martinsville

Welcome to Martinsville - or maybe, Title Town.  That name seems to fit the small community that has won 45 Sectional crowns, 18 Regional, 2 Semi-State and 5 State Championships (boys & girls).  And while we're at it - maybe we should include local product John Wooden and his 10 National Championships. This is a place with a proud past, a gym steeped in history and currently, very good boy's and girl's teams.  As we found out, no story of Indiana high school basketball is complete without a journey to Martinsville.  CGS.

the birdcage

This story could begin "once upon a time," because that's where Washington Catholic's Birdcage lives - somewhere in the early days of Indiana high school basketball.  One of the oldest gyms (1926) still in use, the Birdcage certainly wears its name well - with a 'catwalk' style balcony, lower floor seating that is almost hidden & a concession area that doubles as a hallway.  Here, fans of both sides are treated to a game where they are almost participants.  So, if you're looking for an experience that your grandparents could have reveled in, look no further.  CGS.

the road to washington

You may not have known this, but the road to Washington Catholic High School goes through Holton, Bedford, Jasper, Ireland and finally Otwell.  Or, at least on Saturday it did.  These towns all have a spot in the history of Indiana high school basketball - from tornados (Holton) to stone cutters (Bedford), state champions (Jasper, 1949) and one time sectional winners (Ireland, 1963), to little places where the past is still important (Otwell).  Look closely at the map, there's always something around the bend. CGS.

union county

Just east of Connersville, nestled along the Ohio border, the intrepid basketball fan will find Union County. A one time home to four high schools, the county can claim not only a state semi-finalist (1967) but possibly the only gym in the country located in two states (the center court stripe at College Corner is also the Indiana/Ohio state line).  This year's Lady Patriot team has a senior laden roster and hopes to avenge their 2015 Sectional final loss & become the second girl's squad to hoist a championship trophy.  On this night, Randolph Southern fell victim to their experience.  CGS.