Indiana State | Archive | August, 2005

By Mike McGraw
Executive Director

That much was made abundantly clear earlier this month when Dr.
White described his plan for installing a â�?��?magnet athleticsâ�?� policy
during an interview with The Indianapolis Star.

Under the plan, IPS teams would be consolidated into only three
schools in various sports. Students could then choose the school they
wish to attend based on what sport they want to play. It is a radical
idea designed to improve the competitive success of IPS athletics and
help alleviate some of the financial strain on school athletic
programs. Unfortunately, it is also a very bad idea.

First, competitive success is not the purpose of a high school
athletic program. It is but a goal, or should be. For anyone who
believes in the value of the inherent lessons of sport — dedication,
discipline, hard work, leadership skills, etc. — this plan flies in
the opposite direction.

In many of the sports potentially affected, the proposal would cut
participation by more than 50 percent. Even allowing for larger
rosters, it would cut â�?��?activeâ�?� participation by that much. There would
be three primary quarterbacks instead of seven. There would be three
starting volleyball lineups instead of seven. You get the idea. That is
an awfully stiff price to pay for an increased number of wins at the
end of a season.

What is more, individual teams such as the boys basketball program
of coach Larry Nicks at Arlington (ranked No. 1 in Class 4A last year)
have shown that consolidation is not necessary for success. While
nobody is contending that everyone can be as good at their jobs as
Nicks, his success does show that it can be done without throwing the
baby out with the bathwater.

Secondly, this plan would be setting a dangerous precedent by
allowing a district to intentionally tilt the playing field in its own
direction by instituting a policy that is obviously not available in
other places. Lord knows some of us believe the powers-that-be have
gone a little overboard in their zeal to always ���?level the playing
field,â�?� but nonetheless, this would seem to fly in the face of
competitive fairness. One has to believe that the IHSAA would want to
take a long look at this idea.

Dr. White contends that â�?��?magnet athleticsâ�?� is not really any
different than a policy of â�?��?choice enrollmentâ�?� that is available to
students in the Fort Wayne Public Schools during their senior year.
That statement, however, is not entirely accurate. While choice
enrollment undoubtedly has been abused for athletic purposes (in fact,
it might be under current abuse by the transfer of a Snider basketball
player to South), the policy was not adopted for athletic reasons. The
Fort Wayne schools have academic emphasis areas in certain schools
similar to those in IPS. The policy is designed to allow students to
continue taking courses in subjects that interest them. By contrast,
Dr. White���?�s plan is openly stated as being for athletic purposes.

These serious and general objections aside, there is also the law of unintended consequences. Dr. White told the Star
that all schools would continue to field basketball teams. The plan,
though, would completely skew the natural balance within IPS. What
about two- and three-sport athletes? If a young man is a good
basketball player but also plays football, it only seems logical that
he would choose to attend a school where he could play both. That
obviously would give those schools within IPS that fielded football
teams a large and unfair advantage in basketball. The same thing
applies to girls who play both volleyball and basketball. Surely, IPS
does not want to discourage multi-sport athletes. So what do you tell
the basketball coach at Manual who just lost his point guard to another
school because the young man is also a running back?

Moreover, how do you control the issue of recruiting by those
schools that offer the consolidated sports? Letâ�?��?�s not be na�?¯ve. IPS
transfers are already questionable from time to time. One can only
imagine the Pandora���?�s box that this policy would open.

The potential for financial savings under the magnet athletics plan
is undeniable. But as currently proposed, the plan would not eliminate
any of the 95 coaching â�?��?paysâ�?� in IPS. Because coaching salaries are
among the largest expenses in high school sports, that largely defeats
the purpose.

Finally, we simply believe the idea is more radical than may be
necessary. With the renewed emphasis that Dr. White is bringing to IPS
athletics, it would seem that a concentration on better coaching hire,
more-active athletic directors, etc., would be at least worth a try. As
stated before, Nicks has proven that the right man in the right job can
be successful in IPS.

While it is obvious that we do not agree with the magnet athletic
idea, we do believe that Dr. White should be strongly applauded for
demanding improved performance in the state���?�s largest school district.
Sports done right are an important tool in education, and nobody is
going to argue with a desire to be good at what you do.

We want to know your thoughts on the issue. Not only are our
message boards available for your feedback, but this week���?�s poll is
devoted to your opinions on this issue.

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The first Indiana Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches (IATCCC) girls cross country poll has been released for the 2005 season. Here���?�s your Top 20 from Aug. 15:

1. Valparaiso

2. Indianapolis Cathedral

3. Westfield

4. Carmel

5. Columbus North

6. Northridge

7. Carroll (Fort Wayne)

8. Lawrence North

9. Portage

10. Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran

11. Penn

12. Culver Academies

13. Bloomington North

14. Indianapolis Chatard

15. Fort Wayne Snider

16. North Central (Indianapolis)

17. Terre Haute North

18. Silver Creek

19. Franklin Central

20. Bloomington South

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The first Indiana Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches (IATCCC) boys cross country poll has been released for the 2005 season. Here���?�s your Top 20 from Aug. 15:

1. Columbus North

2. Northridge

3. Indianapolis Chatard

4. Blackford

5. Lawrence North

6. Warren Central

7. Carmel

8. Valparaiso

9. Hamilton Southeastern

10. Lafayette Jefferson

11. Pendleton Heights

12. Southport

13. Crown Point

14. Bloomington South

15. Fort Wayne Northrop

16. Fort Wayne Snider

17. Chesterton

18. Bloomington North

19. Franklin Central

20. East Noble

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By Mike McGraw, Executive Director

mmcgraw@hoosierauthority.com

That much was made abundantly clear earlier this month when Dr. White described his plan for installing a â�?��?magnet athleticsâ�?� policy during an interview with The Indianapolis Star.

Under the plan, IPS teams would be consolidated into only three schools in various sports. Students could then choose the school they wish to attend based on what sport they want to play. It is a radical idea designed to improve the competitive success of IPS athletics and help alleviate some of the financial strain on school athletic programs. Unfortunately, it is also a very bad idea.

First, competitive success is not the purpose of a high school athletic program. It is but a goal, or should be. For anyone who believes in the value of the inherent lessons of sport — dedication, discipline, hard work, leadership skills, etc. — this plan flies in the opposite direction.

In many of the sports potentially affected, the proposal would cut participation by more than 50 percent. Even allowing for larger rosters, it would cut â�?��?activeâ�?� participation by that much. There would be three primary quarterbacks instead of seven. There would be three starting volleyball lineups instead of seven. You get the idea. That is an awfully stiff price to pay for an increased number of wins at the end of a season.

What is more, individual teams such as the boys basketball program of coach Larry Nicks at Arlington (ranked No. 1 in Class 4A last year) have shown that consolidation is not necessary for success. While nobody is contending that everyone can be as good at their jobs as Nicks, his success does show that it can be done without throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

Secondly, this plan would be setting a dangerous precedent by allowing a district to intentionally tilt the playing field in its own direction by instituting a policy that is obviously not available in other places. Lord knows some of us believe the powers-that-be have gone a little overboard in their zeal to always â�?��?level the playing field,â�?� but nonetheless, this would seem to fly in the face of competitive fairness. One has to believe that the IHSAA would want to take a long look at this idea.

Dr. White contends that â�?��?magnet athleticsâ�?� is not really any different than a policy of â�?��?choice enrollmentâ�?� that is available to students in the Fort Wayne Public Schools during their senior year. That statement, however, is not entirely accurate. While choice enrollment undoubtedly has been abused for athletic purposes (in fact, it might be under current abuse by the transfer of a Snider basketball player to South), the policy was not adopted for athletic reasons. The Fort Wayne schools have academic emphasis areas in certain schools similar to those in IPS. The policy is designed to allow students to continue taking courses in subjects that interest them. By contrast, Dr. Whiteâ�?��?�s plan is openly stated as being for athletic purposes.

These serious and general objections aside, there is also the law of unintended consequences. Dr. White told the Star that all schools would continue to field basketball teams. The plan, though, would completely skew the natural balance within IPS. What about two- and three-sport athletes? If a young man is a good basketball player but also plays football, it only seems logical that he would choose to attend a school where he could play both. That obviously would give those schools within IPS that fielded football teams a large and unfair advantage in basketball. The same thing applies to girls who play both volleyball and basketball. Surely, IPS does not want to discourage multi-sport athletes. So what do you tell the basketball coach at Manual who just lost his point guard to another school because the young man is also a running back?

Moreover, how do you control the issue of recruiting by those schools that offer the consolidated sports? Let���?�s not be na?ve. IPS transfers are already questionable from time to time. One can only imagine the Pandora���?�s box that this policy would open.

The potential for financial savings under the magnet athletics plan is undeniable. But as currently proposed, the plan would not eliminate any of the 95 coaching â�?��?paysâ�?� in IPS. Because coaching salaries are among the largest expenses in high school sports, that largely defeats the purpose.

Finally, we simply believe the idea is more radical than may be necessary. With the renewed emphasis that Dr. White is bringing to IPS athletics, it would seem that a concentration on better coaching hire, more-active athletic directors, etc., would be at least worth a try. As stated before, Nicks has proven that the right man in the right job can be successful in IPS.

While it is obvious that we do not agree with the magnet athletic idea, we do believe that Dr. White should be strongly applauded for demanding improved performance in the state���?�s largest school district. Sports done right are an important tool in education, and nobody is going to argue with a desire to be good at what you do.

We want to know your thoughts on the issue. Not only are our message boards available for your feedback, but this week���?�s poll is devoted to your opinions on this issue.

What do you think? Share YOUR thoughts in our forum.

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By Sarah Clough

Staff Writer

Carmel High School did it again. For the second year straight, the Greyhounds went undefeated (21-0), claiming the state championship title and first place in the polls to close out the 2004 season. But looking back at the polls and the players involved, you begin to wonder if this might not be the year for a major upset.

In addition to being awarded the title of sectional, regional, semistate, and state champions, Carmel���?�s players were recognized individually when seven of them earned first team spots on the All-State singles and doubles teams. Yes, Carmel dominated Indiana high school boys tennis a year ago, but coach Mike Bostic graduated 12 seniors, seven of which were his All-State players.

Carmel isn���?�t the only Top 20 team to lose some of its greats. Delta, which ended up third in the Indiana High School Tennis Coaches Association (IHSTeCA) final regular-season poll, and Bloomington South (12th in the poll) both will be losing two of their All-State seniors.

Plymouth (No. 20) also is taking a major cut as the Pilgrims lose three of their four All-State athletes.

But as some are losing players to that terrible affliction called graduation, others may find this as their opportunity to jump ahead. Floyd Central (13th in the final poll), for example, loses only one of its All-State players while returning two. It will be interesting to watch which honorable mention athletes from a year ago ****** up their opportunity to be one of the best.

Of course, there���?�s always up-and-coming junior varsity stars from the major programs that pose a huge threat to their competitors. Carmel, it turns out, may not have to worry so much after all as the ���?hounds move up their undefeated junior varsity team to fill the spots of those graduated seniors. These players may indeed be able to continue the 42-game winning-streak through another season, but how long can this incredible string go without a single loss?

Carmel has managed to maintain sectional titles from 1991-2004, but this could be a season for upsets. No. 7 North Central (Indianapolis), for one, may use its shot against this inexperienced Carmel team to gain the title — if the Panthers can escape Carmelâ�?��?�s death grip (titles the last three seasons) on the regional trophy.

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By Chris May

Contributing Writer

With a seemingly never-ending string of Indiana players leaving the state to play Division I basketball, 2005 Indiana All-Star Armon Bassett will continue the trend.

On Aug. 9, Bassett told HoosierAuthority.com���?�s Chris May that he will take his talents to Quin Snyder and the Missouri Tiger basketball program for the 2006-07 season. The Terre Haute South product will spend the upcoming school year at Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia.

Speaking on the phone from Terre Haute, Bassett said he took an unofficial visit to the Columbia, Mo., campus Aug. 5 and made his verbal commitment Aug. 7.

Bassett said the decision came down to the fact that Mizzou offers him the chance to contribute at point guard immediately upon his arrival. Listing his other finalists, the 6â�?��?�1â�?�, 170-pounder included â�?��?Marquette, UNLV â�?�¦ and Tennessee was probably my fourth.â�?�

Marquette recruited Bassett starting in his sophomore year and would have reunited him with his former AAU mate Dominic James, a fact that made it all the more difficult to walk away. But Bassett feels confident in his choice.

How did UNLV become involved with Bassett? â�?��?Thatâ�?��?�s the beauty of AAU,â�?� the youngster quipped. The Rebelsâ�?��?� staff saw Bassett over the summer and pursued him through his prep school coach.

Tennessee jumped into the picture when Bassett was with the Blessed IJN AAU program, playing alongside Vols���?� recruit Marques Johnson.

Bassett said he had looks from â�?��?the SEC, Big 12, a few Big 10 teams, some in the ACC, and basically all of the Missouri Valleyâ�?� throughout various stages of the recruiting game.

Earlier this year, Bassett sounded like he was near commitment to Xavier, but when the Musketeers landed former Oklahoma point guard Drew Lavender via transfer, the relationship was all but done.

â�?��?The Xavier guys were really great guys, but I realize college basketball is a business â�?�¦ thatâ�?��?�s just the way it goes,â�?� Bassett said.

Bassett mentioned that Indiana ramped up its recruiting efforts with him this spring before â�?��?some behind-the-scenes stuffâ�?� related to AAU came up. Bassett refused to comment further on the situation.

Now that Bassett is done and relieved of all the hassles associated with the recruiting trail, he is looking forward to his year at talent-stacked Hargrave. Bassett indirectly mentioned teammates Stefan Welsh, a 6â�?��?�3â�?� guard looking strongly at Arkansas, as well as highly ranked prospect Vernon Macklin, whom Bassett said is keying in on Georgetown and Georgia Tech. Other Hargrave teammates include Marreese Speights, whoâ�?��?�s bound for the University of Florida, and a 7-footer who might also be headed to Missouri.

Bassett will arrive on the Virginia school���?�s campus Aug. 22.

With Bassettâ�?��?�s decision to head to the Big 12, the 2005 Indiana All-Star team will send only four of 13 players to an Indiana school — Luke Zeller (Notre Dame), Jason Holsinger (Evansville), Adam Arnold (Indiana State), and Brandon McPherson (Valparaiso) — and none to the Big Ten, including IU or Purdue.

Lawrence North set to go for three straight

Two-time defending Class 4A champion Lawrence North has finalized its schedule for the 2005-06 season, the final year for phenoms Greg Oden and Mike Conley Jr. at the school. With two high-profile players, the Wildcats will have a more Midwestern-based schedule with three games against out-of-state opponents.

Of particular interest is a home game Dec. 8 versus Dayton (Ohio) Dunbar High, a game that will pit Oden and Conley against their AAU teammate and future Ohio State teammate, Daequan Cook.

On Feb. 11, the Wildcats will make the trip to Evanston, Ill., to participate in the McDonaldâ�?��?�s Showcase at Welsh-Ryan Arena on the campus of Northwestern University. That will feature another matchup of high-profile prospects as Oden and company go against 6â�?��?�6â�?� Duke recruit Jon Scheyer and his Glenbrook North (Ill.) squad. Both teams are coming off state championship seasons in their respective states.

LN will once again participate in the Circle City Coca-Cola Classic at Hinkle Fieldhouse in December, one day following the Wildcats���?� annual meeting with Indianapolis Arlington.

Other non-conference matchups include early season home dates with Brebeuf and Fort Wayne Snider, a late-season matchup with Pike, and early road games at Lawrence Central, Marion, and Franklin Central.

The future Buckeyes (Oden and Conley) will also make an appearance in Bloomington, just a few months after Oden rejected the Indiana Hoosiers in his recruitment. Lawrence North plays at Bloomington South Feb. 17.

LN���?�s Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference games are as follows: home against Terre Haute South, Center Grove, Ben Davis, and Terre Haute North; and on the road versus North Central (Indianapolis), Warren Central, and Carmel.

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The first weekly Indiana High School Tennis Coaches Association (IHSTeCA) poll for 2005 is expected to be released on or around Aug. 22. Till then, here���?�s a look back at Oct. 23, 2004, when eventual state champion Carmel topped the final 2004 regular-season poll:

1. Carmel

2. Indianapolis Cathedral

3. Delta

4. Center Grove

5. Park Tudor

6. Heritage Christian

7. North Central (Indianapolis)

8. Brebeuf

9. Penn

10. West Lafayette

11. Terre Haute North

12. Bloomington South

13. Floyd Central

14. Pike

15. Homestead

16. Terre Haute South

17. Lebanon

18. Batesville

19. Jasper

20. Plymouth

20. Fort Wayne Canterbury

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