on to the home of pirates & dragons

Can't get enough basketball?  Hoosier Hills Hoops has the answer as every fall they sponsor an individual basketball league for elementary, middle and high school age boys & girls.  Venues this year included Bloomington North, Eastern Greene, Charlestown and Silver Creek and on this sunny Sunday we made our way to the home of the Pirates (Charlestown) and the Dragons (Silver Creek).  At these two classic examples of Hoosier gyms (one sunken and the other complete with stage) we were lucky enough to catch the future stars of southern Indiana (with a few rogue Kentuckiana players) take to the courts.  And, in a couple of weeks, the real deal begins.  CGS.

the wigwam

Once upon a time, this Anderson field house, built in 1961, with seats for 8996, an Indian chief's head (made from 80,000 pieces of mosaic tile) emblazoned on the outside and known as the Wigwam was the heart of a community. For years, fans packed the house (passing down season tickets from one generation to another) as game night unfolded - cheerleaders from both teams sitting cross-legged on the floor, passing a "peace pipe" while a young "Brave" danced with a "Maiden" to the sound of "war drums" pounding from the large stage.  And that was all before tip-off. But economic hard times and a diminishing youth population have brought us to this - broken ceiling tiles, peeling paint & nothing but echoes in the halls. By 2009, what was once three schools (Madison Heights, Highlands and Anderson) had become one and the Wigwam, too costly to heat, cool and maintain, was abandoned.  For the past several years attempts have been made to resurrect the grand old gym in one form or another but only the future will tell whether those plans are a reality or just another fairy tale.  CGS.

j.b. cain & the exodus

Decision time came early for JB Cain.  He was born & raised near the dividing line for Economy and Williamsburg schools and for the first 8 years of his education he attended Economy.  Then, his favorite Ag teacher moved to Williamsburg and JB decided that should be his move also.  By the time 1961 came, JB was a senior and had lettered in baseball, track and basketball.  Now, years later, he is back at Economy - but this time as the old gym's (1924) caretaker.  And Williamsburg? Well, JB's schoolmate Frank Monroe (class of '58) is in charge there, making sure a new generation of players has a place to ball.  CGS.

oscar

In today's Wall Street Journal (August 7, 2015) a good story about Oscar Robertson, as he reminisces about growing up in Indy and beyond.  I had the pleasure of making the lead portrait.  A great ball player and a good man.  CGS.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/oscar-robertson-jumped-through-hoops-to-win-big-1438702944

virgil martin's barn

Rumor has it that not only was basketball played in this barn, but there's a piano in the hayloft for dances.  CGS.

the weight

One could imagine that the history of Crispus Attucks & the legacy of Ray Crowe, Oscar Robertson and the Flying Tigers would weigh heavily on the shoulders of those who followed.  But, to coach Phil Washington and his young players that weight is just another barrier to break through on their way back to the top.  CGS.

top 101

As the hot days of July set in, basketball camps & shootouts have come to an end but thanks to the Indiana Coaches Association (IBCA) one more statewide showcase for underclass players takes place - the Top 100.  This year, young players from all corners of the state travelled to Ben Davis for the two day event, where they worked on the basics - dribbling, passing, defending & shooting and then played full on short games. Eight miles to the east another top young player, Chyna McMichel of Attucks, held her own workout under the watchful guidance of Indiana's greatest teams. CGS.