the eel tank

Welcome to Eminence, home of the Eel Tank and the birthplace of UCLA's 10 National Basketball Championships.   What?  That's right, little Eminence, home of the Eels (located nowhere near the Eel River, but that's another story) with a school population of 125 and a history of some roundball success (both the boys & girls teams have won 4 Sectional titles and one Regional) was the birthplace of Glenn Curtis.  Curtis, a successful college coach at Indiana State from 1938-46, is more well known as the head coach of Martinsville High School (19 years) where he won 3 State Championships and coached John Wooden (who would go on to succeed him at ISU and eventually to UCLA).  But, back to the Eels - or on this rainy night, the Lady Eels.  A recent lack of success has not affected the desire & pride we witnessed at the well maintained little gym, where after every home game the current crop of 7th graders sweep the stands to earn money for their high school prom.  Eminence remains the birthplace of greatness and a great place to watch Indiana's game.  CGS.    

eastern (pekin)

In 1966 the age of the sunken gym was coming to an end, but thankfully, the good folks of New Pekin decided 'just one more'.  Wrapped in purple and yellow, the home court of Eastern (Pekin) was the first stop of our 2015-16 season as the Lady Musketeers played host to Crawford County's Lady Wolfpack.  An eager crowd, a lively pep band, a victory for the home team and we're off & running.  CGS.

up

Two years, ten thousand miles, 150,000 frames and now - 96 photos hanging in the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. CGS.

basketball hall of fame

The first four panels from the Hoosier Hardwood Photo Project have been installed at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle. Twelve more will be up by week's end.  CGS.

little york

Just off Indiana 39, the Little York gym slips quietly into memory.  Built in 1936 by the WPA, the lair of the Wildcats is now home to a combine and rusting relics of the 1950's.  Even though bleachers and a backboard remain, the sound of cheering fans and the heat of old coal stoves has long since given way to silence.  What remains of our history?  Are these places worth protecting?  Maybe a conversation too late for Little York.  CGS. 

coming attractions

The new Lawrenceburg gym, ready for it's first season.  CGS.

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.