Indiana
Hanson: Soaking in the Indiana sports experience from a Californian’s lens
Harrison senior Malachi King hits a game winning shot
Harrison senior Malachi King hits a game winning shot with 1.6 in overtime to lift the Raiders over Twin Lakes 58-55. King finished with 24 points.
SOMEWHERE IN RURAL CENTRAL INDIANA — A rush of nostalgia crept over while driving through the mowed flat cornfields of Indiana 26 while changing speeds between 20-50 miles per hour.
I’ve dreamt of these moments. Rolling down the windows to the sweet scents of cinnamon and smoked wood from chimneys across a landscape previously only seen on television.
Of course, I’m referring to the movie “Hoosiers” — the film that captured my imagination of Indiana sports. Dreaming of one day covering sports with packed-tight arenas in big and small towns alike.
Driving from Lafayette to Marion; Marion to Caston; and then the dream trip of Lafayette to Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall to cover the women’s basketball rivalry of Purdue vs. Indiana. A dream fulfilled having grown up reading the L.A. Times inch by inch, word by word and the bitterness of Keady vs. Knight reaching my porch doorstep in the Los Angeles suburb of Woodland Hills.
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And it was in these moments, listening to the masterful Hoosiers soundtrack of Jerry Goldsmith across the quiet hamlets of crossing counties, that my identity of Indiana was found.
Each gym you walk into feels like you’re walking into a theater crafted by artisans and architects. Buildings that have withstood generations and whose industry is bound in the walls of trophies and memorabilia. Banners and pennants, hanging from the walls.
More: Former Purdue player Ryan Berning teaches basketball fundamentals to beginners
Indiana doesn’t just scribe its history. It revels in it.
As an outsider looking in, Boilerism/Hoosierism still exists. You see it in the volunteer labor by community members who sweep the floors repeatedly to maintain the integrity of the hardwood.
Fans whose children haven’t competed in over 20 years are still assisting with the concession stands and taking tickets for the next game.
Band members practice for hours on end to master the national anthem and make their crowds dance. Aged wood and walls painted and repainted over generations, bearing witness to heroes.
As a kid from the San Fernando Valley, I’m a long way from the glamor of Crypto.com Arena, Pauley Pavilion and the Galen Center.
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Now what I have are the raging diehards and aging heroes of old teaching the next generation what it truly means to be an Indiana basketball player.
Wouldn’t have it any other way. Indiana is home.
Indiana
Report: Rival executives monitoring Jarace Walker availability should Indiana Pacers keep Obi Toppin
According to a report from Michael Scotto in HoopsHype, some executives around the league are keeping an eye on Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker and his possible future should the Pacers retain Obi Toppin in free agency.
Toppin will be a restricted free agent this offseason, and Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan said that the franchise is interested in continuing their partnership. “Very happy with the fit. He seems to be happy here too as well,” Buchanan said of Toppin’s free agency. “Would like to continue the relationship, it’s all part of the business when you get into a contract situation. But, really happy with Obi as a Pacer.”
The 26-year old Toppin ended the 2023-24 campaign as Indiana’s backup power forward, which is viewed as Walker’s natural position. Should Toppin stay, he would join a second unit that could consist of T.J. McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin, Ben Sheppard, and a young center — such as Jalen Smith or Isaiah Jackson.
That leaves little room for Walker right now unless he can play more positions. That said, he is just 20-years old, and Indiana still is excited about his future. Walker was the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
“We’re still big believers in Jarace and think there’s a lot of things that he can do that this roster needs,” Buchanan said of Walker while reviewing his rookie season.
The blue and gold are transitioning from a developing team into a group with expectations that is trying to win. At the same time, the idea of what Walker could be someday would fill a lot of the team’s weaknesses. They will try to develop him as fast as possible.
Rival executives are monitoring the situation, according to Scotto. “In other Pacers news, rival executives are monitoring whether the Pacers will keep forward Obi Toppin in restricted free agency. If the Pacers re-sign Toppin, several rival executives believe Jarace Walker could become a trade candidate and are monitoring the former No. 8 overall pick’s availability,” the report reads.
Toppin’s free agency still has not been resolved, and rival executives monitor many situations. It’s their job. Still, it is noteworthy that a similar report was published about Walker’s future back in January, and he was not traded and remained with Indiana.
Scotto’s entire report can be found here. Walker averaged 3.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game during his rookie season with the Pacers.
Indiana
Indiana unemployment sees another slight increase – Inside INdiana Business
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Indiana’s unemployment rate hit 3.7% in May, up one-tenth of a percent from the previous month. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development said Tuesday that the state added 3,400 private sector jobs over April.
May’s unemployment rate marked the second consecutive month-over-month increase.
The DWD said Indiana’s total private employment stands at 2,850,400. The state primarily saw job gains in the trade, transportation and utilities; professional and business services; construction; financial activities; and leisure and hospitality sectors.
The state’s labor force participation rate fell one-tenth of a percent to 62.4%, which remains slight below the national rate of 62.5%. The labor force, which includes residents who are either employed or seeking employment, stands at 3,377,185, down nearly 1,700 from the previous month.
The DWD said the state had 98,693 open job postings as of June 17, while 19,458 unemployment insurance claims were filed as of the week ending May 25.
The state’s unemployment rate is lower than the national rate, which also rose one-tenth of a percent to 4% in May.
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Indiana
Indiana State Museum to offer an adult summer camp
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Hoosiers can get ready for an eventful Adult Summer Camp hosted by Indiana State Museum on July 12 from 7-9 p.m.
The program is inspired by the new exhibit, Good Night Forest. The nature-inspired exhibit debuted June 8 and features hand drawn illustrations from local artist, Penelope Dullaghan.
Museum goers can enjoy outdoor activities such as archery, axe throwing, bubble bowling and an obstacle course. Activities are not limited to outdoors; visitors can also make friendship bracelets and tie-dye bandanas.
The museum’s galleries will be open for guided after-hours tours and nighttime stargazing.
This program is open to visitors 21 and older. Tickets are $45 for non-members, with a 10% discount for Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites members. Each ticket will include admission to the museum, access to all activities, snacks and one drink ticket.
Space for the summer camp is limited, tickets are available at IndianaMuseum.org.
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