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.

Legacy Courts, in Lafayette, Indiana, is having its annual Girls Basketball Wednesday Night League in the month of June (June 5th, 12th, and 19th). Rather than a league, think more like a shootout for the day, 2 games with referees. We have 8 varsity teams, 5 JV teams, and 2 junior high teams committed so far and are looking to add at least 4 more teams in each division. You can commit to 1, 2 or all 3 dates. The cost per game will be $25 for each team. Admission fee for spectators is $4/adult and $2/student.

Please contact me via email by May 10th, mho@legacy-courts.com, if you are interested in signing up or have more questions. Please provide the following information in your email.

School Name

Team levels - Varsity, JV, junior high

Dates – June 5th, 12th, 19th

Thank you for your interest and I look forward to watch some fun and exciting summer basketball.

2024 IHSAA Baseball Pairings
https://www.ihsaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/042824.Baseball Pairings.pdf

2024 IHSAA Softball Pairings
https://www.ihsaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/042824.Softball%20Pairings.pdf

Lakeland boys - Departing Coach Chris Keil
LaGrange, Ind. -- (Updated 4/22) Good Varsity Club member reports that Coach Keil has stepped down after four seasons 47-47.) Most recently the Lakers were 17-7 and won their first Northeast Corner Conference title since 2010 . Only one senior departs and press release from school touts four returning starters and over 25 boys in the high school program. Good varsity Clubber reports that senior was all-conference and leading scorer 20PPG and rebounder. Yes, they should return four starters, and all are solid varsity players (7-9PPG,) but that lone loss will be felt. JV Coach Jeremy Merrifield is a Lakeland guy and has success at middle school, then JV levels. Current crop of underclassmen that are contributing are his guys. If they go outside, Lakeland is looking for Eled and HS Media. (Updated 4/29) Good Varsity Club ber reports hearing Jeremy Merrifield as a leading candidate

Can someone answer this question; Not a week goes by where one does not here of the so-called teacher shortage here in IN and really nationwide, yet when these coaching jobs come open, school districts have zero or just maybe 1-3 teaching openings total in the entire district that may or may not even matchup to the coaching opening! If they even have a teaching opening, it is usually some oddball slot like elementary media specialist, Spanish or Culinary Arts...80% of your coaches are either in PE or Social Studies. If there really is a teacher shortage out there, then why are there so few teaching openings that could potentially matchup with the basketball HC job in these school districts? Please chime in and thanks!

Is today the day sectional alignments are released?

Austin boys - Departing Coach Randy Edwards
AUSTIN, Ind. -- Brent Jamison (Closed 4/26)

Noll boys - Departing Coach John Dodson
FT. WAYNE, Ind. -- Ryan Schooler (Closed 4/26)

Victory College Prep Boys - Departing Coach Isaac Smith
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Tyler Smith (Closed 4/25)

I've been so busy with current coaching jobs, that the history portion of our game has taken a back seat for a bit. Thanks to a good Varsity Clubber (Albert Cross) for some great research that turned up some info that has now been updated. Usually Varsity Club members are anonymous sources for coaching gigs, but I can't imagine any harm in divulging Mr. Cross' name. Don't figure any Solsberry Berries will be impacted in a negative way

From Mr. Cross:

Have a bit of an update on a couple local high schools that are now represented by Eastern Greene County. As an Eastern alum, I attend the alumni events and in your file you show Owensburg as the Eagles and Solsberry as the Hornets. This was correct when Eastern began in 1961, but I had had several older Owensburg natives tell me that Owensburg had actually been the Indians in the past. I finally had the opportunity to ask Mark Clensy about this at an alumni gathering earlier this year and this is the explanation. Owensburg was a 1 – 12 school until 1948. After that, the high school grades actually went to Oolitic, in Lawrence County for 13 years, until the Eastern Greene consolidation began in 1961. Owensburg School was a 1 – 8 grade facility during that time.

So, Owensburg High School was actually the Owensburg Indians with red, white, and black being their colors. This is interesting because those same colors later became the colors for the Eastern Greene Thunderbirds after consolidation. For some reason (and Mark had no idea why), when Owensburg changed to a 1 – 8 school after 1948, they changed their mascot to the Eagles and adopted the colors of blue and gold as you have it in your file. Perhaps they changed their colors to match Oolitic’s blue and gold, who knows?

Eastern Greene had a “throw back” game this past year where they dressed out and played as the Solsberry Hornets. I attended that and although we lost a close one to North Knox I discovered another interesting fact about Solsberry’s past that I had never heard before. Solsberry was actually known as the “Berries” up until about 1942 or so with the same purple and gold colors you show in your file. But, I guess they had had some down years in basketball and they had a principal who said they needed a mascot that had more “fight” or “sting” to it, so he changed it to the Hornets. It was during the war years and there were probably a lot of boys who left early for the service. Stories like this fit right in with the history of Indiana high school basketball, lol.

I am in the process of getting the information from another community just north of us that seems to be completely missing from your file. Kirksville, in extreme southwest Monroe County (Indian Creek Township) had a high school back in the day, and I can remember it being open as a 1 – 8 school. Those high school students would now go into Bloomington South. The Lions Club building in Kirksville has quite a bit of information on their teams.

Owensburg (1 - 12); until 1948 - Indians Red, Black, & White
Owensburg (1 – 8); 1948 – 1961 - Eagles Blue & Gold

Solsberry (1 - 12); until 1942? - Berries Purple & Gold
Solsberry (1 – 12); 1942? – 1961 Hornets Purple & Gold


Here is link to my full meal deal list of all-time Long Lost Indiana High Schools!

HickoryHusker - Long Lost Indiana High Schools and Nicknames

INDIANA -- Compiling list of every long lost Indiana high school & mascot! Updates on Owensburg ans Solsberry!

hickoryhusker.rivals.com

Providence girls - Departing Coach Brad Burden
CLARKSVILLE, Ind. -- (Updated 3/7) Now official that well respected Coach Burden has resigned after 16 seasons leading the Pioneers. Good news first: Varsity Clubber reports that, at least on paper, plenty of talent coming back and coming in. Providence has a new state of the art weight facility and tons of success across the board athletically. Bad news: Politics galore. Another Varsity Club member reports a very overactive group of parents and an admin that gives them voice. Both reports underline the fact that basketball must compete with volleyball and soccer. For those brave enough to apply at a potential B.E.S.T. candidate school, current openings at Providence include HS French, HS English, HS Math, HS Spanish, HS Science, and a Theology position. Editorial comment - Wonder what the theology is regarding creating a work environment that would make a successful career coach want to leave? (Updated 4/1) brand new weight facility is a plus to go with the negatives we have already mentioned. (Updated 4/25) Good Varsity Club member reports Rumors are Stacy Pendleton will be providence girls coach . He coached in Louisville , Kentucky in both public and private schools

hmmmm. Looks like I better contact some Sopo Varsity Clubbers..

South Ripley girls - Departing Coach Matt McNew
VERSAILLES, Ind. -- (Updated 4/23) Now official that Coach McNew has resigned after five seasons (75-49) with SR. Last season was another winner there as the Raiders finished 14-9 and took home a county tourney championship. Good Varsity Club member reports South Ripley will graduate four very impactful seniors, but should return enough pieces to remain competitive. Competitive, yes, but report shoots at .500 for a 24-25 team goal. 5-7 soph-2-b guard Clair Samples went for 8PPG as a varsity frosh last season and also saw limited time at point. She will have to most likely step up in that role as the Raiders lose virtually all ball handling. Varsity Club member points to her growth as a key to team’s success. Sr-2-b center Lexi Franklin (9PPG, 6RPG) will also have to move from supporting role in the post to team leader for similar graduating reasons. Report states JV best described as below average. One report of potential internal interest. MS Math and Eled only teaching jobs at this time, but Varsity Clubber reports additional HS and MS openings possible.

Jac-Cen-Del girls - Departing Coach Scott Smith
OSGOOD, Ind. -- Lilly Simon (Closed 4/23)

Garrett boys - Departing Coach Andrew Evertts
GARRETT, Ind. -- Logan Traylor (Closed 4/23)

Faith Christian Girls - Departing Coach DJ Layton
LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- (Updated 3/5) Word today that longtime Coach DJ Layton will not be returning for an eighth season. Unconfirmed reports that top two players have decided to transfer. No names given, but if one of those happens to be Coach Layton’s daughter - 5-9 PG jr-2-b Maya Layton (25PPG, 5RPG, and 4APG) all bets are off. So incoming coach should just consider this a rebuild. Faith Christian has been a Sectional Tourney participant since 2013, but has yet to advance to Regionals. Although they did advance to the title game in 2023, the Eagles have been in the lowest of lows. A zero win season, a 1-20, and another 2-19 go round that saw Faith get blown out bo 30-40+. However, the class that surrounds Coach Layton’s daughter has put those times behind them. Now, with coach’s departure, and most likely her daughter as well, how many of those will seek greener pastures as well? Considering tuition is $7900 a year (err, $1800 with what is now being called a “Choice Scholarship” - courtesy of Indiana State House,) incoming coach would seem to need what some would call a magnetic personality to have prospective student athletes choose the Eagles. Since there is presently no NIL money at the high school level yet, that could be a challenge. Good Varsity Club member reports the pretty standard two sets of private school athletes. One: Families that have attended since grade school Two: Trophy hunters. New coach will have to deal with both and the respective challenges that go with each. FC is in the Midwest Athletic Conference: West Central, Tri-County, Demotte Christian, Frontier, North White, North Newton, and South Newton. Several teaching positions expected at all levels 1-12, but pay is well below public school counterparts. (Updated 4/23) Good Varsity Club member reports Trinity Wilburn has enrolled at McCutcheon. Maya Layton starts at Lafayette Jeff today. Mixed messages on whether Faith is trying to hold them. One says they are, but Trinity will be ok since she sit out all of this year. Same story on Maya, but she did not sit out this year. He did go on to say that they will still be Sectional contenders depending on the new alignments.

Email came this afternoon from the IHSAA.

Christel House girls - Departing Coach Autumn Jones
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- (Updated 4/22) This is the building that was formerly Manual High School for decades. Last year’s Eagles staggered to a 7-9 finish and did not play in Sectional. Only six players made up last season’s program, and if there is a positive here, a good Varsity Clubber reports that only one was a senior. Decent sr-2-b is on paper to come back in Alexys Turner. The 5-11 post served as last season’s captain and was good for 11PPG and 12RPG. Some decent height to go along with her if they can simply get enough kids to go out for the team and stay healthy/eligible to get through the season. Schedule has some real muffins on it, and report states there should be enough in the halls to field a squad. Should. So numbers will be number one issue facing new coach. Number two will be ball handling. Turnovers outnumbered points in several outings last season. With no bench, the Eagles played frosh and soph in the backcourt and it was rough to say the least. Christel House has two middle schools South and West. Both fielded 8th grade squads, and reportedly the West team was pretty bad. The South team was awful. Might get a player or two to fill up a jersey next year as frosh, but no help in a backcourt that begs for a ball handler - even a below average one. Christel House maintains 2A enrollment but clearly not 2A basketball interest within the student body. Manual may have a new name, but many of the same issues still facing the school that resides inside that building. Reportedly one of the tougher teaching gigs in the state of Indiana. HS SS, HS Math, Eled, HS ELL

Switzerland County girls - Departing Coach Brooke Todd
VEVAY, Ind. -- (Updated 4/22) Coach has reportedly resigned after three winning seasons (44-29.) Most recently the Pacers were 13-12. However, the core of that group is graduating coinciding with Coach’s departure. Three-year starting guard Bri Stow is a holdover that should help new coach in several capacities. An undefeated JV squad should supply enough to keep the Pacers competitive. 5-7 is about it for post play. Varsity Club member reports 8th grade solid - won Tri-County Tourney. 7th grade also competitive, finished 13-8. Report adds SC had a gym update this season - New floor which is top notch and wall art. Mixed reports on viability of internal candidate, JV Coach Chase Kelso. Kelso’s daughter is jr-2-b. Coaching stipend $6200. Openings include: HS Library (treated as teaching job,) HS English, and HS History.

New Haven boys - Departing Coach Bruce Stephens
NEW HAVEN, Ind. -- (Updated 4/22) Last season the Bulldogs were 7-17, but good Varsity Club member reports that means zero. While the transfer portal may not be an official thing yet in Indiana high school basketball, a case could be made that New Haven is piloting the program. Last season’s expected roster saw player come in and another depart. This spring will see nearly every contributor graduate (six) except for 5-11 jr-2-b 2-guard Jadrien Ezell. 6-2 Lavell Ledbetter logged some time as a varsity frosh. And 6-1 swing Da’marcus Wrightgot some time as a soph. Even if all those players return, barring another transfer, the Bulldogs will have an uphill battle with their Fort Wayne schedule. The Northeast 8 Conference does them no favors either: Norwell, Leo, Huntington North, Belmont, Columbia City, East Noble, and DeKalb. However, one thing working in New Haven’s favor is their drop from 4A to 3A for the state tourney. The Bulldogs have won 6 Sectionals all-time since 1922 and only two this century (2013 and 2017.) Teaching jobs coming but as of now, Varsity Clubber reports only the coveted Instructional Coach position open.

Lakeland boys - Departing Coach Chris Keil
LaGrange, Ind. -- (Updated 4/22) Good Varsity Club member reports that Coach Keil has stepped down after four seasons 47-47.) Most recently the Lakers were 17-7 and won their first Northeast Corner Conference title since 2010 . Only one senior departs and press release from school touts four returning starters and over 25 boys in the high school program. Good varsity Clubber reports that senior was all-conference and leading scorer 20PPG and rebounder. Yes, they should return four starters, and all are solid varsity players (7-9PPG,) but that lone loss will be felt. JV Coach Jeremy Merrifield is a Lakeland guy and has success at middle school, then JV levels. Current crop of underclassmen that are contributing are his guys. If they go outside, Lakeland is looking for Eled and HS Media.

Seeing all of these Twitter posts of AAU game time on Friday in Ohio, Texas, Virginia, etc.....several have 9:00 AM games. Am I incorrect in my thinking that those kids should be in school? Also, I was under the impression that there was an IHSAA rule/guideline stipulating that you could not participate in an AAU event during the school day. They cannot prevent you from traveling, but playing during the day?