Indiana
Todd’s Take: Returning Hoosiers Make The Best First Impression For Indiana
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. On Wednesday night at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, the new players on Indiana’s roster had an uneven start in the Hoosiers’ season opener against Southern Illinois-Edwardville.
Indiana won 80-61 over the pesky Cougars, but it was a difficult road at times and the new Hoosiers were part of the reason why.
Myles Rice? He got better as the game went along, with seven of his 11 points scored in the second half, but the sophomore had 5 turnovers and sometimes forced the issue on his dribble-drives.
Oumar Ballo? He had an impressive final stat line: 15 points, six rebounds and he was 6 of 10 from the field, but it’s a bit misleading. He scored four of his six buckets in the final 7:22 of the game. By then, Indiana had finally put itself out of SIU-E’s range. Ballo also had four turnovers and he played a part in SIU-Edwardsville’s 16 offensive rebounds.
Kanaan Carlyle? He had a good floor game (6 rebounds, 3 assists), but not a good day on the scoresheet. He was 0 for 4 from the field.
Luke Goode? The designated sharpshooter for the Hoosiers was 0-for-3, including two misses from long range.
Bryson Tucker? He’s a freshman playing his first college game that counts and he looked it on both ends of the floor. No sin in that. Most freshman start the way.
It was all a bit underwhelming from Indiana’s new Hoosiers. Even coach Mike Woodson, without specifically singling out the new players, said the offensive display wasn’t what he expected.
“I do know we can score the basketball. Certain guys haven’t really made shots like I thought they would. They’ll start falling eventually,” said Woodson on the Hoosiers’ offensive identity.
Indiana’s infusion of talent was supposed to carry the Hoosiers to Big Ten dominance. One game against Southern Illinois-Edwardsville isn’t going to determine one way or another whether that will happen or not, but it wasn’t the flashy start for the Indiana newbies that many hoped it would be.
Overreactions are rampant after the first game of the season, but all fans have after one game is a first impression, so if concerns crop up, they’re magnified.
In the end, the newbies’ struggles didn’t matter. That’s because the players that Indiana fans have already familiarized themselves with carried the day.
No one was better than sophomore Mackenzie Mgbako. The man many thought would be a one-and-done for the Hoosiers is back and Indiana is very grateful that he returned.
He scored a career-high 31 points, including 19 in the first half when Indiana struggled to keep SIU-E at bay. He was 8 of 10 from the field before halftime and added five rebounds.
It was a bravado performance – the kind that impatient Hoosiers fans wanted early in the 2023-24 season, but had to wait until the last third of the 2024 season to witness from the New Jersey native.
Junior Malik Reneau also demonstrated that he’s ready to continue his progression. Reneau finished with 15 points, 11 of which were scored in the first half. Between Mgbako and Reneau? The pair provided 71.4% of Indiana’s first-half scoring output.
Reneau didn’t do anything we haven’t seen before. He backed down one or two defenders and used his strength to create scoring chances. He got to the line (all 6 attempts in the first half) and avoided foul trouble until the very end of the game.
Another positive first impression was made by Trey Galloway. Once again, Galloway – who has had almost every conceivable role during his Indiana career – was an energy source off the bench. He spelled Rice and Galloway almost immediately unlocked an Indiana offense that seemed to be stuck in neutral at the time.
His halftime statistics were modest, but Galloway developed a symbiotic bond with Ballo in the second half. Galloway fed Ballo for four easy buckets at the rim. They were part of a 9-assist attack from the Indiana veteran.
Wednesday’s game wasn’t a great first impression for Indiana’s new Hoosiers, but while everyone wants to see how the new shiny toys are going to work, it shouldn’t be forgotten that part of the strength of this team lies in Indiana’s returning veterans.
Not every first impression has to be made by someone new. Indiana’s veteran trio demonstrated that they can be counted on to take the Hoosiers where they want to be this season. It’s the best first impression that they could have given to Indiana fans.
There’s a small-town state park in Indiana with rugged sandstone ravines, deep canyons, ladders, steps, and tranquil scenes of Sugar Creek. Sounds like Turkey Run State Park in Marshall, doesn’t it? Well, it’s not. Less than 10 miles away, there is another park often overlooked by the one million visitors who come to west-central Indiana. Shades State Park in Waveland is a quieter and more remote version of the popular Turkey Run, so much so that it feels like a local secret.
But this low-key state park has a few hidden secrets that you can’t find anywhere else in the state. Find out what makes this one of the best state parks in Indiana to visit.
Why This Small-Town State Park Stands Out in Indiana
At over 3,000 acres, surprisingly, Shades is actually larger than Turkey Run, yet it’s often called the “less popular little brother.” And although they may have the same features, Shades State Park stands out in more than one way. For instance, this remote park offers rugged trails with dramatic views without the crowds. So, if you want to spend time without feeling rushed, this is the place for you.
Moreover, because it’s located in the rural town of Waveland, the park boasts some of the darkest skies in Indiana and hosts events throughout the year. Stargazers rejoice! You can spend dreamy nights here, looking up into the heavens, letting your imagination take you through the cosmos.
Additionally, there are unique geological formations, secluded canoe-only campsites, and incredible overlooks that make this park even that more special. And as the light filters into the less-traveled paths with canyon walls covered in moss, it looks otherworldly. In my opinion, and I am sure many Hoosiers will agree, Shades is arguably one of the most underrated hidden gems in Indiana.
What You’ll Experience at Shades State Park
Shades is known for its more rustic and less developed landscapes. Its rugged terrain makes it a fun playground to explore. Here, you’ll have access to Devil’s Backbone, a steep hike along a jagged ridge with vertical drops, with unique geological features, and it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s found on the three-mile Pine Hills Nature Preserve Trail. This is the kind of trek that you would do when you need a challenge.
The 6 Ravine Challenge trail is an adventure on its own, and one of the best hikes in Indiana. The name says it all; you’ll be hiking through six ravines on this trek. Along with the rugged and rocky terrain, come ready to climb ladders and steps to enter the narrow, carved-out canyon walls. It’s part of the fun on this hike, though, and standing inside these crevices carved out millions of years ago will leave you in awe.
Thanks to Sugar Creek, keep an eye out for the waterfalls in the area; some just slowly trickling over the rocks, but still worth the attention. And speaking of Sugar Creek, it’s another reason to visit the park. Shades has secluded campsites along the scenic water that are accessible only by canoe or kayak. Not only can you spend the night, but you can also paddle all the way to Turkey Run State Park on the creek.
Shades State Park might be the overlooked brother to Turkey Run, but this underrated state park in Indiana surely knows how to shine, in a quieter, more intimate way. That’s why locals love it so much, and you will, too.
Local Tips for Visiting
Even in peak season from April through October, Shades will be far less crowded than its “popular brother.” That said, spring is a great time to visit to see the wildflowers and flowing waters, and summer is the prime season for camping and canoeing. Of course, fall is when the park lights up with autumn colors, attracting leaf peepers galore. And the frosty season is when the park settles in. Avoid the crowds by visiting in winter, early morning, or on weekdays.
Come prepared to hike in less-developed, rugged terrain, with downed trees. Meaning, there will be rock scrambling, climbing, and you’ll find muddy and slippery sections, too. Your sneakers might not hold up here, so leave them behind. With all that there is to do and see inside Shades State Park, you’ll need more than just a day here. This means camping is the way to go! If you’re camping, be sure to bring your stargazing equipment to take advantage of the dark skies here.
The Shades campground is pretty simple with basic amenities and no electric or sewer hookups. There are just over 100 sites, 7 backcountry sites, and 10 water-access sites, perfect for those paddling on Sugar Creek.
What to Know Before You Go
Keep in mind that Shades State Park charges an entrance fee per vehicle, which varies based on residency. Bikers and hikers pay a small fee as well. If you plan on stargazing after 11 p.m, you’ll need to get a permit from the office. Visit the Shades State Park Clear Sky Chart to plan your visit.
If you come during the winter, the park has limited facilities, and some areas will have no water. So, unless you want to really rough it in the wilderness, I would skip camping here from November through April. The good news is, you might have the campsite to yourself. Before you visit, check the Shades State Park website for closures and updates.
It’s easy to see why Hoosiers like to keep this laid-back park their little secret. This is where they can come and fully immerse themselves in a peaceful, serene park with incredible views and natural wonders.
Plus, the nearby town of Waveland is a wonderful small town in Indiana to visit. Enjoy scenic rural drives to wide-open fields and nearby covered bridges. This is where slow travelers come to trade the crowds for peace.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says Bears need stadium site soon
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters at the NFL’s annual meeting that the Chicago Bears need resolution on a stadium site soon.
The saga of the Chicago Bears and their potential move to Indiana continues as Illinois lawmakers unveil amended legislation aimed at keeping the team in the state, Illinois Capital News reported.
Seemingly still a minor step in the right direction, the legislation is a prerequisite for the team to build a new domed stadium in suburban Arlington Heights. Here’s what happened in Illinois this week.
What does the amended bill mean for the Chicago Bears?
The Illinois House unveiled a new version of property tax legislation aimed at winning over lawmakers concerned about the move.
More specifically, the changes target worries about shifted property tax burdens to local residents and the team’s departure from Chicago’s Soldier Field, which still has nearly $500 in unpaid bonds.
While the original bill would allow the Bears or other “megaproject” developers to negotiate a payment in lieu of taxes, the amended version would contribute 50% of such payments to property tax relief. Of that amount, 60% would go to property tax rebates for homeowners residing in megaproject districts, while 40% would be deposited into the state’s existing property tax relief fund.
This incentive plan would end in five years, at which time lawmakers would revisit its effectiveness.
Will amended legislation pass in Illinois?
The legislation was discussed at length in the Illinois House Tuesday, but still has a far way to go before it makes its way to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk.
Illinois Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, the lead House negotiator on the megaprojects bill, said he plans to file the amended legislation with the intention of it being heard in committee on Wednesday. If it passes there, the full House could vote on the measure this week.
But importantly, it still must be approved by the Illinois Senate, which returns to Springfield on April 28. Only then would it be sent to Pritzker.
Is the measure likely to pass in Illinois?
Buckner appeared optimistic about the changes, while Pritzker’s office said they’re still “reviewing the draft amendment.”
Illinois Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, said the latest version is a step in the right direction, saying the “forthcoming amendment” addressed lawmakers’ concerns “in a really thoughtful way.”
What’s going on in Indiana?
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed a bill into law in February creating a northwest Indiana stadium authority that would be in charge of financing a new stadium for the Bears in Hammond.
As recently as April 16, Indiana lawmakers renegotiated the Indiana Toll Road lease to further appeal to the Chicago football team, according to the IndyStar. The new agreement would allow $700 million to be put toward infrastructure or transportation projects in seven Indiana counties near the proposed stadium site in exchange for more frequently increased toll prices on the Indiana Toll Road.
CONTRIBUTING: Kayla Dwyer, Indianapolis Star; Brenden Moore, Illinois Capital News
PLAINFIELD, Ind. (WISH) — Suspects fled a Plainfield bank after it was robbed Tuesday afternoon, police say.
Plainfield Police Department was called at 2:10 p.m. Tuesday to the robbery of a bank in progress at Chase Bank, 807 Southfield Drive. That’s southwest of the intersection of Quaker Boulevard and Stafford Road/East County Road 450 South in the Hendricks County town.
Deputy Chief Ryan Salisbury of the Plainfield Police Department said detectives were working on the case.
The police department posted on social media on Tuesday night that no one was hurt in the robbery, and the suspects, who were not in custody, fled prior to the arrival of first responders.
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