By Mike McGraw
Executive Director
FORTVILLE – On the afternoon of Feb. 21 at Mt. Vernon High School in Fortville, all was right with the world – at least the world of high school sports. Once in awhile, I am reminded of just exactly why we do what we do at Hoosier Authority, and the Class 3A Regional 7 was one of those moments.
Everything that is good about high school sports was on display in full view of nearly 3,000 people.
Sixth-ranked Crawfordsville was the new kid on the block. The Athenians were appearing in their first girls basketball regional ever. The sectional title they won last week was more than a mere tournament victory. It was validation for a senior class that kept striving even after three years of gut-wrenching disappointment.
The Athenians are coached by Darren Haas, a man who not only has genuine affection for his players, but who also understands that the heart of a competitor beats just as hard in a 5’3’’ girl as in a 6’9” boy. That would be Lexi Stevens, a throwback pure point guard whose greatest skill is simply beating your brains in by whatever means necessary.
Next was Batesville, a community that personifies small-school excellence. A persuasive argument could be made that, over the past decade, Batesville has been the best athletic department in Indiana. The Bulldogs are good year after year at every sport in which they compete. More importantly, they do it with modesty, class, and character.
The No. 12 Bulldogs were outsized in every way in their game with Crawfordsville, except one: heart.
Also on hand was Roncalli, the private school that accepts nothing less than excellence from its teams and supporters. It is a private school that does things the right way. The Rebels were guided by first-year coach Sara Reiderman, whose enthusiasm and belief in her players kept them in a game they frankly had no business being in down the stretch.
Finally, there was Rushville, a community that embodies the history and heritage of Indiana high school basketball as much as any in the state. The Lions were supported by a crowd that made you want to shout, “That’s what it is all about!” Rushville fans and players alike understand what it means to wear a Lions jersey.
More importantly, they respect what it takes. Coach Melissa Marlow instills pride and tradition in Rushville basketball every time she steps on a court.
The teams were great. The coaches were genuine role models. The crowd was large, loud, and proud. The games were exciting and competitive. The smiles were jubilant, and the tears were real.
In short, it was everything those of us who champion Indiana basketball hold sacred. If any of you have matured to the point that you can no longer be moved by what I witnessed Saturday, you aren’t grown up.
You’re just old.
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