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      

two nights and Sunday morning

Friday - you're on a roll.  Your South Decatur Cougars are 13-0 and playing well.  High paced offense and at times a stifling defense.  You've beaten sister school North Decatur twice, are ranked #3 in some statewide 2A polls, have been written about in the Indianapolis Star and cautious fans have started to pack the gym on game nights.  Your fellow students are pumped.  Tonight is 3-9 Centerville and if all goes as expected, a 14-0 record by Saturday morning.  And then, Greensburg.  The #5 ranked 3A, two-time state champion, 14 miles up the road Greensburg.  But that's tomorrow.  Tonight is a packed house, a 31-8 first quarter lead, a celebration of junior Lane Lauderbaugh's 1000th point and some rest for the starters.  Final score, 67-36.  14-0.

Saturday - this is a different game, in more ways than one.  In a gym that holds 5000, an empty seat is hard to find.  South Decatur faithful (and some from North Decatur) arrive early and fill the visitors side.  They believe in 14-0.  Pirate fans stroll in more leisurely, confident in their history.  The JV game is unexpectedly close, with SD making a late run before losing, and then it's game time.  Team introductions are not just announced, they are Vegas/NBA.  And then tip time.  As the minutes roll by it becomes obvious - South Decatur is quick, Greensburg is quicker; SD plays aggressive defense but Greensburg has height and great passing. South Decatur's long jumpers are not falling, but layups come easy for the Pirates.  It remains close for awhile and then it all vanishes.  In the end, 108-73.

Sunday - the undefeated season is over.  For the Cougars eight more games to tournament time remain.  Time to dig deep and look to the past to see the way forward. © Chris Smith

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