1-30-00
UPDATING TWO GOOD PROSPECTS NAMED LEVI!! 6'9" 205LB. SR. Levi Adams of Terre Haute North and 6'0" Levi Carmichael of Eastern Green(Bloomfield)are both having excellent seasons.Always agile and springy but not always real active,Levi Adams is "stepping up" his game this season.Averaging 15ppg.,8rpg. and 4 blocks per game,the big fella recently scored 22 points on Warren Central's 6'9" long Will Caudle.Adams has visited Northwestern and plans to visit Morehead State(ky.)and Xavier before making his decision.Adams upside is huge as his "soccer background" has made him a very quick-footed big man just needing some mass to become a college enforcer......The combo Levi Carmichael is equally adept at leading a team or scoring.Scoring at 24.8ppg. and assisting at 6apg.,Levi is shooting 45% from the field.Add to the fact he had a very good summer in front of recruiters,Levi is attracting interest nationwide from all levels with most division one interest from Evansville,Morehead State and Ohio University.Only a junior, Carmichael and his great work ethic may elevate his game to high major status by this time in 2001.....Tomorrow we have INTRIGUING news rumblings from BOILERMAKER land. STAY TUNED!!!

1-29-00
If the 2000 Mr. Basketball race is decided on performance not "skeletons" then Zach Randolph and Jared Jeffries should be easily leading the pack and running even.Friday evening they both strongly stated their cases with monster games!Zach scored 36 pts.and had 14 rebounds to lead Marion to a 70-62 win over a good Warsaw team. At 6'8" 260 lbs.Zeebo is a man amongst boys.The 6'9"Jeffries was equally dominating as his 42 pts. equalled the final team total of his Owen Valley opponent.Needing just one point from his'mates,they chipped in 41 for the "blowout" 83-42 final score.Zach Randolph or Jared Jeffries for Mr. Basketball?? TOO CLOSE TO CALL!

1-28-00
Defending Class 2A champion WESTVIEW has been playing much larger schools in preparation for another title run.Northeastern Indiana's best shooter is 6'1" combo guard Derek Yoder of Westview.The 23'foot triple threat Sr. has been stroking at 18ppg. on 55% treyball accuracy.He has visited Huntington,Bethel,Taylor and Ashland College.A legitimate Division One caliber prospect-all those Low Majors needing a marksman should continue following Derek's progress.With all key players back from last season's championship team-we expect Westview to once again repeat as Class 2A Kings!

1-27-0O
CAMERON STEPHENS(VINCENNES)IS NO LOCK FOR BALL STATE!! Stephens called IBN today to emphasize that he is considering all schools and that "HE HAS NOT COMMITTED TO BALL STATE UNIVERSITY".He likes BSU and Coach Mac but he has equal interest in visiting all those schools that have contacted him previously.Apparently Cardinal "spin drs." are attempting to intimidate rival recruiters..........6'6" SF FRITZ HEIB OF OWEN VALLEY(Spencer,In.)has been on fire the past five games!! Averaging 26.4 ppg. on primarily perimeter shots,Heib also bangs the boards at 12rpg. An " A" STUDENT with hefty 1210 SAT,this long armed.strong handed leaper should be highly recruited by Ivy League types and all scholarship granting Low Majors!!

1-26-00
JR. ADAM SCHAPER TO IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY!! In a surprise early decision,6'9" Adam Schaper of Kankakee Valley High(Demotte,Ind.) has verbally committed to coach Larry Eustachy's program at Iowa State University.The"rail thin" but highly skilled Schaper chose the Ames Iowa Cyclones over Bowling Green,Indiana State,Purdue and North Carolina State.Oozing with potential,Schaper has legitimate SF skill in his still maturing large frame.Adam joins fellow hoosiers Shane Power(Andrean)and Tyray Pearson(Hammond-Kankakee JR.College) as recruits to Iowa State. If Schaper can add 25 pounds of muscle next year as a prep senior,he will impact largely as a frosh. in the 2001-2002 season for The Cyclones!!!

1-25-00
ARLINGTON RULES 61st NAPTOWN CITY TOURNEY!! By defeating 4-7 frisky Broad Ripple 66-58,Arlington won their third city championship in four years.Even with the loss of four starters from last years championship team,coach Nicks finds a way to yearly reload.Waiting in the wings for the next two years is seldom used 6'8" soph. Delco Rowley.This big secret may very well be the best soph. center in Indiana!!Leading the Knights past the Rockets this night was the senior trio of Eric Durrett(23 pts.),Sean Gillespie(22 pts.)and Glenn Keller(10 pts.)ALL THREE ARE OUTSTANDING JR.COLLEGE PROSPECTS!!The Rockets of Northside Broad Ripple were led by jr. "shooter"Anthony Baxter's 20 points.Arlington once again is the pride of NAPTOWN!

1-24-00
#1 Ranked in Indiana-Jeffersonville High School at 12-0 is led by 6'1" 180 lb. combo Sr. Bryant Northern. Northern tells IBN that "Jeff" is being disrespected by Dave Krider's National USA Today rankings. A good tourney showing will force Mr. Krider to notice the Red Devils. Anyway-physically Northern is a specimen with a 39" vertical leap and a 320 lb. bench press. these attributes allow him to "lock up"larger opponents. Averaging 12ppg,7apg,5rpg,and 2spg-Bryant is the glue that keeps Jeff together.Boston University and Indiana State University show the most recent interest but Clemson Louisville, Murray State,Morehead State,And Ball State all stay involved for his services. Top Jr.Dennis Coutee has been suspended from the team but likely will return this weekend vs. the mighty Louisville Ballard.......... Bill Hensley's Gym Rats basketball organization has grown to become the nation's largest state wide host of grade school tournaments. Their annual IBA and National qualifying BCI tourneys begin tipping off in February. Entry Deadlines are quickly approaching. Call Gerald Hirschy at 219-862-2255 for entry forms.They also may be downloaded from www.indiana-basketball.com. This informative website may also be accessed thru the link page of this website. Don't miss the entry deadlines !!

1-23-00
BROAD RIPPLE-ARLINGTON MEET FOR CITY CHAMPIONSHIP. FINAL FOUR RESULTS:Broad Ripple hit the boards hard enroute to their 58-53 win over Manual.Sr. Antwan Owens led (4-8) Manual (13 points.)Ripple sr.Kenny Sanders had 13 pts. and 7 boards. Matching that total for Ripple was soph. Jawesley Borders.The big man for the Rockets was jr.Craig Linton delivering 13 pts. and 13 boards.Arlington also slipped by scrappy Tech 65-59.Naptown's best player 6'3" Sean Gillespie scored 18 for the (10-3) golden knights.He received help from sr.Eric Durret(14),sr. Glenn Keller(12)and jr. manchild 6'4" 240 lb. Maurice Barr (12).Tech was paced by jr. Bryant Dillon's 14pts.We expect the 8-5 Titans to make some noise in the tourney.The Indianapolis City Championship game between Arlington and Broad Ripple begins tomorrow (7:45 P.M) AT TECH HIGH SCHOOL. Arlington is favored but the game will be a war!

1-22-00
THE REBUILDING OF GARY ROOSEVELT.Since Hall of Fame coach Ron Heflin retired two years ago, the once proud Panthers have struggled with academic woes and the exodus of talent via shady recruiting. Those days seem to be over now that former Velt and Houston Cougar Star Renaldo Thomas is anchoring the program as Freshman coach.The Panthers year could be in 2001 as swingmen 6'4" Ken Lampley and 6'4" Danny Smith return for their Senior year. 6'5" long and growing Donnell Franklin will be much stronger as a Jr. and the current Freshman class is Velts best since Glen Robinson. IBN was first to report on the excellence of 6'5" Naquan Jackson, 5'10" Anson Harris, 6'0" Larry Upshaw and 5'10" Henry Emerson when we saw these future Velt players last season as eigth graders. Our discovery last season in Gary was of the excellent Jason Carter of Gary Mann. The biggest news in Gary Hoops this season is the emergence of Velt Frosh 6'5" JAMAL NASH.Shocking is his skill level when you consider he never has played school ball before this year. He literally has no weakness !! Playing point or posting up-Nash does it all ! Backing his man down with multiple pivot moves Nash shoots from all angles and is a deadly passer to the drop step dunking Naquan.Similar to Jared Jeffries as a Frosh. Nash is still growing and should peak at 6'8". The hi-low future of Nash-Jackson potentially could spell yet another State championship banner at Velt. IBN missed on Nash in December but our perseverance discovered him in January. MVP of city championship, Jamal Nash is Gary best Freshman. All tourney team; Jason Rhoades(Lew Wallace) Troy Bly(Horace Mann) Naquan Jackson (Roosevelt)Jokohoven Smith (Horace Mann)Anson Harris (Roosevelt)

1-21-00
BIG ROSS CHOOSES WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY!!6'9" 240LB. Ross Mcgregor of Ft.Wayne North has been an IBN favorite since his freshman years.Selfless and brutally physical, Mac's game has always been more suited for the college game.The Dayton,Ohio school is a perfect fit for the big fella.We know both Ross and father Bob are relieved the hectic recruiting nonsense is finally over!IBN salutes Ross Mcgregor and we look forward to following his career at WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY!

1-20-00
Legendary Damon bailey brought a state championship to Bedford North Lawrence High School while also becoming Indiana's all time leading scorer. Since then some of the "toughest-hard nosed" Hoosier players have played at BNL. 5'10" bomber (1999) Joey Ray took his arsenal to Lamar University this school year. Two solid Sr. college prospects at BNL this season are 5'10" pg Thad MCcracken and 6'5" SF Zach Robbins. Thad was averaging 18ppg,5apg,5rpg and 2spg thru the first five games before severely spraining his ankle. (Out until Feb. 1)with a 3-6gpa. 1190SAT he has interest from Hanover, Franklin and South West State. The 200 Lb. strong Robbins has averaged 16ppg and 9rpg. Very physical inside, his developing perimeter game has interest from Eastern Illinois, VA. comm.,Univ. of Indpls. and IUPUI. Both Robbins and McCracken should top the list of low major recruiters that are in need of solid, fierce competitors..... The city of Gary Freshman class is its best in years !! Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in the Gary Horace Mann gymnasium will be the Freshman city championship. Roosevelt led by 6'5" Naquohn Jackson will be contending Horace Mann for city bragging rights. See you at the games !!

1-19-00
INDIANAPOLIS CITY TOURNAMENT STARTS TODAY.The annual Inner City Slugfest begins today at Arsenal Tech High School. NBA legends Oscar Robertson (Attucks), Jim Price (Tech), George Mcginnis (Washington), Mike Woodson(Broad Ripple) and Tom/Dick Van Arsdale twins (Manual) all developed their games in this storied tourney. Game one tonite at 6:00 P.M. pits (4-7)Northwest vs. (2-7)Chatard. Game 2 tonite at 8:00 P.M. has (2-10) Scecina playing (7-3)Arlington. game 3 Thursday at 6:00 P.M. is (2-6) broad Ripple vs. (2-5)Ritter. Later at 8:00 P.M. is game 4 vs.(6-4) Cathedral and (3-7) Manual. Game 5 Friday at 6 has (8-2) Heritage Christian and (7-4) Tech. Friday at 8:00 p.m. is game 1 winner vs. game 2 winner. The final four begins Saturday at 6:00 p.m. with the championship game Monday at 8:00 p.m. Top prospects to watch are : Cathedral's Jr.6'4" Leon Petty and 5'8" Jr. Otis Shannon, Arlington Sr. 6'0" Eric durrett, Sr. 6'3" Sean Gillespie and Tech's 6'2" Sr. Curtis Evans.

1-18-00
SIGN UP TODAY TO RECEIVE TOMORROW'S FUTURE STARS!! IBN ranked the top freshman in December news letter and the January issue will rank the best 8th graders. We have seen hundreds of players in these age groups but undoubtedly we have missed on a few that deserve recognition. Let's face it-there are 5000 Freshman playing and approximately 8000 8th graders playing Hoosier hoops. We definitely haven't seen them all. Don't hesitate to contact us with names of top talent in your area that we need to check out...... Aaron Brothers of Evansville Memorial recently broke his toe in the (SIAC) tourney. The 6'2" mid-major guard prospect will be side lined in definitely. More later-Stay Tuned !!

1-17-00
Evansville Reitz defeated North 58-50 for the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference championship. Jr. 6'1" Chris brunson (23 pts.) and 6'2" Brian Claybourne (17 pts.) led Reitz to victory. Claybourne has football offer from Indiana and two sport offer from Indiana State. Brunson committed to University of Southern Indiana as a freshman but will consider all Division one offers. The best performances in the tourney were recorded by 6'5" SF Blake English of Evansville North. In victory over Mater Dei 89-77, Blake registered a triple double of 27 pts., 11 boards and 11 assists from his perimeter position. The night before in victory over Castle 72-57, English ruled the post with 26 pts. and 16 boards. His game is rising every week ! Scholarship offers from Ind.-Pur. Ft. Wayne, Missouri southern, St. Joseph's and interest from university of Southern Indiana and Colgate. His decision is expected in late April. Stay Tuned !

1-16-00
Saturday evening at SouthPort High School(Indpls.), Terren Wilson led Warren Central to the Marion County 2000 Championship ! IBN'S #2 ranked Junior PG scored 18 pts in route to the 60-53 victory over Perry Meridian. Friday evening Wilson also scored 23 points in the final four 58-51 victory over Ben Davis. A true mid to high major prospect, his strength is" making his teammates better "with his floor leadership. Xavier, Ind. State, Bowling Green and Virginia Tech top his list of favorite schools. STOKES EXPLODES FOR 47 on Rich Central (Ill.) No Senior has improved more dramatically than 6'2" combo Corey Stokes(EC Central) A high major explosive prospect, Stokes hit 4 treys Saturday evening and dumped 47 pts. in a winning 80-72 effort over Rich Central. 78 pts. the last two games, Corey is now the total package at guard.No other Indiana Senior is more versatile. A possible qualifier, Paris-Central Fla.CC-Chipola and Jacksonville Jr.are more probable suitors for Stokes's services.

1-15-00
BLOOMINGTON NORTH "DEEP FREEZES" BLOOMINGTON SOUTH 62-44.Hoosierland's biggest prep game this season was a dissapointment to say the least as South shot and played scared. 6'7" Scott Fischer of South finished with 14 points and reportedly is close to announcing for Cornell University.

Former Purdue two sport star and Detroit Lion Roosevelt Barnes, is the father of Indiana's best two sport athlete-6'3" Jovan Witherspoon (Ft. wayne Bishop Luers). Averging 23ppg.and 8rpg., Jovan's favorite offers to play both sports has been from Purdue and Notre Dame. No longer interested in Michigan State, He now reports high interest in recent Kentucky and Northwestern offers. Few Seniors have had as many factors to consider in recruiting than Jovan Witherspoon. We will keep you updated !!

1-14-00
CAMERON STEPHENS-KENTUCKY BOUND ?? Purdue defector Cameron Stephens is averaging 17 ppg. and 14 rpg.for Vincennes University.He tells IBN that Kentucky has recently been inquiring about his game. They now join Oklahoma,Ball State Xavier,UMASS,Bowling Green,Illinois State,Lamar and UNC-Charlotte on CAMS list of schools he plans to visit this spring.Stephens emphasized that the next NCAA stop he makes will be at a school where he is expected to score 25 per game without looking over his shoulder. That would seem to rule out KY but he will test the sincerity of their offer as he decides what program needs him "TO BE THE MAN!"

1-13-00
BARTON JUNIOR COLLEGE # 1 NATIONALLY!! National runnerup last season,Head coach Ryan Wolf(1991 Indiana All-Star from Martinsville)came home for the necessary talent that would maintain excellence.6'8" JAMAAL DAVIS(Merrillville-Purdue),6'6"Carlton"Oudie"Baker(East Chicago)and 5'10"ERIC BUSH(Anderson-Illinois State)have led Barton to 17-0 perfect record and #1 National ranking!!Davis at 21ppg. and 9rpg. is close to announcing for his seond NCAA chance-this time at Cincinnatti.Baker at 18ppg. and 8rpg.only struggle this season has been with home sickness.His favorite schools are UMASS,IOWA and LOUISVILLE. Eric Bush at 12ppg.and 9.5apg.at this time has most interest from HAWAII.Jason Carter(Gary Mann) also attends Barton and after graduation next spring-will have 3 years of NCAA eligibility.IBN salutes Ryan Wolf for providing the guidance and leadership in the lives of these young men!

Border War Battle in BLOOMINGTON!! The annual North-South game is always a "heated struggle" for cross town bragging rights.Never will the game be HOTTER than this Friday evening.Both undefeated and highly ranked(North# 1 and South# 4) the perennial powers feature no less than 8 BLUE CHIP prospects. North features 6'9" Jared Jeffries(Indiana)6'8" soph.Sean May,6'2" sr.Kelvin Boatner and 5'9" fr. Eric Shurr(that we missed in our freshman rankings.)South showcases:6'7" mensa student SR. Scott Fisher,and juniors 6'7"Marcus Barham,6'4" Reed Carmichael,6'2" Kyle Hankins.Already sold out-only college recruiters and media will reportedly be admitted without presale! BARN BURNER in BLOOMINGTON!!Read about it in IBN!!

1-11-00
1995 Munster Star and 1999 Lewis University All American Milosh Pujo is getting paid to play the game he loves. Earning a cool $80,000 for six months of play in the German European league- the 6'7" low post scorer recently came up huge in a 95-94 win over Munich. After fouling out 3 key players and holding their best player to 10 points (12 below his avg.) Milosh finished with 29 pts. and 15 rebounds. Great to see a Hoosier native earn a living playing hoops !!:
:1-10-00: MUNCIE SOUTH TRIALS and TRIBULATIONS!! With 5 starters returning from their 3A 1999 STATE RUNNERUP team,SOUTH understandably was excited about their 2000 title run chances.As a Jr.,workhorse GARY HALL pounded Plainfield with 26 points and 26 boards.As a Sr.he has now been dismissed from the team due to an alleged involvement in a Ball State University "Shooting"."Bonzi Wells" like 6'3" (SF)Jr.Brice Jones is currently waiting for a court date concerning his alleged "house break-in".Jones tells IBN he will soon regain his good name and prove his innocence. Sr.Tyrone Mason has rejoined the team ineffectively and has been given pine time.In spite of the soap opera turmoil,South has a 8-2 record behind the 18ppg. each from guards:So. Ryan Baumgartner and Jr. Brian Bell.Just when SOUTH had adapted well to the key losses,Saturday night Bell was lost for the season with an ACL injury against Jay County.We predict SOUTH to once again regroup and WIN! Soph.Baumgartner is rising fast in IBN rankings! JUCO RECRUITERS SHOULD not write off Hall and JONES without calling us first as we know both athletes to be "good kids" that have been wrongly associated with criminal incidents.

1-9-00;
"Can He Shoot it" is the number one question college recruiters will ask when they evaluate playmakers. Lead guards that do not extend defenses with a good jumper are a huge liability. The class of 2002 has three good prospects who have had to score for their teams to win. 5'9" Craig Schoen (South Central- Elizabeth, IN.) dumped 52 on Graceland Christian this season and is avg. 29ppg, 4apg and 5 spg. 6'0" Brandon Richie (Logansport) has led the North Central conference team in scoring his first two seasons and currently is avg. 21ppg. 5apg, 5rpg and has hit 24 of 50 treyballs. 6'0" Brandon Cameron (Gary West Side) is "doing it all" for the new Cougar program with avgs. of 16 ppg, 6rpg, 6apg and 5 spg. This talented trio are strong mid to high major prospects that will be blue chip recruits in the year 2002.

1-8-00:
FRESHMAN PHENOMS !! The December issue of IBN ranks the top 130 Freshman. Order today because it will not be on line until late February !! The top three: 1. 6'8" Kenneth Harris (Bishop Noll) 2. 6'5" DeAndre Peyton(Lawrence Central) and 3. 5'10" Jawaan Turner ( Hammond High) all had fabulous Friday evening games in spite of their teams losing. "BabyShaq" Harris pounded in 14 points and grabbed 12 boards but the Warriors lost to Hammond Morton 49-48. Peyton finally got his promotion from JV and tossed in 14 points off the bench while his (2-7) Bears fell to Chris Thomas's Pike Red Devils 87-61. Turner's Wild Cats fell to Andrean's "power" house 84-70 but not before the 14 year old Phenom drained 3 treys and 25 points. Turner will be the best Hammond player since Joey Wright(Texas Long Horn-Europeon pro).

1-7-00:
Big East Villanova 6'3" point guard Bobby Smith (chicago Carver-East Chicago Central-Gary Roosevelt-East coast prep school)to say the least has made many moves in his young life to this point as college soph.Our VERY RELIABLE sources state he is once again looking to move on as his game is not appreciated in Philly.Smith is a big time defender that can guard anyone.A playmaker extraordinaire-Smith can thread the needle "at will". Never a great shooter-Smith is scoring at 7 per game while attempting to direct the offense.Possessing a solid 2.3 GPA,when Smith transfers he will be like recruiting a 2001 Indiana prep.Unless you mid to high majors can sign Pike H.S. Chris Thomas-you need to pursue Smith.Smith for two years is better than other 2001 point guards unless you can sign 6'2" Brandon Mcknight-SB Lasalle or 6'0" Terren Wilson-Warren Central for four years out of high school. STAY TUNED-MORE SOON!:

JAN.6.2000
MARVELOUS MYRON MAULS MEMORIAL! Overrated?IBN critics say he is not the "right-handed version of Calbert Cheaney?We reported his excellence as an 8TH grader and in his recent BOSSE 77-70 win over a good Memorial team-Myron continues to prove his critics wrong.Small forward you ask?This game he hit 32 points on 3 treyballs-missing only one of 18 shots.Also grabbing 10 boards and blocking 7 shots-Hodge continually proves he is BIG-TIME!Sure he needs JUCO-SO what?He will not be the first or the last!Memorial's ARON BROTHERS finished with 33 in his steady but non-flashy manner.BROTHERS is a mid-major D1 STEAL! Jan.5,2000 6'8" Purdue castaway Jamaal Davis now of Barton Co. JUCO now favors Bobby Huggins Cincy program but also likes Kansas State,Oklahoma,Fresno State and many others.We predict Cincinnati because of top 10 annual program and only 4 hours from JD'S Merrillville home. DECISION SOON!

January 4,2000
Few seniors last season had more talent than 6'8" Vincent Hart of Gary Westside. Even fewer managed to have as many personal problems as the controversial left hander. After committing last season to attend St. Louis University,Vincent told many that he was not happy with his choice. Indiana Seniors annually beg to be invited to Hoosier basketball Magazines prestigious top 40 workout. Hart was invited but chose to not attend. Soon thereafter he was expelled from Gary Westside for behavior problems. Moving to Hutchinson, Kansas to earn his GED,Vinny was quickly "dismissed" from the local Jr. College for more of the same problems. Now the troubled yet resilient Hart has for the time being found a home at Chaffey Jr. College near San Bernadino, California. Not academically eligible until next season,if Vinny doesn't self destruct he should be NCAA eligible for the 2001-2002 season. We truly hope this current chapter in Vincent Hart's life has a successful ending.

January 3,2000
Annually Hoosier land produces dozens of great guards. Four solid low major prospects this year are: 6'1" Aden Cheike-Plainfield, 5'10" Jon Owens-Brebeuf, 6'1" Rod Emmons-South Bend Adams and 6'0" Mark Drake-Shelbyville.Cheike has offers from Univ. of North Dakota and Marian college. Rod Emmons has interest from Wittenberg, Cardinal Stritch, Hope and Hillsdale college. Jon Owens at 18ppg has Hanover, Depauw and West Florida interest. Mark Drake at 21ppg and 12rpg has most interest from St. Francis( FT. Wayne). All four are good division 2 prospects that could handle themselves in division one.

January 2, 2000
6'6" MYRON HODGE of Evansville Bosse is described by many local and national rags as being over rated. The problem with their short sightedness is few have ever seen Myron play his natural position of SF. Stuck in the post at Bosse or in AAU-Hodge is still very good;but ,no he isn't Zach Randolph or Jared Jefferies. What he is potentially is a right handed version of Calbert Cheaney. Possessing all the physical tools and permieter skill for High major small forward, Myron's weakness has been his propensity for cruise control and his academics. With Bosse struggling at 2-3 so far this season, Myron is averaging 18ppg, 8rpg and 5 blocks per in spite of fatiguing double teams. He states Tennessee is out but he favors Cincinnati if he qualifies or if he is PROP. 48. JUCOS that lead include Odessa, Barton, Tyler and Paris. We expect Pratt and Vincennes to get involved. MORE LATER !!