Indiana High School Athletic Association

9150 North Meridian Street, Box 40650, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240-0650

Phone: 317-846-6601    Fax: 317-575-4244    Website: www.ihsaa.org

Blake Ress, Commissioner

_____________________________________________________________________________

MEDIA INFORMATION                                                                         March 23, 2005

Contact: Jason Wille, Sports Information Director                                                                    

E-Mail: jwille@ihsaa.org

 

 

95th IHSAA BOYS BASKETBALL STATE FINALS THIS SATURDAY

One defending state champion, four teams who previously have been crowned state champion, two former state runners-up and one other team who broke a long drought to get back to the finals, make up this year’s field of teams in the 95th Annual IHSAA Boys Basketball State Finals. It’s the first time since 1996 the state finals are without a first-time participant.

 

Defending Class 4A state champion Lawrence North headlines the group of eight teams as the Wildcats will look for the school’s third title to go along with its 1989 crown. Head coach Jack Keefer, in his 29th year at the school, holds the reigns of this team that is led by 7-0 junior sensation Greg Oden. The Wildcats have won 15 straight since falling for the second time this year back on Jan. 10 and have avenged both season losses, to top-ranked Indianapolis Arlington and North Central (Indpls.), along the tournament trail.

 

They’ll go against tradition-rich Muncie Central who has made it back to the state finals for the first time since its banner season of 1988, the last of its record eight state championships. The Bearcats, coached by first year leader Matt Fine, have suffered only one setback in 28 outings to this point and have won a state-best 20 straight games. Muncie Central has disposed of its six tournament foes by an average of 24 points.

 

In Class 3A, Plymouth ended a 23-year state finals drought despite its leading scorer being held to 11 points under his average in the semi-state game. Kyle Benge, the state’s second leading scorer at 27.0 per game, leads the Pilgrims back to the promised land for the first time since current Chicago Bulls head coach Scott Skiles poured in 39 points in the school’s thrilling 75-74 double overtime victory in the 1982 state championship game against Gary Roosevelt. One thing has remained the same, however. That being Hall of Fame coach Jack Edison, now in his 32nd season at the school, who will be looking for his 500th career victory this Saturday (499-243).

 

At the other end of the court will be Washington mentored by Dave Omer who’s in his 11th year as the school’s coach but his 40th season on the sidelines. The Hatchets escaped their own sectional for the first time since 1983 and are on the verge of their first state championship since the school won its third of three titles in 1942. Washington, which suffered its only two losses of the year during the Hall of Fame tournament on Dec. 30, is led by 6-11 center and Notre-Dame-bound Luke Zeller.

 

After losing four of its last six games of the regular season, Harding has caught fire in winning six straight contests in tournament action to put itself on the doorstep of a state championship. The Hawks, which have beaten their tournament competition by an average of 22 points, benefit from playing a schedule consisting largely of 3A and 4A schools. Harding won the 2001 2A state championship but fell a year later in the 3A title game. Coach Al Gooden’s crew is led by 6-5 senior Selwyn Lymon, a blue-chip wide receiver in football, who is headed to Purdue.

 

The Hawks will get a stern test from Forest Park, which is back for the second time in three years. The Rangers finished as the 2A state runner-up in 2003 and are intent on taking back the hardware to southern Indiana’s Dubois County this time. Forest Park, which has won at least 22 games in three consecutive seasons, is led by cousins Clint and Brandon Hopf, who combined for 48 points in the come-from-behind semi-state victory over Knightstown.

 

The Class A matchup is one between a pair of schools who are back in the state finals for the first time in several decades.

 

The northern representative will be Lapel, a school just southwest of Anderson in Madison County, which won its first sectional since 1943 and is playing in the state finals for the first time since 1940, the year the Bulldogs lost to Hammond Technical in the semis. They are coached by Jimmie Howell, who is in his first season with his alma mater following several years at Brownsburg. Lapel is led by senior point guard Jason Holsinger, an Evansville recruit and one of the state’s leading scorers at 22.8 points per game. He poured in 37 points in his team’s semi-state victory over 2004 state runner-up Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian.

 

They’ll go head-to-head against Loogootee, who returns to the state finals for the first time in 30 seasons. The Lions, have senior center Bart Hill to thank after his buzzer-beating putback off a missed three-pointer against Hauser last Saturday gave the school its first semi-state title since 1975, the year the Lions finished as state runner-up to Marion. Loogootee has faced two of the state finalist teams at home during the regular season beating Forest Park, 45-44, on Dec. 10 and falling to Washington, 55-44, on Dec. 21.

 

 

THE 95th ANNUAL BOYS BASKETBALL STATE FINALS

Date: Saturday, March 26, 2005.

Site: Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis.

Conseco Fieldhouse | Seating Chart | Driving Directions | Parking | Fieldhouse Facts | Fieldhouse History

Indianapolis Accommodations | Restaurants & Dining

Ticket Information: Session $10.00; Season $18.00.

Reserved tickets can be purchased at the participating schools the week of the state finals. Contact participating schools for ticket distribution hours. Tickets also will be available game day at the ticket office at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Television: WHMB-TV, Indianapolis is originating the broadcast of all four games on the IHSAA Championship Television Network. Chris Denari will call the play-by-play, Dave Nicholson will provide the analysis and Chuck Freeby will act as the sideline reporter.

Radio: WIBC Radio in Indianapolis will act as the originating station for all four games of the IHSAA Championship Radio Network. For Class A and 2A, Kevin Lee will provide the play-by-play with Pete Smith on analysis and Bob Lovell on the sidelines. For the 3A and 4A contests, Vince Welch will call play-by-play, Steve Witty will offer color analysis and Lovell will roam the sidelines.

Click here for a complete listing of Broadcasting Stations.

 

 

Session I

Class A Championship

10:30 a.m. – Lapel (24-3) vs. Loogootee (21-4).

 

Class 2A Championship

12:30 p.m. (approx.) – Harding (16-9) vs. Forest Park (22-4).

 

Session II

Class 3A Championship

6:30 p.m. – Plymouth (22-3) vs. Washington (26-2).

 

Class 4A Championship

8:30 p.m. (approx.) – Muncie Central (27-1) vs. Lawrence North (23-2).

 

 

For rosters, statistics and additional information about both teams in PDF format, download the following items:

STATE FINALS MEDIA PACKET | MEET THE TEAMS

 

 

PROBABLE STARTERS -- According to the coaches during their press conference at Conseco Fieldhouse on Monday morning, the following players are probable starters:

 

Class A

Lapel -- 3 Kyle Holsinger, 14 J.R. Howell, 22 Jason Holsinger, 23 Drew Hill, 50 Brad Lantz

Loogootee -- 10 Jordan Divine, 13 Bart Hill, 30 Todd Baker, 32 David Henning, 45 David Strange

 

Class 2A

Harding -- 12 Deaundre Muhammad, 22 Rodney Bell, 32 Selwyn Lymon, 40 DeQuione Sanders, 54 Jermaine Muff

Forest Park -- 12 David Welp, 14 Tim James, 20 Matt Atkins, 40 Brandon Hopf, 52 Clint Hopf

 

Class 3A

Plymouth -- 12 Kyle Benge, 14 Geoff Scheetz, 20 Kyle Plumlee, 42 Matt Houin, 52 Ryan Pickell

Washington -- 20 Brett Matteson, 34 Justin Smith, 40 Luke Zeller, 44 Isaac Stoll, 55 Bryan Bouchie

 

Class 4A

Muncie Central -- 15 Josiah Miller, 20 Alex Daniel, 32 Andrew Brown, 34 Ty Riddle, 50 Jordan Armstrong

Lawrence North -- 2 Tyler Morris, 10 Brandon McPherson, 11 Mike Conley, 40 Donald Cloutier, 50 Greg Oden

 

 

PRACTICE TIMES – The eight schools will each have a one hour practice at Conseco Fieldhouse on Friday, March 25. Practices are open to the media, but not to the general public. Please go to the Employee/Media Entrance at Conseco Fieldhouse on the southeast side of the building facing Delaware Street for access. Any interviews or comments before, during or after the practice are at the coaches’ discretion. The practice times are as follows:

 

10 a.m. – Lawrence North

11 a.m. – Lapel

1 p.m. – Muncie Central

2 p.m. – Loogootee

3 p.m. – Plymouth

4 p.m. – Forest Park

5 p.m. – Washington

6 p.m. – Harding

 

 

Public Entrance -- The public may enter from Pennsylvania Street or Delaware Street into a common lobby on the north side of Conseco Fieldhouse. Ticket office windows are located there.

 

Media Entrance -- To gain admittance, the 2004-05 IHSAA Boys Basketball State Finals Media Media Credential is required. The entrance is in the southeast corner of Conseco Fieldhouse adjacent to Delaware Street. The door is marked Employee/Media Entrance and is located at the opposite end of the building from the public entrance. Please allow a few extra minutes to pass through security.

 

Media Hosts -- IHSAA Sports Information Director Jason Wille and Communications Director Joe Gentry, along with assistants Mike Wilson and Travis Tranbarger, will be on hand to assist in your coverage of the state finals.

 

Media Work Room -- As in previous years, the media workroom at Conseco Fieldhouse will be open all day and be available to working media members. The work area contains complimentary phones that will accept credit card and 800 calls. Soft drinks and snacks will be available.

 

Media Credentials – Media credentials are available to this event to legitimate, working members of the media. Credentials are not transferable person to person. Broadcast media should contact Mark Higdon of Associated Sports Productions at 317-633-1462 to make arrangements immediately. Print media and approved broadcast media should make their credential request on company letterhead and fax it to IHSAA Sports Information Director Jason Wille at 317-575-4244. No e-mail requests will be accepted. Approved requests will be left for pickup inside the Media Entrance at Conseco Fieldhouse beginning at 8:30 a.m. EST.

 

Press Seating – With the exception of the Associated Press, all radio stations, the IHSAA Championship Radio Network and the IHSAA Television Network whose seats are marked, an open seating policy is used on the west side of Conseco Fieldhouse.

 

Results and Statistics – Both will be posted to the IHSAA website as soon as possible after the game. Stats and box scores will be distributed at the end of each quarter on press row as well as in the media work room.

 

No Children, Please – With the exception of high school students representing their school’s newspaper, yearbook, radio or television station, and who have a team participating, no young people or children will be issued media credentials or be allowed in the working media area.

 

Post Game Guidelines and Procedures

With the exception of the IHSAA’s Official Photographer -- 20-20 Photographic, the IHSAA Championship Radio Network and IHSAA Television Network, all media members are asked to remain off the floor during the post-game ceremonies. Your cooperation is appreciated.

 

The post-game ceremonies order will be as follows:

  • Mental Attitude Award presentation
  • Runner-Up medals and trophy presentation
  • Championship medals and trophy presentation
  • Team Photographs by 20-20 Photographic

 

Following the Class A, 2A and 3A awards ceremonies, coaches and selected players will be escorted to the Media Interview Room for a formal press conference which is located on playing floor level just off the media entrance elevator. We ask your assistance to use the press conference as the appropriate time to conduct interviews. The runner-up team coach and selected players will go first followed by the championship team coach and players.

 

Because of newspaper deadline issues at the end of the 4A contest, no press conference will be scheduled and news media will be allowed to conduct interviews on and around the floor after the awards ceremonies. For those working on deadline, the IHSAA will distribute “quick quotes” in the media work room taken from the IHSAA Television and Radio Network interviews as soon as possible after the game.

 

 

ZIONSVILLE’S MARK BALTZ TO BE RECOGNIZED AS TOP OFFICIAL

Mark Baltz is the recipient of the 2005 Interscholastic Athletic Official Association Award for excellence in the sport of boys basketball.

 

Baltz will be honored in a special ceremony during today’s state finals. During his career, he has 30 sectionals, 20 regionals, seven semi-states and two state finals to his credit.

 

Each year, the Indiana High School Athletic Association, in cooperation with the National Federation of Interscholastic Officials Association, recognizes and honors an outstanding official in each of 11 sports during the school year.

 

Baltz was nominated for this award by his peers from the Indiana Officials Association, one of 26 associations located throughout Indiana made up of men and women who give up much of their personal time to assist in providing wholesome, worthwhile and healthy activities for the student-athletes of our state. This honor comes as a result of Baltz’s selection by a committee representing those 26 associations. Statewide, there are more than 8,000 officials licensed by the IHSAA in 11 sports.

 

A licensed official for 37 years, Baltz began his officiating career in 1967 while attending Ohio University.  Baltz officiated high school football until 1983, working the 1978 and 1983 state championship games.

 

He started working major college football in 1984 as a referee in the Mid-American Conference and a head linesman in the Big Ten.  He worked in the Big Ten five seasons, earning three post-season bowl assignments.

 

Baltz was selected to the staff of the National Football League in 1989, working his 16th season in 2004.  He has received 12 post-season assignments, including conference championship games in five of the last seven seasons.  He also worked as a referee in NFL Europe from 1999-2001.

 

Baltz and his wife Nicki have been married for 36 years.  They have two sons, Brett and Brandon, and four grandchildren.

 

 

 

Latest State Rankings

Compiled by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association. Feb. 27 Poll (End of regular season)

 

State Scoring & Rebounding Leaders

As reported to the IHSAA through games of March 19, 2005

 

A complete list of the state’s top scorers and rebounders is available at: State's Leaders

 

Top 10 Scoring

Player

School

Class

Grade

Games

Total

Avg.

High

Dominic James

Richmond

4A

12

22

685

31.1

49

Kyle Benge

Plymouth

3A

12

25

675

27.0

44

Shannon McCormick

Muncie Burris

2A

11

19

487

25.7

46

Eric Gordon

North Central (Indianapolis)

4A

10

24

613

25.5

36

Adam Gore

Monrovia

2A

12

24

594

24.8

43

Jesse Howell

South Spencer

2A

12

22

528

24.0

40

Jonathon Jamerson

South Bend Washington

4A

11

22

524

23.8

43

Jeremy Stouder

Elkhart Christian Academy

A

12

23

543

23.6

46

Luke Harangody

Andrean

3A

11

23

541

23.5

---

Jordan Brewer

Clinton Prairie

A

12

22

517

23.5

44

 

Top 10 Rebounding

Player

School

Class

Grade

Games

Total

Avg.

High

Jeremy Stouder

Elkhart Christian Academy

A

12

23

299

13.0

22

Brandon Schumm

Southern Wells

A

12

20

253

12.7

16

Luke Harangody

Andrean

3A

11

23

284

12.3

---

Andrew Joslin

Indianapolis Howe Academy

3A

10

19

234

12.3

22

Cody Jones

Churubusco

2A

11

23

275

12.0

23

Mark Williams

Howe Military

A

11

20

237

11.9

20

Jordan Brewer

Clinton Prairie

A

12

22

261

11.8

21

Matt Howard

Connersville

3A

10

19

225

11.8

--

Brandon Mayse

Centerville

2A

12

13

153

11.8

20

 

 

 

IHSAA CALENDAR

 

To view the “2004-05 IHSAA Sports Seasons at a Glance” page in PDF, click here.

 

This Week

Saturday, March 26 – Boys Basketball State Finals