into the hornet's nest

The birthplace of the King of Cool, the home court of Miss Basketball - what more could a small corner of Indianapolis ask for?  Unfortunately Steve McQueen didn't stay in Beech Grove long enough to make much of an impression - that would come years later as the star of films like The Great Escape and Bullitt. Katie Gearlds, on the other hand, stuck around the home of the Hornets long enough to lead her team to the 2003 3A State Championship and claim the Miss Basketball crown. After starring at Purdue and playing in the WNBA, Gearlds coached Marian College to back to back Division 2 National Basketball Championships (2015-16, 2016-17). Although her time at Beech Grove is now past, round ball success continues.  This years varsity boys squad is currently ranked 16th in 3A play, sporting a record of 13-6, and if the upcoming Sectional draw is kind to them they may be able to pull off their own great escape and come away with another Sectional crown.  © Chris Smith

Saturday night in Jay County

In our attempt to "remember how things were" we often overlook how things are.  Take Hoosier high school basketball - a great game many believe to be diminished by classification, school consolidation, and dropping attendance.  Some say Indiana's winter sport, linking fall to spring, has been pushed into the background by Netflix, video games and cell phones.  The days when whole communities packed into a gym to watch local rivalries play out on a basketball court are long gone, right?  Well, maybe not.  Case in point - this past Saturday night in Jay County when Blackford brought their oft repeated story of the "old coach" (Jerry Hoover) and "young sharpshooter" (Luke Brown) to the home of the Patriots for a full night of hoops.  As the evening unfolded it was all there - a packed house, colorful mascots, flag totting cheerleaders, a spirited pep band and three games of basketball (Freshman in the auxiliary, JV & Varsity in the big gym).  The main event was close for awhile, until quick passing, state scoring leader (PPG average) Brown took over.  Final score - Bruins 79, Patriots 53.  But, wait a minute, forget the score - could it be that our beloved sport is just as good as we remember?  Wouldn't that be something to talk about. © Chris Smith