[It was a normal winter night in Indianapolis. Sneakers squeaking, nets swishing and kids playing basketball. It was just a regular season game between Arsenal Tech and Herron at Municipal Gardens, but for Casey Gaynor, it was the final box to check.

"My two biggest goals I had when I got into officiating was obviously working the state finals, and the second one was to get to every school," Gaynor said. "I bought Dale Lawrence's 'Hoosier Hysteria Road Book' a long time ago, and that fueled my desire to get to every school."

Tuesday night, he did just that, as Don Stout Gymnasium was the final hurdle. Twenty-six years and tens of thousands of miles in the car later, Gaynor has now refereed a game at every single current IHSAA member school. That's more than 400 gymnasiums in the state of Indiana.]

Mission accomplished: Indianapolis referee has now worked in every high school basketball gym in the Hoosier state

Casey Gaynor has refereed at more than 400 gymnasiums in the state of Indiana.

www.wthr.com

Week-9 of the IBCA/Franciscan Health Player of the Week Program Wraps Up the 2023 Calendar Year

If you are caught up in any of the number of bowl games on television this week (and last), don’t forget Hoosier hoops is alive and well, as many teams begin the second half of their regular seasons starting tonight. Last week saw a lot of programs participating in holiday tournaments, while a few had a single matchup scheduled here and there. From last week’s slate, we have actually come up with seven winners for the final week of 2023.

Maconaquah Junior Josiah Ball, Columbia City Junior Addison Baxter, New Palestine Junior Julius Gizzi, Noblesville Senior Reagan Wilson, Twin Lakes Senior Olivia Nickerson, Bloomfield Sophomore Blake Neill, and Jennings County Senior Juliann Woodard have been selected for Dec. 25-Dec. 30 in the recognition program coordinated by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association. Ball is the boys’ recipient and Baxter is the girls’ recipient in District-1. Gizzi collects boys’ honors, while Wilson and Nickerson share girls’ honors in District-2. Neill is the boys’ winner and Woodard is the girls’ winner in District-3.

Maconaquah pushed their record to 7-2, as they won the Miami County Holiday Tournament for the first time since 2012. Junior Josiah Ball had a major hand in both wins, helping the Braves inside and out. In Wednesday’s opening round, the Braves took care of Caston, 78-56. The 6-5 forward managed a game-high 34 points, to go with 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and a blocked shot. Thursday, in the hard-fought 88-83 championship game win over host Peru, Ball was a force, pouring in 45 points and collecting 16 rebounds. He was also an efficient 16-19 from the free throw line, plus he added 3 assists and a steal in the trophy-raising victory.

Columbia City has been strong this season, posting a 14-2 record to date, and last week they won the annual Hall of Fame Tournament in New Castle, Indiana, with two tough victories. Junior guard Addison Baxter has been outstanding this season, and she again put on a show last week. In the opening game Friday, a 75-69 win against Indian Creek, the 5-9 guard scored 31 points on 9-13 shooting. She knocked down her only 3-point attempt, plus she was 12-13 from the charity stripe. She added 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals for good measure. In the championship game later that night, the Butler University commit had another strong outing, scoring 17 points, pulling down 9 more rebounds, while handing out a pair of assists and collecting 4 steals in the big win for the Eagles, a 56-47 success over a good Jennings County team. And if that wasn’t enough, Baxter added tournament MVP honors and reached the 1000-point plateau.

The Dragons of New Palestine also moved to 7-2 last week, following four strong performances by Junior Julius Gizzi. They finished 5th but posted a 3-1 record at the Ray Furney Holiday Classic in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Friday, the Dragons defeated Jennings County, 83-59, then fell at the hands of eventual champion Newport (KY), 72-66, playing them tighter than anyone else at the event. Saturday, New Palestine knocked off Bethesda Christian 69-49 in their consolation game, then took care of business against Pike Central in the 5th Place game, winning 91-48. Gizzi opened the tournament with a 30-point, 7-rebound effort against Jennings County, knocking down 12-16 shots from the field and 4-6 from deep. He posted 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists in the loss to Newport (KY), giving the Dragons everything he could. Saturday, the 6-2 wing began with a 24-point, 6-rebound outing against Bethesda Christian, then polished off the event with another 30-point effort against Pike Central. Gizzi was 5-7 from 3-point range and added 4 rebounds and 2 assists against the Chargers.

Senior Reagan Wilson helped the Noblesville Millers to a pair of nice wins in the Noblesville holiday tournament last week. In the opening game on Thursday, Noblesville knocked off Valparaiso, 65-56. Wilson, a 5-7 point guard, scored 29 points and was 4-9 from deep in the outing. She added 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 5 steals in the win. Later that evening, the Millers battled a tough Fort Wayne Snider squad, escaping with a 57-51 success. Wilson shot it even better, scoring 30 points, burying 4-7 shots from long range, and making all 6 of her free throw attempts in the matchup. The Iowa State University commit chipped in 3 rebounds and 3 steals at the defensive end of the floor as well.

Twin Lakes Senior Olivia Nickerson helped the Indians to a 3rd Place finish in their own tournament, but it was a pair of massive career accomplishments that need to be highlighted this week. Throughout their 3-game tournament run, Nickerson became the all-time leader in career 3-pointers made in Indiana girls’ basketball history. She now stands at 368 made with no fewer than 9 games to go in her career. Additionally, the 5-7 guard became Twin Lakes’ all-time scoring leading, passing 2008 Indiana All-Star Betsy Adams. Nickerson currently sits at 1837 career points and should challenge for 2000 before year’s end. As for her performances last week, in the opener Wednesday against Faith Christian, a 77-50 success, the Bethel University commit went for 31 points, including 6-13 shooting from outside the arc. She also chipped in 6 rebounds and 3 assists in the easy win. Thursday morning, the Senior guard managed 20 points, thanks to an 11-13 effort at the free throw line, but the Indians fell in overtime to Bishop Chatard, 81-78. Twin Lakes and Nickerson responded in the 3rd Place game later that afternoon, taking care of Tri-County, 58-43. The 5-7 guard was a perfect 10-10 from the charity stripe, scoring 19 points, while pulling down 8 caroms, dishing out 6 assists, and collecting 2 steals in the comfortable win.

Bloomfield finished 3-1 in the Wabash Valley Classic last week, moving to 7-4 on the year. They opened Tuesday with a tough loss to Linton-Stockton, 61-44. Sophomore Blake Neill scored a modest 16 points, but added 5 rebounds and 5 assists in defeat. Wednesday, Neill buried 5-9 shots from deep, scoring 26 points in total, as the Cardinals narrowly defeated Northview, 60-57. Thursday, the 6-4 guard scored 17 points and buried 2 more triples, as Bloomfield won against West Vigo, 45-38. Then on Friday, the Cardinals once again found themselves in the win column with a 66-45 outcome over Greencastle. Neill was again strong for Bloomfield, scoring 26 points, including an 11-13 performance from the charity stripe. He also contributed 9 rebounds and 5 assists in their year-ending triumph.

Jennings County finished as the runners-up at the annual Hall of Fame Tournament Friday, but not for lack of effort. Senior Juliann Woodard gave it everything she had, posting a pair of double-doubles on the day. In the opener, a lopsided 60-22 win against Lake Central, the 6-1 forward was 7-12 from the field, 2-4 from deep, and she knocked down 5 free tosses, scoring 21 points in the game. She was also dominant on the boards, pulling in 22 rebounds in the contest. Add to that 6 assists, 2 steals, and 5 blocked shots, and she was effective all over the floor. In the evening game, the Panthers fell at the hands of Columbia City, 56-47. Woodard, however, was again a handful, scoring 18 points and collecting 12 rebounds in the defeat. The Michigan State University commit chipped in 2 assists as well.

IBCA Coaches Poll
Indiana Basketball Coaches Association
Online Top 20 Coaches Poll
Poll Results - December 31, 2023 Poll

Rank School Total Points Record 1st Place Votes
1 Lawrence North 432 9-0 16
2 Fishers 424 11-0 6
3 Westfield 383 6-0
4 Indianapolis Cathedral 382 8-0
5 Noblesville 333 8-1
6 Indianapolis Attucks 307 9-3
7 Ben Davis 275 6-2
8 Greenfield-Central 241 10-0
9 Kokomo 239 10-3
10 Lake Central 235 9-0
11 Brownstown Central 167 9-3
12 Richmond 153 12-0
13 Penn 138 6-1
14 South Bend Riley 88 11-3
15 Fort Wayne North Side 81 9-3
16 Anderson 75 5-2
17 Brebeuf Jesuit 71 7-2
17 Guerin Catholic 71 9-4
19 Wapahani 67 10-0
20 North Central (Indianapolis) 59 6-2

Other Schools Receiving Votes
Barr-Reeve (8-1), Brownsburg (6-5), Center Grove (6-4), Chesterton (6-4), Danville (9-0), Delta (10-1), Evansville Harrison (7-2), Fort Wayne Bishop Luers (8-1), Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian (8-3), Fort Wayne Wayne (7-2), Franklin Community (9-1), Hamilton Southeastern (7-3), Heritage Hills (10-1), Jeffersonville (6-5), Manchester (8-2), Mt. Vernon (Fortville) (6-4), New Albany (7-2), New Palestine (7-2), North Posey (7-2), Northridge (10-1), Plainfield (8-3), Southwestern (Hanover) (10-1), Tipton (10-0), Valparaiso (9-3), Warren Central (5-4), 21st Century Charter School – Gary (6-4)

2023-24 IBCA girls basketball poll – Week 8 (Dec. 31) Rank School (FPV) Points Record

1 Hamilton Southeastern (10) 382 14-1
2 Columbia City (2) 355 14-2
3 Center Grove 338 16-1
4 Lawrence Central (8) 322 18-1
5 Homestead 292 12-2
6 Fort Wayne Snider 288 14-2
7 Jennings County 281 14-2
8 Lawrence North 263 13-3
9 Northridge 244 17-1
10 Franklin Community 213 14-2
11 Bedford North Lawrence 202 14-2
12 South Bend Washington 163 11-3
13 Lake Central 141 13-3
14 Fishers 124 10-4
15 Zionsville 123 13-3
16 Norwell 98 12-4
17 Hamilton Heights 90 15-2
18 Rensselaer Central 59 15-0
T-19 Indian Creek 53 13-4
T-19 Noblesville 53 9-7

Others receiving votes (listed alphabetically): Benton Central (16-2), Caston (15-0), Eastbrook (13-1), Evansville Memorial (11-3), Fort Wayne Northrop (10-3), Franklin Central (7-7), Gibson Southern (11-4), Greensburg (12-3), Mooresville (14-3), North Knox (16-1), Orleans (13-1), South Knox (14-1), Westfield (11-5).

FOWLER, Ind. (WLFI) — Benton Community School Corp. has fired an assistant coach for the boy's high school basketball team.

News 18 obtained the superintendent's letter to Daniel Schukraft announcing the recommended termination.

The letter says Schukraft failed to inform the superintendent within two days of being criminally charged in November.

With Christmas right around the corner, and only traces of snow in Northern Indiana, players are heating up the gyms with big outputs just about every night of the week. We saw several high-scoring affairs during Week-7, a few triple-doubles, and some overtimes and buzzer-beaters as well, and from those performances we were able to find six individuals who stood out amongst their peers, as we honor them for their strong weeks.

Valparaiso Junior Jack Smiley, Bowman Academy Junior Kahlen Robinson, Tri Senior Josiah Cox, Hamilton Southeastern Junior Maya Makalusky, Christian Academy Junior Joshua Renfro, and Austin Sophomore Brynn Owens have been selected as recipients for Dec. 11-Dec. 16 in the recognition program coordinated by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association. Smiley is the boys’ winner, and Robinson is the girls’ winner in District-1. Cox is the boys’ honoree, while Makalusky is the girls’ honoree for District-2. Renfro and Owens each eclipse the 40-point mark to take home boys’ and girls’ awards, respectively, in District-3.

Valparaiso Junior Jack Smiley had a rather eventful week, helping the Vikings to a 2-0 record. On Tuesday, Smiley overcame illness and helped Valparaiso battle back from a 16-point halftime deficit to defeat a strong Gary 21st Century squad, 68-64 in overtime. The 6-2 guard managed 35 points on 10-17 shooting, plus he was 15-18 from the free throw line. He added 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocked shots for good measure. Saturday was an emotional time in Valparaiso, as the Vikings honored the late Virgil Sweet and all of his accomplishments. Smiley produced once again, scoring 28 points in the 70-52 win against visiting Elkhart. The Junior guard was again efficient, knocking down 13-21 shots from the field, while also contributing 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocked shots in the triumph.

Bowman Academy split their games last week, going 1-1 overall, but Junior Kahlen Robinson was stellar in each, and she put together all-around efforts both times out. In a 51-45 win Wednesday night over East Chicago Central, the 5-6 guard scored 32 points, she grabbed 7 rebounds, she handed out 3 assists, and she picked off 7 steals in victory. Then on Saturday, although they lost a tough one, 62-44 at Valparaiso, the Junior guard was again a key catalyst in the Eagle attack. She tossed in another 23 points on 8-15 shooting, plus she was 4-7 from long range. She again added to her performance in other ways, grabbing 6 rebounds, dishing out 2 assists, and gathering up 5 more steals in defeat.

Tri High tends to make a lot of noise when it comes to basketball in Henry County, and last week Senior Josiah Cox was on it, helping the Titans to a pair of nice victories. Friday, the Titans visited Cowan, knocking off the Blackhawks on the road, 69-59. The next day the Titans played host to a solid Union City team, defeating the Indians, 57-44. Against Cowan, the 6-2 guard scored 32 points, including a 5-9 performance from behind the arc, to go along with a near-perfect 10-11 from the charity stripe. Add to that 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and a blocked shot, and Cox put forth a well-rounded effort in the win. Saturday, the Senior guard scored 34 points against Union City, including 4-8 from 3-point range. He posted a double-double with his 10 rebounds, plus he added 4 assists, 4 steals, and a blocked shot in the success.

Hamilton Southeastern Junior Maya Makalusky has had an outstanding season, but last week in their lone game, the 6-3 Junior wing was the hero twice over the final four-plus minutes. The now 11-1 Royals faced backyard rival Fishers in the annual Mudsock game, and it took an extra frame to win, 70-67 in overtime. Not only did Makalusky score 28 points, but she buried the two free throws that pushed the game into OT, then proceeded to score 8 of HSE’s 10 points in the overtime period. In addition to her scoring, the Indiana University commit added 7 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal, and a blocked shot to her effort. If that wasn’t enough, the Junior wing topped the 1000-point mark for her career.

Christian Academy and Junior Joshua Renfro had just one game last week, but it was a memorable one, for sure. The 6-2 guard erupted against South Central (Elizabeth) Friday night, scoring a career-high 43 points on 12-15 shooting. He was 3-5 from deep and a perfect 16-16 from the free throw line in the lopsided win. Renfro didn’t just score it either. The Junior guard pulled down 9 rebounds, he handed out 3 assists, and he collected a steal in victory, as the Warriors remain undefeated on the year.

Last, but definitely not least, Austin Sophomore Brynn Owens had a memorable performance Thursday in a 78-56 win at Clarksville. The youngster poured in 47 points on a solid 16-30 from the field. She was an impressive 8-13 from behind the arc and a near-perfect 7-8 from the free throw stripe. Owens added 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal in the road win. Tuesday, the 5-7 guard helped her Eagles to a nice 53-38 success against the Providence Pioneers. She scored a modest 15 points that night, but still shot an efficient 5-9 from the field and a perfect 5-5 on charity tosses. She added 8 rebounds and 8 assists to nearly pull off the triple-double on the evening.

Dude was an absolute load on the basketball court ... prayers for his family. Only 52. Cancer sucks.

2023-24 IBCA girls basketball poll – Week 7 (Dec. 17)​

Rank School (FPV) Points Record
1 Lawrence Central (19) 399 12-1
2 Hamilton Southeastern (1) 366 11-1
3 Columbia City 362 11-1
4 Fort Wayne Snider 343 12-1
5 Center Grove 313 12-1
6 Jennings County 278 11-1
7 Lawrence North 238 9-3
8 Homestead 232 8-1
9 Bedford North Lawrence 230 12-1
10 Lake Central 220 11-1
11 Northridge 200 12-1
12 Franklin Community 181 12-2
13 Norwell 145 11-2
14 South Bend Washington 129 11-3
15 Zionsville 113 10-2
16 Fishers 92 9-4
17 Indian Creek 70 11-2
18 Rensselaer Central 60 14-0
19 Noblesville 54 7-5
20 Hamilton Heights 34 11-2

Others receiving votes (listed alphabetically): Borden (10-1), Eastern Hancock (12-0), Evansville Memorial (9-1), Fort Wayne Northrop (8-3), Gibson Southern (9-3), Greensburg (10-2), Lanesville (13-0), Mooresville (12-2), North Knox (12-1), Scottsburg (12-1), South Knox (10-1), Valparaiso (10-2), Warsaw (8-4), Western (11-0), Westfield (8-3).

I am a partial sneaker collector and am curious to know how this team was able to secure these Kobe 6 Reverse Grinch Shoes that just came out. Do many of the Indy and surrounding schools have these? These shoes are currently so difficult to get. They are being sold online for 500-1000 a pair. Basically you had to be a part of a raffle and little to no inventory in stores. I tried getting them Indy footlocker and they didnt have them in stock. The Sneakers app also made it difficult for anyone to secure a pair.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Trees!

Terre Haute South girls basketball head coach Cole Berry has stepped down, effective immediately. In two and a half seasons Berry was 13-44 with the Lady Braves, including 2-9 this year.

Died at age 73.

I am completely blown away by these responses. I would've thought most coaches, wouldn't want a shot clock..

[We granted anonymity to Central Indiana high school boys basketball coaches to answer a few questions at the start of the season. Our first question was “What is the biggest issue facing high school basketball in the next decade?” Our second question:

What change would you make to high school basketball to make it a better experience?]

Coaches Confidential What change would you make to improve IHSAA basketball? 'SHOT CLOCK!'

Coaches Confidential: What change would you make to high school basketball to make it a better experience? Shot clock, seeding among many answers.

www.indystar.com

EVANSVILLE — Jack Campion had his shot rejected in one of the oddest fashions you’ll ever see.

Rasheed Bello rejected his jumper with his left hand and, strangely enough, his size 12 right shoe that came off earlier in the play. Yes, it’s legal, as long as you don’t throw the shoe, according to local off-duty referee and USI public address announcer Zane Clodfelter.

USI men's basketball gets shoe stuffed, remains winless against D-I teams a month in

The shot was blocked with a shoe. The Screaming Eagles only scored one field goal after that.

www.courierpress.com

Indiana Basketball Coaches Association

Online Top 20 Coaches Poll

Poll Results - December 10, 2023 Poll
Rank School Total Points Record 1st Place Votes

1 Lawrence North 434 4-0 17
2 Fishers 423 6-0 5
3 Westfield 374 5-0
4 Cathedral 368 5-0
5 Noblesville 317 4-1
6 Ben Davis 310 3-1
7 Kokomo 232 4-2
8 Brownsburg 211 4-2
9 Attucks 210 4-2
10 Guerin Catholic 194 5-1
11 Brownstown 180 4-1
12 Chesterton 174 3-1
13 Anderson 163 4-0
14 Penn 110 4-1
15 Greenfield 93 5-0
16 EV Harrison 86 4-0
17 Riley 84 5-0
18 FW North Side 71 4-0
19 Lake Central 59 4-0
20 Wayne 57 3-2

Other Schools Receiving Votes:

Brebeuf Jesuit (4-1), Center Grove (3-3), Crown Point (3-1), Danville (5-0), Delta (4-1), Evansville Memorial (2-0), Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian (2-1), Fort Wayne Snider (3-1), Franklin Community (5-1), Gary West Side (5-1), Harrison (W Lafayette) (4-1), Heritage Christian (2-0), Heritage Hills (4-1), Lawrence Central (3-2), Manchester (5-0), North Central (Indianapolis) (3-2), Pike (3-1), Plainfield (5-1), Richmond (4-0), Scottsburg (4-2), Silver Creek (6-0), South Bend Adams (3-1), South Bend St. Joseph (3-2), Terre Haute South Vigo (3-1), Tipton (5-0), Wapahani (5-0), Warren Central (1-3), Zionsville (1-3)