Indiana’s first Free Fishing Day of the year is May 12.

On Free Fishing Days, Indiana residents do not need a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish on the state's public waters, so it’s the perfect time to bring your family and friends along and have some fun outdoors.

All other rules such as seasons, bag, and size limits apply. Find a fishing location near you using the Where To Fish map.

The Indiana High School Athletic Association will air postseason state tournament pairings shows for softball and baseball Sunday.

The 39th Annual Girls Softball State Tournament Pairings Show, hosted by Greg Rakestraw, is Sunday at 7 p.m. The show will air exclusively on IHSAAtv.org.

Complete postseason pairings will be available at IHSAA.org following the broadcast.

Softball sectionals will run from May 20-25 next month.

The 57th Annual IHSAA Boys Baseball State Tournament Pairings Show, also hosted by Greg Rakestraw, will air Sunday at 8 p.m. at IHSAAtv.org with complete pairings to be posted at IHSAA.org following the broadcast.

Baseball sectionals are scheduled from May 22-27.

The IHSAA, the IHSAA Foundation and Forté Sports Medicine are proud to announce the selection of senior student-athletes for scholarships to be presented this spring.

Alongside the C. Eugene Cato Memorial Scholarships announced previously, the IHSAA and IHSAA Foundation are proud to recognize and honor the legacies of legends and leaders of Indiana with recipients from six scholarships: the Bobby & Kathy Cox Post-Secondary Scholarship, the David Cranfill Truehearted Teammate Award, Amy Hasbrook Family Leadership Award, the Lee Lonzo Champions Together Post-Secondary Scholarship, the Parker Amet Post-Secondary Scholarship, and the Sparks Foundation Post-Secondary Scholarship.

Forté Orthopedic Research Institute (FORI) will honor two Indiana high school student-athletes with the 2024 Thomas A. Brady, MD Comeback Scholarship Award on Tuesday, May 7 at the IHSAA Impact Awards.

To be awarded, applicants must be nominated by an administrator from their school who believes they excel in each scholarship’s unique criteria and requirements.

Applications for all seven scholarships were opened this past spring with over 100 completed applications received from across the state. The IHSAA Foundation’s Scholarship Committee, alongside representatives from the family and friends of each scholarship’s name, determined the final recipients based on the cumulative work and experiences in competition, within the classroom, and impact on their community.

Scholarships awarded range between $1,000 and $2,000, and are to be awarded at ceremonies throughout this spring* – including the Inaugural IHSAA Foundation Impact Awards on Tuesday, May 7 at Gridiron Hall, within the Indianapolis Colts Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. 

Bobby & Kathy Cox Post-Secondary Scholarship

The Bobby and Kathy Cox Scholarship Endowment Fund was created in 2020 after Bobby Cox’s retirement as commissioner of the IHSAA. He and his wife Kathy were long time administrators in the state of Indiana, with 74 combined years as educators and supporters of education-based athletics. The scholarship was created to shine a light on senior student-athletes in the state of Indiana who will be the first in their families to attend a post-secondary education institution, while also showing outstanding teamwork, leadership, and good character throughout high school.

Two recipients from each of the three IHSAA districts were selected to receive a one-time $1,500 scholarship for post-secondary educational expenses. Recipients of the Bobby & Kathy Cox Post-Secondary Scholarship will be honored and recognized by Bobby and Kathy Cox for their achievement at a mutually agreed upon celebration with the IHSAA member school. This year’s recipients include: Kylee Owens of Greencastle High School. Owens is a two-sport athlete, participating in track and field and volleyball during her time as a Tiger Cub. She won the regional championship in high jump during her junior season of track and field with plans to defend that title and place at state this spring. She has also received the “Most Valuable Player” award for Greencastle’s volleyball team.

Owens is a member of Greencastle’s DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), Environmental Club, and Key Club.

In the fall, Kylee will be attending Ball State University and majoring in English. 

Flory Bidunga has earned the top individual award in Indiana high school boys basketball.

Bidunga, a 6-9 forward from Kokomo, has been named IndyStar Indiana Mr. Basketball for 2024 in online voting of media and boys’ varsity coaches conducted by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association and All-Star game director Mike Broughton, it was announced Tuesday (April 23) as part of the IndyStar Indiana Sports Awards program at Butler University's Clowes Memorial Hall.

The Mr. Basketball result means Bidunga will wear the No. 1 jersey for the Indiana All-Stars in their annual series with Kentucky. The Mr. Basketball award goes to the top boys’ basketball senior in the state. The Mr. Basketball and Miss Basketball awards are part of the IndyStar Indiana All-Star program that dates to 1939. The Miss Basketball award, along with the girls All-Stars, was added to the All-Star program in 1976.

The complete of the 2024 boys' All-Star team was announced on April 11. The girls' All-Star team was announced March 11, and Chloe Spreen of Bedford North Lawrence was announced as the 2024 Miss Basketball on March 15.

Bidunga earned the boys top honor after being named on 198 ballots submitted to Broughton in voting that ran from March 13 to April 1. Jack Benter of Brownstown Central was runner-up with 122 votes. Keenan Garner of Fishers placed third with 15 votes followed by K.J. Windham of Ben Davis with 12 votes, Evan Haywood of Brebeuf Jesuit with five votes and Micah Davis of Franklin Community with three votes. There were 362 votes cast overall.

A Kansas University recruit, Bidunga averaged 19.0 points, 12.9 rebounds and 4.4 blocked shots while converting 81.4 percent of his field goals (236 of 290) and leading Kokomo to a 25-4 record that included North Central Conference and Lafayette Jefferson Sectional championships as a senior.

In a three-year high school career, the Democratic Republic of the Congo native totaled 1,609 points, 1,132 rebounds and 402 blocks as the Wildkats went 69-17 and captured three sectionals, two regionals, one semi-state and finished as the 2023 Class 4A state runner-up. He also shot a state-record 80.3 percent from the field (689 of 858) and 55.0 percent on free throws (230 of 418) while adding 158 assists, 85 steals and 322 dunks in his career.

A 2024 McDonald's All-American and 2024 Nike Hoop Summit participant, Bidunga averaged 17.5 points, 13.3 rebounds and 5.3 blocks as a sophomore as well as 20.2 points, 13.8 rebounds and 4.5 blocks as a junior. As a junior, from Dec. 29, 2022, to Jan. 7, 2023, he tied a state record with 32 consecutive field goals. He also is No. 2 in state annals with his 402 career blocks.

In 85 career games, Bidunga posted 72 double-doubles and six triple-doubles -- 32 points, 20 rebounds and 11 blocks against Richmond and 30 points, 14 rebounds and 10 blocks against Lafayette Jefferson as a sophomore; 22 points, 10 rebounds, 12 blocks against Lebanon and 25 points, 15 rebounds and 11 blocks against Marion as a junior; and 19 points, 12 rebounds and 10 blocks against New Haven and 17 points, 24 rebounds and 10 blocks against Anderson as a senior.

His career single-game bests are 34 points against McCutcheon as a junior, 24 rebounds against Fort Wayne Northrop as a sophomore and Anderson as a senior, six assists against Westfield and Fishers as a senior, four steals against Carmel as a junior and 12 blocks against Lebanon as a junior.

Bidunga is the third Mr. Basketball from Kokomo, joining Tom Schwartz in 1945 and Jim Rayl in 1959. Bidunga and teammate Karson Rogers are the program's 18th and 19th boys' Indiana All-Stars as well as the school's 29th and 30th overall All-Stars.

Past Kokomo High boys selected to the All-Stars were Chet Gabriel (1940), Carl Campbell (1941), Jack Turner (1942), Gene Turner (1944), Schwartz, Maurice Conwell (1946), James "Junior" Phipps (1952), Jim Butcher (1955), Paul Conwell (1956), Rayl, Ron Hughes (1961), Rich Scott (1961), Jim "Goose" Ligon (1962), Brian Hogan (1988), Lee Coomler (1996), D.J. Balentine (2012) and Tayler Persons (2014).

Kokomo girls previously named All-Stars were Tiffany Longworth (1993), Cari Stover (1993), Mistina Oliver (1993), Debbie Benziger (1994), Tamie Stiner (1997), Heather Cusick (1999), Hillary Beck (2001), Anne Thatcher (2003), DeUnna Hendrix (2003), Audrey McDonald (2006) and Kayla Drake (2008).

John Peckinpaugh, the 2024 boys' All-Star head coach, is the third Kokomo coach to lead the All-Stars. He joins a list that includes Mike McCroskey, the girls' head coach in 1994, and Charlie Hall, the girls' head coach in 2003.

In going to Kansas, Bidunga is the second Mr. Basketball and sixth boys' All-Star to join the Jayhawks. The previous KU-bound Mr. Basketball was David Magley of South Bend LaSalle in 1978. The other previous All-Stars who played at Kansas were Bud Dunn of Gosport in 1940, Clyde Lovellette of Terre Haute Garfield in 1948, Ron Loneski of Hammond Bishop Noll in 1955 and Bob Hickman of Terre Haute Gerstmeyer in 1956.

While in high school, Bidunga has been a two-time Gatorade Indiana Player of the Year and a two-time MaxPreps Indiana Player of the Year. He also has been a 2023 Naismith third-team All-American, a three-time IBCA Supreme 15 honoree, a 2023 AP first-team All-State selection, a 2022 AP second-team All-State pick, a three-time team MVP, a three-time all-NCC pick and a three-time area MVP and All-Area honoree by the Kokomo Tribune.

Mr. Basketball and Miss Basketball traditionally wear No. 1 jerseys for the respective Indiana Boys All-Stars and Indiana Girls All-Stars in the annual series with Kentucky. The All-Stars will face the Indiana Junior All-Stars in an exhibition doubleheader on June 5 at Kokomo. The All-Stars follow with their home-and-home doubleheaders with Kentucky -- June 7 at Lexington Catholic High School and June 8 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Experience the thrill of racing with "The Motorsports Circuit IN Indiana." In partnership with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) launched "The Motorsports Circuit IN Indiana" microsite to tell Indiana's rich racing history and help visitors understand why racing culture is so deeply ingrained IN Indiana.

"Indiana has had a major impact on the sport of racing throughout its history, and The Motorsports Circuit IN Indiana microsite tells this story," said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "Not only does it include educational material about our racing history, it brings every aspect of racing to the forefront including races, events, storied racetracks, memorials, traditions and more." This web-based experience will put all things racing IN Indiana at your fingertips. Discover why Indiana's motorsports culture is a prominent aspect of the state's identity and experience Indiana's passion for racing yourself at one of the many events throughout the year. From some of the most prestigious racing events in the world hosted in Indianapolis, dubbed the Racing Capital of the World, to grassroots dirt tracks and even boat races, Indiana offers a diverse range of racing experiences that cater to enthusiasts of all kinds.

"Racing is a part of the Hoosier state that dates back over 100 years and has played a pivotal role in shaping our communities," said Elaine Bedel, IDDC Secretary and Chief Executive Officer. "We want to put this history on display, while also giving users access to present day attractions and events that they can visit themselves." The launch of the microsite is just in time for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 26. The webpage will serve as a tribute to the pioneers, drivers and fans who have made Indiana a cornerstone of motorsports excellence. From the roar of engines to the triumph of victory, "The Motorsports Circuit IN Indiana" captures the essence of speed, passion and the racing Hoosier spirit. "The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is proud to be a hub for Indiana's racing traditions and to partner with IDDC in celebration of our state's racing heritage," said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President. "The Motorsports Circuit IN Indiana compiles this legacy for both residents and visitors to experience."

The Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) announced a three-year presenting partnership renewal with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts to continue in support of Indiana high school football.

This marks the 15th year of the agreement first struck in 2009 when the Colts organization began its support of the entire football state tournament, ensuring that the state championship games would continue to be played at Lucas Oil Stadium. At that time, the Colts became the first professional sports franchise in the country to partner with a high school association for this type of sponsorship.

“The IHSAA is so excited and grateful to continue this partnership with the Indianapolis Colts,” said IHSAA Commissioner Paul Neidig. “Without the Colts and their support, Indiana high school football wouldn’t be as spectacular as it is on Friday nights in the fall.”

“We love and appreciate the values, like preparation, discipline, teamwork and inclusion, that football teaches, so we are honored to support youth and high school football at every level in our state,” said Mike Prior, Colts Football Development Commissioner and former Colts great. “This partnership with the IHSAA continues our commitment to growing the game of football in Indiana and opening opportunities in the sport to all.”

The Colts and IHSAA also have partnered on other initiatives, most notably girls high school flag football. In 2023, the Colts started the Girls Flag Football Pilot League, fueled by Gatorade, with eight high school girls teams representing Indianapolis and South Bend. They also have hosted clinics, jamborees, and other events, with the long-term goal of developing girls flag football as a sanctioned varsity sport in Indiana.

For more info, visit Colts.com/Flag.

USA Basketball announced today that Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton was named a member of the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team, which will compete at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, set for July 26-Aug. 11.

The team was selected by USA Basketball Men’s National Team managing director Grant Hill and approved by the USA Basketball Board of Directors.
“We want to congratulate Tyrese and we’re thrilled that he has been selected to represent our country and the Pacers organization as a member of the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard. “We are incredibly proud of Tyrese for all he’s accomplished in his career thus far, which includes being an integral part of our success this season, and we can’t wait to see him shine on the international stage among the best players in the world at the upcoming Summer Olympics.”
In addition to Haliburton, the 2024 USA Men’s National Team features Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns),  Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics), LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), Kawhi Leonard (L.A. Clippers) and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics).
“It’s an honor to introduce the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team,” Hill said. “I’m grateful to these 12 men for their commitment to represent USA Basketball. The United States is home to some of the best basketball players in the world and I appreciate the vast interest in being part of this roster. These decisions weren’t easy, but it was a pleasure to go through the process and reach this outcome.
“We have the utmost respect for the level of competition we will face this summer. The Olympics represent the pinnacle of sport and the world will be watching the USA as we play in the toughest basketball tournament in history.”
Haliburton is one of six players who has competed at the World Cup, including Curry (2010, 2014), Davis (2014), Durant (2010), Edwards (2023), James (2006), and Tatum (2019). Haliburton and Edwards competed at the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup in Manila, helping to secure the United States’ Olympic bid.
USA Basketball will commence training camp on July 6 in Las Vegas. Following the game vs. Canada, the Americans will embark on an international training window that begins when the USA hosts Australia and Serbia on July 15 and 17, respectively, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Australia and Serbia will also face off on July 18 in Abu Dhabi.
The USA Basketball Showcase continues at London’s O2 Arena when the USA men take on the national teams of South Sudan on July 20 and Germany on July 22, followed by a tilt between the USA women and Germany on July 23.
The USA Basketball Showcase features a series of games that help the USA Basketball National Teams prepare for major competitions, including the Olympic Summer Games and FIBA World Cup. For more information on the USA Basketball Showcase and to purchase tickets, click here.
The USA officially qualified for the Paris Games as one of the top two nations from the FIBA Americas zone at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in September. The American men will compete for their fifth straight – and 17^th overall – Olympic gold medal.
As part of Group C, the American men will face Serbia on July 28, South Sudan on July 31 and the winner of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Puerto Rico on Aug. 3 in the first round of the Olympic tournament. The 5-on-5 Olympic basketball group phase will take place in Lille, France, before the tournament moves to Paris for knockout and medal rounds.  
In total, USA Basketball will be represented by four teams at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games, including 5-on-5 men and women and 3x3 men and women. The USA are reigning Olympic champions in 5-on-5 men and women and 3x3 women, with 3x3 men set to make their Olympic debut this summer. More information about all four USA Basketball teams will be announced at a later date.

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled a limited-edition Bob Knight Career Accomplishments Bobblehead honoring the legendary college basketball coach.

The special edition bobblehead is being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in conjunction with Knight Legacy. Founded by Coach Knight’s son, Pat Knight, Knight Legacy’s mission is to honor, promote, and preserve the Coach Knight Legacy and the footprint that Hall of Fame Coach Bob Knight made in the history of basketball.

Coach Knight passed away at his home in Bloomington surrounded by his family on November 1, 2023, at the age of 83.

Standing on a rectangular basketball court base with BOB KNIGHT and THE GENERAL on each side of an outline of the state of Indiana across the front, the Knight bobblehead is wearing a red sweater and navy pants and pointing to give instructions to his team. The framed backing of the base, which features one of his memorable quotes, “Mental is to physical as four is to one,” also includes a sketch of Knight, replica banners of the three national championships won under Coach Knight, a numerical rundown of Knight’s career accomplishments, and a replica of Knight’s autograph.

The bobbleheads, which will be individually numbered, are only available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store and at BobKnight.com. The bobbleheads are available for $40 each plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order. They are expected to ship in August.

In his coaching career, Knight finished with an overall record of 902-371. The 902 NCAA Division I victories was a record at the time of his retirement, and currently ranks fifth all-time. He is best known for winning three national championships as the head coach of Indiana in 1976, 1981 and 1987. In addition to coaching the Hoosiers from 1971 to 2000, he was also the head coach at Army from 1965 to 1971 and Texas Tech from 2001 to 2008. Other career highlights include 28 NCAA Tournament appearances, five trips to the Final Four, 11 Big Ten regular-season championships, and three Big Ten Coach of the Year awards.

Known as one of college basketball’s most successful and innovative coaches, having popularized the motion offense, Knight also won a National Invitation Tournament championship and 11 Big Ten Conference championships along with his three national titles. Knight received National Coach of the Year honors four times. In 1984, he coached the USA men’s Olympic team to a gold medal, becoming one of only three basketball coaches to win an NCAA title, NIT title and an Olympic gold medal. Knight was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991 and was a member of the founding class of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. He was also inducted into the Army Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Indiana Hoosiers Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.

When asked about the bobblehead, Pat Knight said, “Knight Legacy is excited to be partnering with the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame again to launch this one of a kind bobblehead highlighting my father’s career achievements and preserving his legacy. Being the last team to go undefeated in 1976 is something talked about at this time every year and something Coach was very proud of for this team reaching their full potential and accomplishing their goal.”

"We’re thrilled to be teaming up with Knight Legacy to add this very special bobblehead of Coach Knight to the collection,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “One of the most successful coaches in history, ‘The General’ has a list of career accomplishments worthy of a special bobblehead, and this bobblehead will be a must-have for fans!”

The Bob Knight Career Accomplishments Bobblehead is the latest featuring the Hall of Famer. Other previously released bobbleheads include one of a standing Knight wearing his signature red sweater, and another commemorating his infamous chair-throwing incident that occurred during a game in the 1984-85 season. The red sweater bobblehead is sold out, while the chair-throwing bobblehead is still available.

Indiana is once again a destination for basketball fans this month.

To help people stay safe while visiting, Sober Ride Indiana is offering a discount on sober rides. 

Gainbridge Fieldhouse is hosting the first two rounds of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship on March 22 and 24. The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) encourages fans to designate a sober driver to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. 

“The NCAA Tournament is a time for fans to come together and cheer on their favorite team,” said Devon McDonald, Executive Director for ICJI. “We want everyone to enjoy the games, but safety is our top priority.” 

Sober Ride Indiana?is working to prevent impaired driving around the NCAA tournament by offering $10 off Uber and Lyft rides, with up to 1,000 redemptions available each day. Ride credits are available from March 21-24. 

Ride credits can only be redeemed between the hours of 5 p.m. and 3 a.m. Rides are available if they originate in or have a destination of Indianapolis or Fort Wayne. 

ICJI created Sober Ride Indiana in 2020 to combat impaired driving, particularly around high-risk holidays and events. The program receives federal funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

To redeem a $10 ride credit, visit?SoberRideIndiana.com. Click on "Redeem Ride Credits" and follow the instructions for the chosen ride service. Tips are not included in the discount, and users are responsible for any charges exceeding $10. Possession of the code does not guarantee the availability of the credit. 

A season ago, the North Putnam baseball team enjoyed some magic.
Chris Geeser's squad captured the Putnam County tournament and competed against a tough schedule. This season, the Cougars have goals of winning county again and making a deep run this spring in the postseason. 

"Looking back at last season, there were definitely some good things that happened during the season. We won the Putnam County Tournament early in the year, which is always a season goal for our program. I thought we competed really well all season long, which when you consider how busy of a schedule we play with the strength of schedule, is something that can be difficult to do. I thought we also had some really good growth and development from the players in the program over the course of the season," Geeser told The Putnam County Post. 

Geeser said his team's off-season has gone well despite missing a few workouts due to winter weather impacting the school days. 

"We still got a lot of work done. We had a pretty good attendance for the off-season workouts, which can be tough when we are going at 6;6:30 a.m. due to facility availability. I think I can speak for everyone in the program, we are excited to get out of the gym and outside on the field to continue our work. Some of our goals will be to defend our Putnam County championship, improve our conference standing from last year and win that sectional title," Geeser said. 

The Cougars have a host of players returning who saw varsity action last year including seniors Jaylen Windmiller and Brogan Woodall. Windmiller pitches and plays first, while Woodall is an infielder, outfielder and pitcher. 

Juniors Kaden Helderman (outfielder/pitcher) and Braxton Woodall (infielder/designated hitter) return, as do sophomores Alec McKenzie (infielder/pitcher), Griffen Starr (infielder/pitcher), Jayce Monnett (infielder) and Chase Barber (outfielder/pitcher). 

Geeser singled out several freshman who will push for playing time. Those players include: Brayden Chew (catcher/infielder), Owen Thurman (outfielder/pitcher), Camden Greene (infielder/pitcher) and Corbin Conner (infielder/pitcher). 

The skipper said his team enters looking to win another Putnam County Tournament, noting it is "always an early season test." In addition, North Putnam aims to make a run at a sectional crown. 

"With the tournament being early in the season, it's always a test to find your best lineup in the first couple of weeks of the season. I feel like the county games always bring some extra intensity and competitiveness as the kids know each other pretty well.  I believe that us returning a lot of players from last year's County championship team will help us defend our title this year. As far as sectional, I think it is wide open this year. I think there are several teams that are very similar to each other in the sectional. I think the sectional champion this year will be the team that is playing their best baseball at that time of the year and who can stay the healthiest. Avoiding the injuries and fatigued arms is walys key that time of year," Geeser said. 

Seventy-six Indiana high school seniors -- 38 boys and 38 girls -- have been chosen as first-team Academic All-State for 2024 by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association, it was announced Tuesday.

North Putnam's Nolan Hackleman is one of the 38 boys on the All-State team.

In addition, 218 more boys and 204 more girls were recognized as honorable mention Academic All-State for 2024, IBCA executive director Marty Johnson said. In total, 498 players received some level of recognition in this year's IBCA Academic All-State program.

The IBCA Academic All-State program is one where academic prowess and athletic prowess both are considered in the selections. Items such as grade-point average, academic class rank and SAT or ACT scores are considered along with athletic performance in areas such as points per game, rebounds per game and assists per game. 

"The quality of these student-athletes shows that success in academics and success in athletics are not separate entities," Johnson said. "Rather, in many cases, a player's success in the classroom directly contributes to his or her success on the floor."

IBCA-member head coaches from schools across the state may nominate their senior student-athletes who meet criteria that include a 3.50 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale, a class rank in the upper 25 percent of one's class and either an SAT score of 1100 (on the reading and math sections) or an ACT composite score of 24. Once nominations were received, an IBCA committee reviewed the information and determined awards for first team and honorable mention.

Those selected will receive certificates from the IBCA for their honor. Plans are for certificates to be distributed in PDF form to coaches via e-mail during April for the coach to print. The coach then may present the certificate to each honored player sometime before the conclusion of the 2023-24 academic year.

The IBCA has selected an Academic All-State team for boys since 1973. The program was expanded to include a girls' Academic All-State team in 1980.

Boys' first-team players for 2024 are: Isaac Andrews, Wapahani; Jaskirat Banwait, Whiteland; Sam Essegian, Whitko; Ashton Federspiel, Norwell; Grant Ford, Wabash; Evan Gagnon, North Newton; Cayden Gehlhausen, Evansville North; Noah Godlevske, Bedford North Lawrence; Nolan Hackleman, North Putnam; Aiden Hibbard, Elkhart Christian Academy; Lowell Hillis, Lewis Cass; Clayton Hull, Madison-Grant; Drew Kegerreis, Roncalli; Nolan Kinsella, Munster; Kyler Krull, Whitko; Caleb Lehrman, Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger; Jamison Lewis, Southwestern (Hanover); Bryson Luter, Lawrence Central; Dylan Maxwell, East Central; Micah McClure, Adams Central; Jackson McGee, Leo; Drew McKaig, Pioneer; Jack Miller, Scottsburg; Mason Moulton, Yorktown; Zach Nash, Huntington North; Connor O’Guinn, Bloomington North; Grant Porath, Brownsburg; Spencer Proctor, Anderson; Brady Rife, Wheeler; Trever Roy, Hebron; Joey Schmitz, Center Grove; Carter Snepp, Southwestern (Shelby); Robert Sorensen, Guerin Catholic; Colin Taylor, New Castle; Kaden Temple, Eastern (Pekin); Kieran Tewari, Yorktown; Ethan Wolfe, NorthWood; and Ethan Zeiser, Maconaquah.

Girls' first-team players for 2024 are: Madisyn Bailey, Bedford North Lawrence; Allie Boyer, Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian; Kaleigh Butts, Perry Meridian; Mary Cox, Monrovia; Morgan Cross, Northridge; Alexandra Cutka, Wheeler; Alexandra DeLisle, Speedway; Skylar Ferry, Hanover Central; Lauren Foster, Indian Creek; Daniella Galvez, Speedway; Becca Gerdt, Valparaiso; Sarah Gick, Benton Central; Rachel Harshman, Mooresville; Emma Hart, New Castle; Carley Higgins, Paoli; Peyton Honchar, Morgan Township; Grace King, Indianapolis Lutheran; Taylor Lewis, Indianapolis Cathedral; Victoria Mann, Bloomington Lighthouse Christian; Elle Marble, Jeffersonville; Nicole Mears, Franklin County; Ellery Minch, Mt. Vernon (Fortville); Josie Page, Wood Memorial; Sara Parkison, Clinton Central; Abagail Rousey, Bloomington Lighthouse Christian; Camryn Runner, Hamilton Heights; Mary Ryan, Oldenburg Academy; Emma Schipp, Jasper; Molly Schulte, South Spencer; Alyssa Simpson, Rising Sun; Emma Sperry, Frankton; Kendall Sterling, Seymour; Rachel Tolen, Benton Central; Taylor Turpin, Shoals; Kate Weber, Oldenburg Academy; Hope Welsh, South Central (Union Mills); Ruby White , Eastern Hancock; and Ava Wilson, Shelbyville.

Treigh Schelsky poured in 24 points to lead Parke Heritage to a 2A boys basketball title over Greencastle, 61-47.

Schelsky scored nearly half of his points at the free throw line on 11-of-12 shooting. He singlehandedly outscored the Tiger Cubs at the free throw line (9-of-11).

The Wolves' Renn Harper added 15 points to lead Parke Heritage (22-5).

Sam Gooch tallied 19 points to to the Greencastle scoring effort. Teammate Anthony Adams was also in double figures with 12 points.

Turnovers were a factor in the outcome although the Tiger Cubs only committed ten. That was compared to just three for the Wolves.

Greencastle's 15-10 record was the first time the Tiger Cubs finished above .500 after two straight losing seasons.

This is the second straight time Parke Heritage knocked Greencastle out of the postseason. Last year, it was in the sectional quarterfinal.

The Wolves will play Northeastern (18-7) in the regional game hosted at Martinsville.

DePauw (21-7), winners of the North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament with Saturday's 56-53 win over Ohio Wesleyan, makes its 23rd NCAA Division III postseason appearance on Friday, March 1, when it faces Berea (24-3) in an opening round game at 8:30 p.m. EST in Neal Fieldhouse. 
The evening's other first-round contest features Hope (24-3) against Ripon (19-8) at 6 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at depauwtigers.com/ncaatickets and cash purchases will be accepted at the gate which opens at 5 p.m. on Friday. Friday's winners square off on Saturday, March 2, in an 8 p.m. second-round contest with the victor advancing to the Division III Sectional (Round of 16).
Berea, recipient of a Pool B at-large bid, is making its third NCAA appearance after competing in the 2020 and 2023 Championships and dropping opening-round contests. The Mountaineers captured a second consecutive Collegiate Conference of the South Tournament championship after defeating Belhaven by an 80-60 score on Saturday. The Mountaineers have won 18 of their last 19 games and touted a 16-game win streak at one point in February. Trent Milby is in his 10th season as head coach with a 209-68 record including seven straight seasons of at least 21 wins.
Lynkaylah James leads Berea with 15.6 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, while Drea Satori follows with 11.1 points and Jayden Merriweather 10.8. Satori leads the squad with 4.5 assists and Merriweather has hit a team-best 73 3-pointers. James shoots 55.7 percent from the floor.
DePauw, which made 18 consecutive trips to the NCAA postseason prior to last season, has posted a 34-20 postseason record including national titles in 2007 and 2013 and a third-place showing in 2002. This marks the 14th time the Tigers have hosted opening-round competition with the last coming in 2020. Head coach Kris Huffman is in her 31st season with the Tigers with a 720-147 record and reached the 700-win mark in the fourth-fewest games of any coach on any NCAA level after DePauw's 76-48 win over Calvin on Nov. 17.
Ava Hassel leads DePauw with 11.8 points, 2.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game and has hit a team-high 49 3-pointers. Riley Mont follows with 10.4 points per outing, while Diana Burgher hauls down 5.4 rebounds per contest. 
Hope earned a Pool C at-large bid and is appearing in its 24th Championship and 11th straight. The Flying Dutch enter with all-time record of 48-19 including national championships in 1990, 2006 and 2022 and a runner-up finish in 2010. Hope fell to Trine, 63-59, in Saturday's Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament championship contest. Brian Morehouse is in his 28th season at his alma mater with a 709-97 career record. With a 79-77 double overtime win over Alma on Jan. 13, he reached the 700-win plateau in the fewest number of games of any coach on any NCAA level.
Sydney Vis leads the Flying Dutch with 12.1 points and 1.8 steals per contest, while Olivia Bellows follows with 10.2 points. Courtney Lee hauls down 6.0 rebounds each outing and Raven Jemison averages 1.3 blocks. Karsen Karlblom leads the way with 51 3-pointers with Jada Garner dishing out 2.3 assists and ranking 15th in Division III with a 2.65:1 assist/turnover ratio.
Ripon earned automatic qualification into the Championship after winning the Midwest Conference Tournament on Saturday with an 84-70 victory over Knox. The Red Hawks are making their seventh overall postseason appearance with an all-time record of 2-6. Lauren Busalacchi is in her 11th season with the Red Hawks with a 159-100 record.
Ella Ten Pas leads the squad with 13.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game and is shooting 55.1 percent from the floor. Bonnie Jensen follows with 11.9 points and 54.5 percent field goal shooting with Laney Havlovitz handing out 2.8 assists. Natalie Rauwolf has knocked down a team-high 36 3-pointers. 

With the regular season completed and all eyes on the Class 2A Sectional 44 at Greencastle next week, the North Putnam boy's basketball team finds itself in good shape to make a run.

The Cougars, coached by Vincent Brooks, ended the regular season 14-9 and open the sectional against Cloverdale (2-21) Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Greencastle. North Putnam has defeated the Clovers twice this season. 

"We are excited for the tournament and are looking forward to playing again in the McAnally Center next week," Brooks told The Putnam County Post.

The Cougars fared well earlier this season in McAnally, winning the Putnam County Tournament. The county tournament was part of a series of strong performances as of 

The Cougars finished the second half of the season strong, going 11-2 in 2024.

North Putnam has won 10 of its last 12, but suffered a 44-37 setback in the regular season finale against North Montgomery. 

Brooks said a major reason for the success in the new year has to do with the leadership from his seniors. 

"Our senior leadership, on and off the court, has been the biggest reason for our success this year. Regardless of the outcome of any future game, I couldn't be more proud of our seniors," Brooks said. 

With that said, he wants to win a sectional and said there are a few things North Putnam must do to have an opportunity to cut down the nets at Greencastle again. 

"In order to have any level of success in the sectional, we will have to demonstrate great discipline in our offensive and defensive fundamentals," Brooks said.

Last year it was announced that Greencastle and North Putnam would leave the Western Indiana Conference for a new, unnamed conference. 

On Thursday, the new conference, which begins during the 2025-26 school year, unveiled its new name and logo. The Monon Athletic Conference will feature founding members Greencastle, North Putnam, Crawfordsville, North Montgomery, Southmont, Frankfort, Western Boone and Cascade. 

Greencastle and North Putnam have one year left in the Western Indiana Conference, which features Northview, Indian Creek, Owen Valley, Sullivan, Edgewood, South Putnam, Cloverdale, West Vigo and Brown County.

According to Greencastle High School principal Chad Rodgers, the new conference features a huge distance advantage among the member schools.

"One of the big positives with the new conference is distance. That was a big factor. Also, we have a lot more feeder programs in the new conference and more sports. We are more common in athletics and we are all more like sized," Rodgers told The Putnam County Post.   

Greencastle football coach David Stephens admits he "loves" everything about the future conference. 

"I absolutely love the new conference name, the logo and the meaning behind it. This is definitely an upgrade in conference for Greencastle athletics," Stephens said. 

In a press release, the Monon Athletic Conference (MAC) said the conference name is a tribute to the history and connection of the Monon Railway. 

"The eight founding schools sit directly along or within the old Monon Railroad corridor that connected Chicago to Indianapolis and Louisville for nearly a century," the release states. 

Today, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled two limited-edition bobbleheads of legendary college basketball coach Bob Knight.

The first bobblehead features Knight wearing his signature red sweater, while the second bobblehead commemorates Knight’s iconic chair-throwing incident. The special edition bobbleheads are being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in conjunction with Knight Legacy. Founded by Coach Knight’s son, Pat Knight, Knight Legacy’s mission is to honor, promote, and preserve the Coach Knight Legacy and the footprint that Hall of Fame Coach Bob Knight has made in the history of basketball.

Standing on a circular base bearing his name, the first Knight bobblehead is wearing a red sweater and dark pants. The top of the base features a facsimile of Coach Knight’s autograph. Standing on a replica hardwood floor base bearing his name, the second Coach Knight bobblehead is wearing a red and white striped short-sleeved shirt like the one worn during Indiana’s game vs. rival Purdue on February 23, 1985, when Knight threw a chair across the Assembly Hall court objecting to a call. The chair throwing incident which has come to be known as “The Chair Game” is still remembered and even celebrated today on its anniversary and when the Hoosiers face Purdue. Knight, who apologized for his actions the next day, joked about throwing the chair since the incident, saying that he saw an old lady standing on the opposite sideline and threw her the chair so she could sit down.

The standing bobblehead is individually numbered to 2,023 while the chair-throwing bobblehead is numbered to 19,850. The bobbleheads are currently available for pre-order exclusively through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. The standing Knight bobbleheads are $30 each, while the chair-throwing bobbleheads are $40 each, plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order. A set of two is available for $65 and both bobbleheads are expected to ship in December.

In his coaching career, Knight finished with an overall record of 902-371. The 902 NCAA Division I victories was a record at the time of his retirement, and currently ranks fifth all-time. He is best known for winning three national championships as the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers in 1976, 1981 and 1987. In addition to coaching the Hoosiers from 1971 to 2000, he was also the head coach at Army from 1965 to 1971 and Texas Tech from 2001 to 2008.

Known as one of college basketball’s most successful and innovative coaches, having popularized the motion offense, Knight also won a National Invitation Tournament championship and 11 Big Ten Conference championships along with his three national titles. Knight received National Coach of the Year honors four times and Big Ten Coach of the Year honors eight times. In 1984, he coached the USA men’s Olympic team to a gold medal, becoming one of only three basketball coaches to win an NCAA title, NIT title and an Olympic gold medal. Knight was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991 and was a member of the founding class of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. He was also inducted into the Army Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Indiana Hoosiers Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.

Born in Massillon, Ohio, on October 25th, 1940, the only child of Pat and Hazel Knight grew up in nearby Orrville. His life in athletics began as a tall first baseman for the Mizer Tykes. He switched to basketball in the sixth grade and became a local star. An excellent student, Knight once won the Orrville Library’s competition for what child could read the most books between June and September. Knight went on to Ohio State where he played for Hall of Fame coach Fred Taylor. He was a reserve forward on the 1960 NCAA championship team that featured future Hall of Famers John Havlicek and Jerry Lucas. The Buckeyes lost in each of the next two NCAA championship games, of which the sharpshooting Knight also played a part of off the bench. One year after graduating from Ohio State with a degree in history and government in 1962, Knight enlisted in the United States Army and served two years of active duty. Knight, who was a private first class, also served nearly four years in the Army reserves. While in the service, Knight was an assistant coach for the Army Black Knights basketball team. As a 24-year-old in 1965, he was named Army’s head coach and compiled a record of 102-50 in six seasons there before going to Indiana.

When asked about the bobbleheads, Coach Knight’s son and Founder of Knight Legacy, Pat Knight said, “We’re thrilled to be honoring my father’s legacy with these limited edition bobbleheads in collaboration with the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum. I think these bobbleheads are a great tribute to my dad’s legacy and the passion that he had for basketball and life.”

"We’re excited to team up with Knight Legacy to create these bobbleheads celebrating the legendary coach,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “One of the most successful coaches in the history of college basketball, and we think fans will love these new bobbleheads!”

About the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum:
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located at 170 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened to the public on February 1^st, 2019. The HOF and Museum also produces high quality, customized bobbleheads for retail sale as well as organizations, individuals, and teams across the country. Visit us online and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

With one game left in the regular season for the Greencastle Tiger Cubs, it is hard for the team not to look forward to the Class 2A Sectional 44 Tournament, which will be played at Greencastle. 

The Tiger Cubs (13-9) will open the sectional Feb. 28 against South Putnam, and coach Bryce Rector admits the sectional is "tough with several really good basketball teams."

"Obviously, Parke Heritage, North Putnam and Greencastle are the three teams that come into sectional play with above .500 records, and are all very capable of winning the sectional. We were able to avoid Parke Heritage and North Putnam on the first night of play, which is nice, but we still have to be ready for South Putnam. We have beaten the Eagles twice, and I always think it's difficult to beat a team three times in one year and they gave us everything we wanted in the Putnam County Classic, so we are going to have to be ready to play on Wednesday night. We are going to have to really work to be efficient offensively over the three games of the sectional and limit turnovers and second chance points for the opponent," Rector told the Putnam County Post. 

After opening the season 1-3, Greencastle has had some success this year, along with a few down moments. The Tiger Cubs fell in the final of the county tournament, which they hosted. 

"This season has been filled with ups and downs, but, overall, I feel that we have made improvements as the year has gone on. We had a great month of January and have played well in some games down the stretch. You can see that our team is completely different than it was in November, which is always a great feeling as a coach. I am happy with the progress we have made and am really looking forward to our final regular season game as well as the sectional tournament," Rector said..

As his team prepares for the upcoming Class 2A Sectional 44 at Greencastle, first year South Putnam boy's basketball coach Josh Estridge is hopeful the third time is the charm. 

When the Eagles and Greencastle tip off Feb. 28 in the sectional opener, it will mark the third time the two teams have played this year. Greencastle has won the prior two games. 

"Our team is super excited about our draw.  We get to play the host school that happens to be a rival and it is the third time we will get to play them.  We are obviously very familiar with each other and it should make for a great game.  In order for our team to cut down the nets we have to play with consistency on both ends of the court.  On offense, we have to attack the paint and put pressure on the defense, we have to continue to take care of the basketball, and create extra possessions by attacking the glass.  Defensively, we have to continue to have the mindset of making the other team work really hard for any points.  This is something we have done pretty well late in the season.  We will need a high level of communication and finish each possession with a rebound," Estridge told The Putnam County Post.

South Putnam will close out the regular season Friday night at home against Indian Creek. After opening the season 0-4, the Eagles are 7-14 on the year.

"It is Senior night and we are hoping to finish strong.  From a record standpoint the season isn't what we wanted or trained for.  With that being said, our team got better as the season went along.  Our young guys got much more comfortable playing varsity basketball and gained lots of needed experience.  Our older guys have done a good job leading by example and helping implement our system in the first year.  We made a lot of progress and I am happy overall. We have a lot to work on and improve on, but we are looking forward to the challenge as we move forward," Estridge said.  

While the record may not have been what Cloverdale boy's basketball coach Karl Turk wanted this year, he understands what is at stake when his team enters the Greencastle Sectional next week. 

At 2-20 with a game against Sullivan slated for Tuesday, Turk said the opportunity to play for a title has "invigorated" the Clovers.

"The season definitely was tough with all the circumstances involved in a 2-20 record, the opportunity for postseason play and compete for a championship

has invigorated the team. We are as healthy as we are going to be and have been for months, and we just came off a senior night win over Eminence that was reflective of the excitement and purpose that the players have shown preparing for the postseason," Turk told The Putnam County Post. 

Turk said for a basketball person, the upcoming state tournament is the "most wonderful time of the year."

"Today, I had the opportunity to explain to a coach from out of state that in Indiana all teams go to the postseason, something that doesn't happen in all states. Whereas in other states many teams, once they realize that how their season has gone will keep them from the postseason, attitudes and effort are compromised. With us, we are becoming more energized," Turk said. 

They will need to be energized as Cloverdale opens the sectional tournament on Feb. 27 in the opener against North Putnam (14-8). The Cougars captured the Putnam County Tournament this year and have two wins over the Clovers already this season. 

"North Putnam certainly is one of the two "favorites" and they come into the tournament as winners of nine straight and having recently been crowned again county champions. They have distinct experience, height, and continuity

advantages that will be difficult for us to overcome; yet we relish the challenge. We have played them 2 times this year, both resulting in lopsided North Putnam victories; yet in significant portions of each game we have played well," Turk said.

To pull off the upset and then win a sectional crown, Turk said Cloverdale has to continue to build continuity, partial out sentiments associated with portions of the season that did not go their way and put together its most comprehensive efforts of the season. 

"Certainly, the full-time varsity players will have to be at their very best, but they must also be joined by poised younger players that have moved into supporting roles," Turk said. 

Greencastle High School is the host and the action is sure to be intense when Putnam County's boys basketball teams tip off in the Class 2A Sectional 44 tournament. 

Cloverdale and North Putnam kick things off in Game 1 on Jan. 27. The two teams played twice this season with the Cougars capturing both victories. Cloverdale enters at 2-20 and just snapped a 14 game losing streak, knocking off Eminence, 64-40. North Putnam, on the other hand, is the Putnam County champion and enters with a 14-8 record and have won nine straight ahead of Tuesday's regular season finale against North Montgomery. 

"Cloverdale is always exceptionally prepared and has multiple guys that are a threat beyond the arc, so they have the ability to go on a run at any moment," said Vincent Brooks, coach of North Putnam.

The winner of Cloverdale-North Putnam will play Southmont (8-11) in the first semi-final on March 1. The Mounties beat Cloverdale, 35-34, in the second game of the season and lost 53-39 to North Putnam. 

North Putnam is eyeing its first sectional crown since 2002, while the Clovers were last champions in 2018. 

The action on Wednesday, Feb. 28, kicks off with South Putnam (7-13) taking on the host Tiger Cubs (13-9). Greencastle swept the regular season matchups, earning a regular season win early in the season and then defeating the Eagles in the Putnam County Boy's County Tournament. 

"South Putnam has been playing some really good basketball as of late and has the weapons to win the county. Drew Hill is the reigning County Player of the Year, so anytime you have that to deal with, you know you are going to have to play well to win," Greencastle coach Bryce Rector said. 

South Putnam coach Josh Estridge said the Tiger Cubs have a lot of players that can score in multiple ways. 

"They are also long and really athletic. That can make it hard to scheme or get matched up to stop them.  They are also entering the tournament playing really well. I would say they are playing some of their best basketball of the season.  It is also a big rivalry game and we are looking forward to the challenge," Estridge admitted. 

Greencastle last won a sectional in 2021, while the Eagles last cut the nets down in 2003. 

The second game on Feb. 28 features Parke Heritage (18-4) squaring off against Riverton Parke (3-17).

The NBA, in partnership with Pacers Sports & Entertainment, has commissioned a statue to honor Indianapolis Crispus Attucks legend and Naismith Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced at The Tip-Off at Bicentennial Unity Plaza.

The Commissioner welcomed Robertson to the stage and shared the news before thousands of fans celebrating the official beginning of NBA All-Star 2024.
From design to completion, the statue will take approximately one year until it is unveiled to the public. Once finished, it will be permanently placed at Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis and will be unveiled during a ceremony in 2025.
“Oscar Robertson’s legendary basketball journey began in Indianapolis where he led Crispus Attucks High School to the first state championship in the country won by an all-Black team,” said Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner.  “We are thrilled to join the Pacers in commissioning a statue in recognition of Oscar’s extraordinary impact on the game and his hometown.”
Indianapolis artist Ryan Feeney has been commissioned to create the statue, which depicts Robertson in his NBA All-Star jersey atop a basketball-shaped base made by scanning the actual 1955 Crispus Attucks State Championship Trophy. The metal for the bronze piece was sourced from Casting Art & Technology in Cincinnati, where Robertson was a three-time NCAA All-American at the University of Cincinnati and where he began his professional career with the Cincinnati Royals.
Robertson, widely considered one of the NBA’s all-time great players, is the first Indiana high school basketball player to be named an NBA All-Star. He was selected to the All-Star team 12 straight times during his 14-year career, earning All-NBA honors 11 times and winning the League MVP for the 1963-64 season. Robertson has also been credited with revolutionizing the point guard position, holding the record for most triple-doubles in League history until 2021 and being the first-ever NBA player to average a triple-double for an entire season.
For many Hoosiers, Robertson’s most significant legacy is the important impact he and his Crispus Attucks teammates had on Indiana high school basketball history. In 1955, the Tigers became the first all-Black team in the country to win a state championship, following it up with a second-consecutive IHSAA state championship in 1956. Robertson was named Indiana Mr. Basketball and the ’56 team was the first in state history to finish undefeated, posting a 31-0 record with a 22-point championship game victory over Lafayette Jefferson High School.
“It is important to immortalize the impacts Oscar has had on the court and well beyond the game of basketball, and this wonderful tribute will ensure generations to come can celebrate his remarkable legacy,” said Rick Fuson, PS&E’s Chief Executive Officer. 
The Robertson statue adds to an impressive list of commissioned pieces Feeney has created for landmarks throughout Indianapolis and beyond, including the impressive 9-foot sculpture of Indianapolis Colts Hall of Famer Peyton Manning that sits outside Lucas Oil Stadium. His other works include the bronze eagle atop the Indianapolis 9/11 memorial, the metal piano for the Hoagie Carmichael statue on Indiana University’s Bloomington campus, and the bronze cast of a sheriff deputy located outside the front doors of the Sheriff’s Department.
“It is an honor to have been chosen to sculpt a lasting tribute of the greatest basketball player ever to come from Indianapolis, Oscar Robertson,” said Feeney. “My hope is to make Mr. Robertson and the city of Indianapolis proud.”

The Indiana High School Athletic Association will announce the sectional pairings for the 114th Annual Boys Basketball State Tournament at 5 p.m. Sunday.

The Pairings Show, hosted by Bob Lovell and Greg Rakestraw, will stream exclusively at IHSAAtv.org and air on affiliates of the IHSAA Champions Network which includes the GIANT fm radio station in Greencastle (94.3 fm or the GIANT fm app).

Greencastle, Cloverdale, North Putnam and South Putnam are in the Class 2A, Sectional 44 field hosted by Greencastle.

Those teams are No. 16 Parke Heritage (17-4), Greencastle (12-9), North Putnam (13-8), Southmont (7-11), South Putnam (7-12), Cloverdale (1-20) and Riverton Parke (3-16).

Parke Heritage is 6-0 against the sectional field this season. Greencastle (6-1) and North Putnam (5-2) also have found success against potential sectional foes.

Greencastle’s last sectional title came in 2021. North Putnam has not won a sectional championship since 2002 – South Putnam’s last sectional title came one year later in 2003.

Cloverdale's last sectional title was in 2018 and capped off four consecutive.

As a freshman last year, Greencastle quarterback Cole Stephens took the WIC and Indiana by storm, putting up impressive numbers week after week en route to lifting the Tiger Cubs to a conference title. 
With the offseason in full swing, Stephens has been hard at work to put up numbers again once the season kicks off in August. 

"The off-season is going great. I've been able to add 15 pounds since the end of football season of good weight," Stephens told The Putnam County Post.

And, along the way, he is starting to generate some college interest, having recently been invited to Vanderbilt's Prospect Day. In addition, he has received an invite to the Elite Retreat May 30 through June 1. 

"Recruiting interest for 2027s is a relative thing with the transfer portal and how college programs are putting together their rosters. There is definitely some interest. I anticipate some verbal offers coming my way when I visit schools during spring ball and summer one day camps," said Stephens, who threw for 2,675 yards and 34 touchdowns last year. 

Stephens said the invite to Vanderbilt came about after a meeting with offensive coordinator Tim Beck.

"I was able to sit down with their new offensive coordinator, Tim Beck. He said he absolutely loves my film and thinks I am going to be a great player. He told me he could definitely see me playing at Vandy. I just got to keep continuing to get bigger and stronger in the weight room. I am pretty excited about the visit," Stephens said.

The rising sophomore said he has several visits planned during spring football season. 

"I'd definitely like to visit with Indiana University and meet with Coach Cignetti and Coach Sunseri. Western Kentucky has shown a lot of interest in me, and I'll definitely be down there to visit with Coach Helton and Coach Hollingshead this spring. I'll attend around 10 one day camps this summer at different universities in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee," Stephens said. 

Last fall, the Tiger Cubs finished 8-3 and advanced to the second round of the sectional. Stephens set two single game passing records, was named the Putnam County Player-of-the-Year, All-WIC and All-Wabash Valley, and said when he looks back on last year, he was "blessed."

"I really look at how blessed I was, as a player, to have such good players surrounding me and how much team success we were able to have year one at Greencastle," he said. 

And, he is already thinking goals for the upcoming season. 

"This year, I'd like to make it deeper into the playoffs. Personally, I plan to study outside of the the air raid offense as I may not always be able to play in the same system. I think going into this season, we will be a team to look out for. I think that we could be a much bigger threat to teams than we were last year. We are returning a lot of starters in very important positions that will be crucial to our success," Stephens said. 

For the North Putnam boy's basketball team, some things never get old. 

Things like winning the county tournament, as the Cougars won the Putnam County Boy's Basketball Tournament, knocking off both Cloverdale and Greencastle to cut down the nets. 

"I couldn't be happier for our seniors, completing North Putnam's four peat county championship. And even more impressive, this senior class completed a six year perfect run in county tournament play as they also won county as seventh and eighth graders," North Putnam coach Vincent Brooks told The Putnam County Post. 

North Putnam opened the tournament with a 63-27 win over Cloverdale and followed that with a 61-37 win over Greencastle in the final. According to Brooks, every North Putnam player played their role "exceptionally."

"Every one of our guys played their role exceptionally this weekend, demonstrated in the fact that we had five guys shoot above 50 percent effective field goal percentage. Nolan Hackelman led our team in scoring with 38 points on the weekend, followed by Isaac Pickel with 20 points, Kaden Helderman with 18 points, and Jaylen Windmiller with 15 points. Brady Barber scored a very efficient 13 points while leading our team with 19 rebounds," Brooks said. 

North Putnam currently sits at 13-8 after opening the season 2-5 and find themselves in the midst of an eight game win streak heading into the last two games of the regular season. On Feb. 17, North Putnam travels to Riverton Parke and will host North Montgomery on Feb. 20 in the regular season finale. 

"I am very proud of how our team has evolved and grown through stretches of adversity earlier this year. I think we are playing our best basketball of the year and are excited to see us compete in sectional play soon," Brooks said.