a short story

Joe McKinley & his buddies - they were ballers.  Just ask Joe's mom, Jill.  She'll tell you how the boys would play for hours on the court next to the their old barn, well into the night - and then they would hit Satterfield's Dairy Bar for cheeseburgers before crashing on the McKinley's floor. The boys would go on to play for the West Washington Senators and graduate in 2009.  And even though the barn side court is quiet now and the Dairy Bar is closed, Jill still holds on to her memories of those late night games.  One more thing - she just can't bring herself to repaint that old barn.  You see there's a request, barely readable, from a 5 year old Joe - "no girls, mom."  CGS.

once more

One more practice, one more tip, one more huddle - one more State Championship.  CGS.

birds, lions, hatchets and the big house

Ten days ago we followed the Regional trail to Washington, Loogootee and Seymour.  And on the way, French Lick - where we were lucky enough to catch the championship game of the Springs Valley High School intramural league and see the place where Larry Bird got his start.  Saturday's menu included 1A games at Loogootee (where coach Jack Butcher won his record setting 806 games), 3A games at Washington's Hatchet House (home to the three Mr. Basketball Zeller brothers) and the nightcap - an overtime thriller between Bloomington North & New Albany in Seymour's "big house" (capacity 8110 - 3rd largest in the US).  A triple feature, indeed.  Popcorn anyone?  CGS.

faith

When you spot the 2012 State Champions a 15 point lead in the finals of the Semi-State, things can begin to look bleak.  Well, maybe not, if you're from Greensburg.  By the end, it was the Pirates 74 and Guerin Catholic 67.  For the folks in blue, just another step on the way to Indianapolis.  CGS.

a good friday

Some arenas resemble cathedrals.  Others, just divinely inspired.  CGS.

it was 60 years ago today

For us, and many Indiana basketball historians, the road always runs through Milan.  Living 10 miles from the Indian's home town, I mean that literally.  Heading to any gym west or north requires driving on Indiana 350 to the crossroads at SR 101, where 60 years ago Milan (and much of the state) celebrated its famous state championship.  This year's team was good, finishing the year at 16-7 and a run to the Sectional final (before losing to Austin).  But more importantly, when they take the floor in jerseys adorned with golden letters, they carry a dream that is much bigger than the town they call home. To see more of Milan's story through Michael's lens, visit the Hoosier Hardwood Facebook page. CGS.

home of the golden bears

Some of the gyms we visit are truly remarkable spaces, built in a time when size & design did matter.  Shelbyville is one of those places.  We were lucky to go at Sectional time, when the cheers & groans of 2014 merged with echoes from the past.  CGS/MEK.

street ball

Avrey Green perfects his dunk to the beat of a boom box on the quiet streets of Hanover.  Although he lives a stones throw from Southwestern, Avrey hopes to attend Madison Consolidated and don the Cub colors.  CGS.

in the house

At 22-1 and the defending 3A State Champions, Greensburg is a force to be reckoned with.  Just ask South Dearborn, who lost to the Pirates in the first round of the Sectional, 105-38.  CGS.

time

The wait is over.  At 64 gyms around the state boy's Sectional play begins today and with it, hope that your team will be playing on Saturday night.  CGS.