Connect with us

Indiana

Indiana girls basketball in good hands as Juniors ‘had something to prove’ vs. Seniors

Published

on

Indiana girls basketball in good hands as Juniors ‘had something to prove’ vs. Seniors


play

KOKOMO — When Laila Abdurraqib hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to end the first half of the Indiana All-Stars Juniors vs. Seniors game, she was mobbed by her teammates as if the group of 12 had been playing together for an entire season.

Some could say it even looked similar to Abdurraqib’s 2024 state championship Lawrence Central squad. But this was only the Junior All-Stars’ second time playing in an official game together.

Advertisement

Doyel: Noblesville star is for real: grades, soccer, basketball, all of it

“It was a blast; it felt like a high-level AAU game,” Abdurraqib said.

After the first 10 minutes of play, the seniors were ahead of the juniors 27-6. Led by 2024 Indiana Miss Basketball and Alabama commit Chloe Spreen of Bedford North Lawrence, it looked like the “super team” was going to run all over its younger counterparts.

And yet, once Abdurraqib hit that electric 3-pointer 10 minutes later, the juniors only trailed by six points.

Advertisement

“We came in and we had something to prove,” said Maya Makalusky of Hamilton Southeastern.

Makalusky, an IU commit who averaged 26.1 points per game as a junior, said she and the entire junior team felt confident after the first quarter despite trailing by 21.

play

IndyStar Miss Basketball Chloe Spreen following Indiana All-Stars game

2024 IndyStar Miss Basketball Chloe Spreen discusses Seniors’ loss to Juniors and reflects on Indiana All-Stars experience.

“We knew it was gonna be a tough game,” Makalusky said. ” … We were excited because we knew that wasn’t all we had. We trusted the girls and the weapons we had on our team.”

Advertisement

By the time the third quarter had ended, the juniors had momentarily tied the score and cut the lead to just four points once the buzzer sounded.

“We hit our second gear,” Makalusky said. “It’s a hot gym, everybody’s sweaty, everybody’s tired, so who’s gonna fight harder to win? I think all of us had that; it’s a great class and it’s fun to be a part of.”

With 4:02 left to play, the juniors finally took their first lead. For the brief time remaining in Kokomo’s Memorial Gymnasium, the two sides traded leads until the final seconds.

It came down to a senior possession, controlled by Spreen. Jaylah Lampley, a Lawrence Central junior who was named the 2024 Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year, picked up Spreen on defense in the post. At first, Lampley said she considered trying to draw a charge. But she stuck to her defensive assignment, forcing a missed layup, grabbing the rebound herself and instantly calling a timeout.

Advertisement

Makalusky was fouled out of the timeout, hit a free throw and the juniors grabbed the lead, secured further with two more free throws before time expired.

“We kept saying over and over, ‘We’re trying to beat them. We’re trying to make a statement,’” Lampley said. “Just because we’re younger than them, that doesn’t mean we’re gonna let them bully us and let them beat us.”

LC teammates Lampley and Abdurraqib have been together for a plethora of statement wins over the course of the past year, but their bond goes much further back. Abdurraqib said she and Lampley have been playing basketball together since second grade, and being side-by-side for all of their on- and off-the-court accomplishments has been something Abdurraqib doesn’t take for granted.

As for Lampley, she said her on-court approach and relationship with her teammates started in her hometown. She learned from her parents turning defense into offense is what wins championships, made evident through her junior year averages of 18.9 points and 2.1 steals per game.

Advertisement

On Wednesday, Lampley finished with 15 points and eight rebounds.

“We know what it takes to win a state championship; everybody has to be determined, even the bench,” Lampley said. “Everybody has to contribute in some type of way, and I felt like we did a great job of doing that tonight.”

Abdurraqib did come off the bench, dropping five points in her effort. While Abdurraqib started most games for LC, she didn’t approach a supporting role in the All-Stars game with any animosity. She even said it is indicative of the talent the class of 2025 has in girls basketball.

play

IHSAA girls basketball: Noblesville senior Reagan Wilson on Indiana All-Stars, Iowa State

Noblesville’s Reagan Wilson reflects on Indiana All-Stars game vs. Juniors, playing with Jordyn Poole, upcoming move to Iowa State

Advertisement

“We’re really skilled, and that’s really a blessing because a lot of states don’t have this much skill in their programs,” Abdurraqib said. “Shooting, attacking, defense, a lot of people don’t really have that.”

Juniors coach Kaley May knows all about what it takes to be a successful player in Indiana. A graduate of Avon and former Butler Bulldog, the Danville head coach recognized how much versatility the junior class has as well.

She said it’s their talent mixed with their confidence that gave her no reason to feel worried after a disastrous first quarter. With a combined 163 points scored and more than half of Memorial Gymnasium filled with fans clamoring to watch the 22 future high-level college athletes play basketball, May said the Junior vs. Seniors game fosters confidence women’s basketball will continue its meteoric rise.

“I’m very excited about the energy that’s around women’s basketball,” May said. “It’s been great in quality for years, it just needed to be recognized. I think now that we finally have the platform, you’re finally seeing the ripple effect not just in the WNBA, but in college and high school. Getting that interest and appreciating the talent these girls have is unbelievable.”

Abdurraqib, who has earned offers from Division-I programs like Ball State, further cemented the future of girls basketball in Indiana is in good hands.

Advertisement

“We are really in touch with what’s going on right now in the world,” Abdurraqib said. “The Angel Reese’s, the Caitlin Clark’s, the (Kamilla) Cardoso’s of the world … we see what they’re doing and build off that. We just want to go out of Indiana and spread all of that.

“We’re not going anywhere. We’re here to stay.”

play

Meredith Tippner on Junior All-Stars sweep, Purdue interest, recruiting

Noblesville’s Meredith Tippner discusses Junior All-Stars win over the seniors and updates her recruiting, including recent visit to Purdue.

Contact Kyle Smedley with comments via email at KSmedley@Gannett.com or via X @KyleSmedley_.

Advertisement



Source link

Indiana

Between Indianapolis And South Bend Is Indiana’s Charming Town With Unique Festivals And Circus Memorabilia – Islands

Published

on

Between Indianapolis And South Bend Is Indiana’s Charming Town With Unique Festivals And Circus Memorabilia – Islands






There is a sense of nostalgia when thinking of the circus — seeing the lion tamers and clown cars for the very first time. A charming little town in Indiana, known as the “Circus Capital of the World,” lets you experience high-wire acts and family-friendly festivals that will excite your inner child. Visitors can see thrilling trapeze acts and take a walk down memory lane with posters and memorabilia from the golden age of the great American circus. Besides the Big Top action, Peru is surrounded by breathtaking natural areas, perfect for those who love the outdoors.

Situated about 85 miles from Indianapolis International Airport (IND) and 80 miles from South Bend International Airport (SBN), Peru’s location provides a mix of convenience and small-town charm. It is close to major travel hubs and respected universities, while retaining its unique flavor as an eclectic circus mecca. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing and camping on nearby Mississinewa Lake, close to the scenic Lost Sister Trail and historic Francis Slocum Cemetery. The area is home to Seven Pillars Nature Preserve, Indiana’s secret oasis, with scenic trails and perfect hiking. This stunning area, located on the southern banks of the Mississinewa River, is home to bald eagles and beautiful wildflower fields. 

Advertisement

Other charming towns in Indiana have bald eagles and forest trails, but this is a place where you can make all your Big Top dreams come true. With all the festivals, museums, and circus acts around, visitors will find plenty of family-friendly entertainment in town. Racing fans will appreciate the two tracks in town: Bunker Hill Dragstrip and Miami County Speedway. The drag strip features stock car racing, while the speedway features a micro sprint track. Birdwatchers will enjoy Mississinewa Reservoir, a lovely place for hiking, biking, and animal viewing.

A city with circus history, festivals, and parades

The town’s circus history began in the late 1880s, when Ben Wallace began his enterprise. He bought some animals and equipment, then debuted his act with a lively parade seen by 5,000 attendees. Wallace’s act became popular on the road, coming back to Peru each winter. The town quickly filled with performers and workers as the circus grew in popularity, with the occasional elephant sighting along the river. Wallace’s show had achieved amazing success by 1907 — rivaling that of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey – until a flood devastated his circus in 1913.  

Advertisement

After Wallace passed away, the land was sold to the American Circus Corporation to house the magnificent menagerie of animals and performers, and later sold to John Ringling in 1929. A variety of circus acts continued to come here in the winters, including Ringling’s. The Great Depression dealt another hard blow to the circus, and the winter quarters were never the same. At the International Circus Hall of Fame, guests can see artifacts and photographs from the more prosperous days of the circus, including the buildings where the Wallace, Ringling, and the American Circus Corporation housed their acts in the winter. Visitors can see circus barns where they kept animals, still standing from the 1920s, and learn about the talented performers who brought the circus to life back in the day. 

Home to the Peru Amateur Youth Circus and Circus City Festival, this circus mecca boasts thrilling trapeze acts and spectacular performances for those who visit. Each July, the Circus City Festival takes center stage to showcase Miami County’s youth circus performers and their astonishing acrobatics. The festival features the second biggest parade in the state, and 6 days of amazing music and performances. 

Advertisement

Explore museums and memorabilia in this Big Top Town

Spectators will be mesmerized by jugglers and precarious balancing acts, effortlessly executed by the 200 performers who train hard for this event. Kids will love the clowns, rides, and games, complete with balloon animals and face paint. Festival attendees can expect thrilling high-wire balancing acts and mouth-watering food at this delightful summertime event, fun for the whole family.

Besides being a circus museum and home of the shows’ winter quarters, the International Circus Hall of Fame features a collection of classic rolling cages, wagons, and carriages used in touring caravans, available for rent as movie props. Visitors can see tiny hand-made miniatures of the Big Top at the Circus Model Builder’s Museum and Hall of Fame, also on the premises. Stay the night in the historic winter quarters, like the circus folk did back in the day, for a truly immersive experience. There are cabins and primitive camping options on the Mississinewa River; the Circus Hall of Fame has camping too, but is temporarily closed until May 2026.

Aside from circus memorabilia, visitors can explore Cold War-era aircrafts at the Grissom Air Museum. The museum features a B-58 Rocket Sled, a unique prototype known as “The Texas Hustler.” It was the first supersonic bomber, and additional testing was required to make it safe for pilots. Visitors can sit in the cockpit of an F-4 Phantom and see a variety of military aircraft that have been used in wars throughout recent history. A fascinating place to learn about the area’s natural history is the Miami County Museum, featuring pioneer artifacts from 1910. You’ll see vintage carriages and vibrant exhibits detailing the town’s early history. 



Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Indiana

Indiana’s Curt Cignetti praises UCLA as ‘undefeated’ in wake of midseason surge

Published

on

Indiana’s Curt Cignetti praises UCLA as ‘undefeated’ in wake of midseason surge


As UCLA prepared to try to topple its highest-ranked opponent in nearly two decades, one coach talked about the challenges of beating an undefeated team, of stopping its vaunted rushing attack, of halting its quick starts.

The coach was Curt Cignetti.

His team just happened to be No. 2 Indiana, the pop-up juggernaut that the Bruins will try to take down on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

“We’re playing a 3-0 football team that’s undefeated, that’s 3-0 in the conference since they have retooled their staff,” Cignetti told reporters. “Very impressive football team.”

Advertisement

So startling is the transformation that the Bruins have made since their winless start that they are the ones now being praised by the coach of one of the nation’s top teams.

Surging UCLA (3-4 overall, 3-1 Big Ten) is only the third Big Ten team to lose its first four games and win its next three, joining 1963 Indiana and 2001 Penn State.

Of course, the Bruins hope the parallels end there given that those Hoosiers went on to lose their final two games and those Nittany Lions finished with a losing record.

Cignetti made the 2025 Bruins sound like a team for the ages, pointing out that they were averaging 233 yards rushing per game over the last three games while dominating the time of possession battle and outscoring opponents 58-17 in the first half over that same span.

UCLA will head into a nationally televised “Big Noon” showdown against Indiana (7-0, 4-0) having already taken down a top-10 team this season, though their 42-37 victory over then-No. 7 Penn State earlier this month has lost considerable luster given the Nittany Lions’ ensuing free fall.

Advertisement

Fortunately for the Bruins, interim coach Tim Skipper played for Pat Hill at Fresno State, meaning he embraces the “Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere” mindset that made the scrappy Bulldogs a national phenomenon because of their fearlessness.

UCLA wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer catches a pass over Maryland defensive back Jamare Glasker during the Bruins’ win on Oct. 18.

(Harry How / Getty Images)

“That’s always part of me; I’ve been brainwashed that way, to be honest with you,” Skipper said. “But, yeah, I mean, to me, once the whistle blows, it’s just us against you. I mean, it’s time to go. Let’s see who had the better week of practice, let’s see who’s more prepared, let’s see who wants this thing. So that’s how I see it. We’re going to kick it off, we’re going to have to be ready to strain for every inch and let’s see what happens.”

Advertisement

Asked to assess Indiana, Skipper heaped praise upon a team that is among the best in the nation in almost every major statistical category.

“I am still trying to identify weaknesses,” Skipper said. “Like, it is crazy how disciplined they are.”

UCLA last beat a team ranked as high as Indiana in a game that many Bruins fans will forever cherish — their 13-9 triumph over No. 2 USC in 2006 at the Rose Bowl.

A recruiting win

At a time of great uncertainty, when it would be easy for UCLA’s staff to worry more about their own futures than those of high school prospects who may never play for them, the Bruins have continued to recruit.

They landed another verbal commitment Monday from Travis Robertson, an offensive tackle from West Bloomfield, Mich., who was previously committed to Bowling Green.

Advertisement

“They have shown me that no matter what situation they are in,” Robertson told The Times, “they will always get the job done with the coaching staff and players. And I’m rooting for this staff 100%.”

UCLA’s staff has also continued to pursue recruits who have backed out of their verbal commitments, including Cooper Javorsky, an offensive lineman from San Juan Hills High who spent time visiting with offensive line coach Andy Kwon before the Bruins’ game against Maryland last weekend.

“We’re grinding over here, we’re not letting anything go to waste or not giving effort in one area or another,” Skipper said of his staff’s recruiting efforts. “It’s full speed in everything that we’re doing.”

UCLA’s 2026 recruiting class is currently ranked No. 78 nationally by 247Sports.com, with 12 players committed.

Injury updates

Skipper said he would wait to further assess quarterback Nico Iamaleava and running backs Anthony Woods and Jaivian Thomas before providing injury updates.

Advertisement

Iamaleava returned from an apparent right knee injury sustained late in the game against Maryland to lead the Bruins on their winning drive. Woods and Thomas were sidelined after “both guys kind of got rolled up on,” Skipper said.



Source link

Continue Reading

Indiana

This week’s Indiana high school football playoff matchups

Published

on

This week’s Indiana high school football playoff matchups


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indiana High School Athletic Association’s (IHSAA) football postseason has arrived.

This week will be the first week of high school playoff football across the Hoosier State.

No teams in Class 6A will be playing this week. Instead, they all have a week off before beginning postseason play on Friday, Oct. 31.

Meanwhile, most of Class 5A has the week off as well, although there will be one matchup this Friday. Whiteland will travel to Seymour to take on the Owls this Friday night in a first-round sectional contest.

Advertisement

The other classes across the state (4A, 3A, 2A and 1A) will all begin postseason play though this Friday with first-round sectional matchups.

Here is a look at the Class 4A playoff games this week:

  • Sectional 17 – Hanover Central at Lowell
  • Sectional 17 – Highland at East Chicago Central
  • Sectional 17 – Kankakee Valley at Gary West Side
  • Sectional 17 – New Prairie at Hobart
  • Sectional 18 – Plymouth at South Bend Washington
  • Sectional 18 – Mishawaka at NorthWood
  • Sectional 18 – Wawasee at Northridge
  • Sectional 18 – South Bend Riley at South Bend St. Joseph
  • Sectional 19 – Fort Wayne Wayne at Fort Wayne South Side
  • Sectional 19 – New Haven at East Noble
  • Sectional 19 – Columbia City at DeKalb
  • Sectional 19 – Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger at Leo
  • Sectional 20 – Lebanon at Culver Academies
  • Sectional 20 – Muncie Central at Marion
  • Sectional 20 – Huntington North at Logansport
  • Sectional 21 – Beech Grove at Richmond
  • Sectional 21 – Pendleton Heights at Mt. Vernon (Fortville)
  • Sectional 21 – New Castle at Greenfield-Central
  • Sectional 22 – Shortridge at Danville
  • Sectional 22 – Roncalli at Northview
  • Sectional 22 – Bishop Chatard at Mooresville
  • Sectional 22 – Crispus Attucks at Brebeuf Jesuit
  • Sectional 23 – Bedford North Lawrence at Jennings County
  • Sectional 23 – Connersville at Shelbyville
  • Sectional 23 – Martinsville at Greenwood
  • Sectional 23 – Silver Creek at Charlestown
  • Sectional 24 – Evansville Central at Evansville Reitz
  • Sectional 24 – Heritage Hills at Washington
  • Sectional 24 – Jasper at Boonville
  • Sectional 24 – Evansville Bosse at Evansville Harrison

Here is a look at the Class 3A playoff games this week:

  • Sectional 25 – Glenn at Calumet
  • Sectional 25 – Mishawaka Marian at River Forest
  • Sectional 25 – Griffith at Hammond Bishop Noll
  • Sectional 25 – Knox at Jimtown
  • Sectional 26 – Garrett at Fairfield
  • Sectional 26 – Woodlan at Lakeland
  • Sectional 26 – Tippecanoe Valley at Angola
  • Sectional 26 – Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran at West Noble
  • Sectional 27 – Northwestern at Peru
  • Sectional 27 – Maconaquah at Twin Lakes
  • Sectional 27 – West Lafayette at Western
  • Sectional 27 – Frankton at Benton Central
  • Sectional 28 – Mississinewa at Oak Hill
  • Sectional 28 – Jay County at Bellmont
  • Sectional 28 – Norwell at Heritage
  • Sectional 28 – Fort Wayne Bishop Luers at Delta
  • Sectional 29 – Cascade at Indianapolis George Washington
  • Sectional 29 – Tri-West Hendricks at West Vigo
  • Sectional 29 – Speedway at Crawfordsville
  • Sectional 29 – Guerin Catholic at Hamilton Heights
  • Sectional 30 – Franklin County at Batesville
  • Sectional 30 – Greensburg at Purdue Polytechnic-Downtown
  • Sectional 30 – Rushville Consolidated at South Dearborn
  • Sectional 31 – Owen Valley at Madison Consolidated
  • Sectional 31 – Corydon Central at North Harrison
  • Sectional 31 – Edgewood at Scottsburg
  • Sectional 32 – Gibson Southern at Vincennes Lincoln
  • Sectional 32 – Mt. Vernon at Southridge
  • Sectional 32 – Evansville Mater Dei at Princeton Community

Here is a look at the Class 2A playoff games this week:

  • Sectional 33 – Wheeler at Lake Station Edison
  • Sectional 33 – Rensselaer Central at Boone Grove
  • Sectional 33 – Bremen at Whiting
  • Sectional 34 – Delphi Community at Southmont
  • Sectional 34 – North Putnam at Western Boone
  • Sectional 34 – Lafayette Central Catholic at Seeger
  • Sectional 34 – Lewis Cass at North Montgomery
  • Sectional 35 – Prairie Heights at Manchester
  • Sectional 35 – Whitko at Eastside
  • Sectional 35 – Central Noble at Adams Central
  • Sectional 35 – Bluffton at Churubusco
  • Sectional 36 – Eastbrook at Alexandria Monroe
  • Sectional 36 – Rochester Community at Elwood Community
  • Sectional 36 – Eastern (Greentown) at Blackford
  • Sectional 36 – Wabash at Tipton
  • Sectional 37 – Indianapolis Lutheran at Covenant Christian
  • Sectional 37 – Heritage Christian at Cardinal Ritter
  • Sectional 37 – Monrovia at Scecina
  • Sectional 38 – Northeastern at Shenandoah
  • Sectional 38 – Triton Central at Centerville
  • Sectional 38 – Lapel at Winchester Community
  • Sectional 38 – Eastern Hancock at Union County
  • Sectional 39 – Sullivan at South Vermillion
  • Sectional 39 – Pike Central at North Posey
  • Sectional 39 – Greencastle at Brown County
  • Sectional 39 – Mitchell at Linton-Stockton
  • Sectional 40 – Crawford County at Clarksville
  • Sectional 40 – Salem at Switzerland County
  • Sectional 40 – Brownstown Central at Tell City
  • Sectional 40 – Eastern (Pekin) at Paoli

Here is a look at the Class 1A playoff games this week:

  • Sectional 41 – LaVille at Culver Community
  • Sectional 41 – North Judson-San Pierre at South Central (Union Mills)
  • Sectional 41 – West Central at South Newton
  • Sectional 41 – North Newton at Bowman Academy
  • Sectional 42 – Frontier at Tri-County
  • Sectional 42 – Pioneer at Caston
  • Sectional 42 – Carroll (Flora) at Winamac Community
  • Sectional 42 – North White at Taylor
  • Sectional 43 – North Miami at Northfield
  • Sectional 43 – Southern Wells at Triton
  • Sectional 43 – Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian at Fremont
  • Sectional 44 – Union City at Hagerstown
  • Sectional 44 – Cambridge City Lincoln at Monroe Central
  • Sectional 44 – Madison-Grant at South Adams
  • Sectional 44 – Wes-Del at Tri
  • Sectional 45 – Attica at South Putnam
  • Sectional 45 – Parke Heritage at Fountain Central
  • Sectional 45 – Covington at North Central (Farmersburg)
  • Sectional 45 – Riverton Parke at North Vermillion
  • Sectional 46 – Clinton Central at Cloverdale
  • Sectional 47 – South Decatur at Eastern Greene
  • Sectional 47 – West Washington at Knightstown
  • Sectional 47 – Greenwood Christian at North Decatur
  • Sectional 48 – Forest Park at Springs Valley
  • Sectional 48 – Providence at North Knox
  • Sectional 48 – North Daviess at Perry Central
  • Sectional 48 – South Spencer at Tecumseh

Of course, as always, be sure to tune into The Zone on Friday night beginning at 11:08 on WISH-TV for highlights from the first week of the high school football postseason.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending