Ayrton Oneill
Indiana has a rich history when it comes to basketball, with the sport being extremely popular in the state. In 2020, the boys' basketball state tournament was cancelled for the first time in its 110-year history due to the pandemic. The state has produced several NBA players and powerhouse basketball colleges. Indiana has also been home to some of the most impressive basketball skill sets worldwide, including the legendary Larry Bird. The state's high schools have a long tradition of success in the sport, with the Franklin Wonder Five, led by Fuzzy Vandivier, becoming the first team to win the state championship three years in a row from 1920 to 1922. The switch to class basketball by the IHSAA is a controversial topic, with public opinion divided on its merits. While the move to a class system may have diminished the phenomenon, Indiana's passion for basketball remains strong.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year Indiana went to class basketball | 1997-1998 |
| Number of classes | 6 |
| First team to win the state championship for three consecutive years | The Franklin Wonder Five, led by Fuzzy Vandivier |
| Years of The Franklin Wonder Five's win | 1920-1922 |
| Year of the "Milan Miracle" | 1950s |
| Year of the inaugural FIBA World Championship hosted by Indianapolis | 1950 |
| Year Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb directed the closure of schools due to the pandemic | 2020 |
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What You'll Learn
The last single-class Indiana basketball tournament was in 1997
Basketball is a big deal in Indiana. The Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Championships have been hosted at the legendary Hinkle Fieldhouse, the world's largest basketball arena from 1928 to 1950. The last single-class Indiana basketball tournament was in 1997, 20 years before people reflected on its significance in 2017.
In 1997, Michael Menser, a Batesville senior guard, recalled the importance of the tournament: "From the time I was little and a ballboy for Batesville basketball, the Greensburg gym always had a special place for me. To this day, I can still remember how the horn sounds and how the nets held the basketball when it swished through." The tournament was a community event, with people lining up for hours before the game.
In 1997, Madison-Grant, which would be classified as 2A the following year, lost to Marion in the sectional tournament. This was a big deal, as the year before, they had played Kokomo in the regionals and only lost by 6 points. Playing in front of 7,000 people in the packed Marion gym was an unforgettable experience for the team.
The switch to class basketball by the IHSAA is a controversial topic. The move to this new system has diminished the phenomenon of Hoosier Hysteria, and public opinion is divided on the merits of class basketball. The last single-class tournament in 1997 marked the end of an era where any school, regardless of size, could dream of becoming champions.
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The IHSAA's switch to class basketball
Before the consolidation of many rural school districts in the last half of the twentieth century, Indiana high schools had smaller student bodies than those in most other states. Basketball was a natural game for these schools since it only required a small number of players, and even a few great players could make a strong team. The Franklin Wonder Five, led by Fuzzy Vandivier, was the first team to win the state championship three years in a row, from 1920 to 1922. This feat would not be matched for over six decades. As school consolidation became more common and rural residents migrated to cities, large high schools grew even larger, and smaller high schools found themselves at a disadvantage come tournament time, as success became concentrated in Indiana's large urban and suburban schools.
The switch to class basketball was an attempt to address this growing disparity and to give smaller schools a better chance of competing. However, the move to this new system has, to some extent, diminished the phenomenon of "Hoosier Hysteria," and public opinion is widely split on the merits of "class basketball." The single-class system allowed for the dream of every school becoming a champion, and it held a special place for many in Indiana.
The last single-class Indiana basketball tournament was in 1997, and it produced memorable moments. Madison-Grant, which would be classified in 2A the following year, defeated the host Giants in legendary coach Bill Green's final game. Boone Grove, which would also be a Class 2A program the following year, knocked off host Kankakee Valley to win its second sectional title in school history. Bloomington North, one of the tournament favourites, survived a 48-39 overtime win over Bloomington South in the sectional championship at Bedford North Lawrence. At Greensburg, Batesville was looking for its fourth consecutive sectional title, with players and coaches recalling the special atmosphere of the tournament.
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The Milan Miracle
Milan's victory was a defining moment in Indiana high school basketball, inspiring the 1986 film "Hoosiers", which is considered one of the greatest sports movies of all time. The game is part of a bygone tournament era, as Indiana moved to a multi-class tournament system in 1997. Today, Indiana is divided into four classes of basketball based on student enrollment, and four state champions are crowned each year.
Milan's road to the championship was not easy. They scheduled games against larger, more prestigious schools to prepare for the rigors of tournament play. They suffered an upset loss to Aurora late in the season but still managed to advance to the state championship game. There, they faced a tough opponent in Muncie Central, with the game coming down to the wire. Bobby Plump, the Milan High School guard, made the most iconic shot in Indiana high school basketball history, sealing the victory for Milan with a 14-foot shot as time expired.
The impact of Milan's victory extended beyond the basketball court. It was a source of pride and inspiration for the small town of Milan, with 40,000 people descending on the town to celebrate the team's return. The victory also broke down barriers, as the Trester Award for mental attitude, sportsmanship, and character was awarded to a member of the winning team for the first time, recognizing the values that extend beyond the game itself.
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Indiana's large urban and suburban schools
Indiana's transition to class basketball in 1997 marked a shift from the single-class system, impacting both urban and suburban schools. This change followed a period of consolidation among rural school districts, resulting in larger high schools that dominated tournaments.
In the context of Indiana's large urban and suburban schools, the move to class basketball aimed to address the growing disparity between smaller and larger schools. Prior to this transition, smaller high schools often faced a competitive disadvantage during tournaments as success became increasingly concentrated in larger schools. The change to class basketball was intended to separate big schools from small schools, creating a more level playing field.
The impact of this transition was felt across the state, with Bloomington North winning the final single-class State Championship in 1997. This marked the end of an era where small country schools, such as Madison-Grant, could compete in sections against larger schools. The new system, with four classes ranging from 1A to 4A based on enrollment, allowed for more equitable competition.
However, the switch to class basketball remains a contentious topic among Hoosiers. Some argue that the "Hoosier Hysteria," the state of excitement surrounding basketball in Indiana, was diminished as a result of the change. The single-class tournaments were known for their intense community involvement and passion, with the 1990 State Championship game drawing over 40,000 fans.
Despite the controversy, Indiana's passion for basketball persists, with the state boasting some of the largest high school gyms in the country. The competition to host regional and sectional tournaments drove schools to construct gyms with capacities greater than their towns' populations. Indiana's high schools also have a reputation for producing top-caliber basketball players, with a disproportionate number of NBA athletes hailing from the state relative to its population.
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Indiana Mr. Basketballs
Indiana has a rich history of basketball, with the sport holding a special place in the state's culture and tradition. The state transitioned from a single-class to a multi-class basketball system in the late 1990s, with the 1996-1997 season being the last single-class tournament. This change addressed the growing disparities between small and large high schools due to school consolidation and rural-to-urban migration.
The Indiana Mr. Basketball award is a prestigious honour recognising the top male high school basketball players in the state. The award has a long history, and past recipients include some of the most outstanding players to have graced the sport. Here is a brief overview of some notable Indiana Mr. Basketballs:
Oscar Robertson
Oscar Robertson led the Crispus Attucks High School teams from 1954 to 1956, winning back-to-back Indiana state championships in 1955 and 1956. During this era, Attucks became the first all-black school in the nation to win a state title open to all races. Robertson's talent and impact on Indiana basketball earned him the Indiana Mr. Basketball title and secured his legacy in the state's basketball history.
Fuzzy Vandivier
As the leader of the Franklin Wonder Five, Fuzzy Vandivier guided his team to an impressive feat of winning three consecutive state championships from 1920 to 1922. This accomplishment went unmatched for over six decades, highlighting the dominance of Vandivier and his team in Indiana high school basketball during that era.
Jason Gardner
Jason Gardner is another notable Indiana Mr. Basketball who won the Class 4A state title at North Central in 1999. Gardner's success in the post-single-class era demonstrated his ability to excel in a more competitive and diversified basketball landscape in the state.
Braylon Mullins
Braylon Mullins is a more recent contender for the Indiana Mr. Basketball award. In 2024, Mullins was considered a favourite for the 2025 award during his senior year at Greenfield-Central. His commitment to Butler and his all-around athletic abilities put him in serious contention for the prestigious honour.
The Indiana Mr. Basketball award continues to recognise the best male high school basketball players in the state, with each recipient adding to the rich basketball history and tradition that Indiana is renowned for.
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Frequently asked questions
1997.
Single-class tournaments.
The Franklin Wonder Five, led by Fuzzy Vandivier, from 1920 to 1922.
Indiana Mr. Basketball.
