensus opinion reports a very strong basketball squad expected to return, many also point to a political firestorm. One report even points to an alleged player walk-out (or at least the threat of one) deep into the season. Coach Gianfagna is well respected within the coaching ranks as a professional, and his departure has raised eyebrows within the Indiana basketball community. What awaits an incoming coach in Floyds Knobs? That’s a great question, and it makes what would normally be a very attractive position one that rightfully will draw pause before applying. Varsity Club member reports seem to agree this roster is ready to take the next step. Question is will they allow a coach to take them there. No shortage of teaching openings expected at numerous levels. (Updated 5/2) Good varsity Club member reports Jerry Hickey (Salem girls) heavy front runner now to be head coach of Floyd Central

South Vermillion boys - Departing Coach Vince Marietta
CLINTON, Ind. -- (Updated 4/29) Now official Coach Marietta will not return to Clinton for a third season. Good Varsity Club members report five contributing seniors graduate from last season’s 14-9 squad. A couple fo sr-2-b holdevers expected back, but the consensus is a less potent roster for incoming coach. All emails point to 5-10 sr-2-b Aden Wallace (11PPG) is arguably the best of the vets. His ball handling (4APG) will likely be a rare area of experience coming back. 6-1 sr-2-b Dominic Garzolini (8PPG) should provide some toughness - also plays quarterback for the Wildcats football team. Not much height returning. An additional Varsity Clubber texts that a decent JV should help. No world beaters reported in middle school. Way down the line, 6th grade group considered stronger. Teaching jobs at present include: HS SS/Econ, MS SS, and MS Math. (Updated 5/2) WTHI’s Marty Ledbetter offers this - Point of clarification: Marietta is still employed at South Vermillion and could potentially still be brought back next season. Good Varsity Clubber truthfully adds, “This makes it worse, somehow.”

New Washington boys coach Torrey Winchester has resigned today. I don't know all the details but I think he may just be going back closer to his roots. He was very well liked and respected at NW. His Facebook post is below:

Torrey Winchester
Today I have informed the administration, coaches, and players that effective immediately I will be resigning my position as Head Varsity Boys basketball coach at New Washington High School. I’ve shed many tears saying goodbye to my friends and family at New Washington.
I have LOVED being your coach, and I hope I am remembered for doing my absolute best everyday and that I truly love my players! I hope they invite me to their graduation parties, their weddings, and their kids’ games.
Thank you for treating me and Emily like family. I love the little town of New Washington, the program, the administration, the community, and my players. I will never forget my time at New Washington.

Muncie Central girls - Departing Coach Jayla Scaife
MUNCIE, Ind. -- (Updated 5/2) Now confirmed Bearcat job is open and accepting apps. Not a ton on this one yet in terms of insight. Stipend is $9700 and teaching openings are Sped and wait for it.. Family Navigator position. You got me. Last season Central was blasted on the regular, going just 2-20. The Bearcats struggled in just about every facet of the game, but offense was really tough going. To make matters worse, it appears that Central graduates what little scoring they had. Numbers within the program are very low, and a report from a Varsity Club member from a conference foe states the participation issue is far reaching in feeder grades as well. Going to be tough for new mentor.

West Washington boys - Departing Coach Jamie Cummings
CAMPBELLSBURG, Ind. -- Ashton Minton (Closed 5/2)

Bloomfield interviewed yesterday.

Leo boys - Departing Coach Cary Cogdell
LEO, Ind. -- (Updated 5/1) Good Varsity Club Member reports Gary Andrews as the name.

Luers girls - Departing Coach Mark Pixley
FT. WAYNE, Ind. -- Mary Hathaway (Closed 5/1)

This one's an open and shut.. Coach Mark Pixley steps down after ten years at Luers. Assistant Mary Hathaway named new coach.

South Knox boys - Departing Coach Jim Farris (Interim)
VINCENNES, Ind. -- (Updated 3/25) Bit of an odd one here. The South Knox School Board had named junior varsity coach Jim Farris interim coach at South Knox. Farris took over from head coach David Burkett who was initially suspended for two years by the IHSAA for violations of their practice regulations. Just a week or so ago, Coach Burkett filed suit against South Knox and the IHSAA citing, well, a lot.. https://www.vincennespbs.org/2024/03/06/suspended-coach-files-lawsuit-against-south-knox-ihsaa/ Regardless, it’s safe to say that Burket will not be violating the limited contact rule on multiple occasions on behalf of South Knox anymore. (Allegedly.) Varsity Club members report two vastly different scenarios. One has South Knox casting a typical net to hire a potential coach as has been the case in the past. Another suggested that admin is sick of dealing with these types of issues and will re-sign 11-year JV coach and current interim coach Farris who finished 11-14 last go round. (Updated 5/1) It's Coach Farris!

Bosse girls - Departing Coach Garland Copeland
EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- Lewis Jones Jr. (Closed 4/30)

South Vermillion Boys job is posted on the IHSAA website with a posting date of 4-26-24, so just posted.