the inferno

Whenever questions about the health of Hoosier high school basketball begin to surround me, I know that answers are not far away.  In this case a two hour trip north to Tipton, home of the Blue Devils and their beloved gym the "Inferno" put my fears to rest.  The 2A Devils, coached by 500 game winner Cliff Hawkins, are currently 11-1, ranked #6 in statewide polls and on this Friday night taking on a tough Yorktown team.  But, as we found out, a trip to the Inferno is more than just an evening of good basketball.  There is history and tradition here, a talented cheerleading squad, an imposing Blue Devil mascot, a color guard, a baton twirler, a flag corps and yes, a great band - perched on the stage driving the tempo of the night.  When the action on the court comes to an end (Tipton 70, Yorktown 56) all is not over as students & fans pack the court at the foot of the stage and dance to a medley of hits from the Blue Devil band. And dance & dance. This happens at every home game, win or lose.  So, if the winter weather has you feeling a little down, buckle up and get yourself to a gym like Tipton to remember what Friday and Saturday nights are supposed to feel like.  © Chris Smith