As we look forward to the 2011 All-Star games with Kentucky, I again would like to thank everyone for their great work with your players.
As I have said before, I have the easiest “hard” job around. We have so much in the way of great talent, it is easy when it comes to filling out the roster. This year is not any different. Both the girls’ and boys’ talent pools are deep. The hard part is narrowing the selection to 26 -- 13 boys and 13 girls.
I think it is important to point out that even though I have the final say on the roster, I really try to get as many qualified opinions as possible before moving forward. I have asked for and received video on more than 60 players. In addition, a number of current and retired coaches around the state scout prospective players and provide feedback. I have observed Hoosier Basketball’s Top 60 Workout for girls and will observe Hoosier Basketball’s Top 60 Workout for boys. That, of course, is in addition to live scouting throughout the season.
Another great help is listening to the discussion among the 22 coaches representing the different areas of the state at the IBCA All-State selection meeting. I attended the Top 100 workouts at Ben Davis last summer Finally, I will also sit down with the All-Star coaching staffs and try to fill out a team that will represent you and our state well.
Steve Witty may have said it best when he noted that this is a selection process not a rejection one. Again, thanks for all you do with our student-athletes.
With Steve’s help and that of the IBCA, we expanded the IBCA Indianapolis Star All-Star Game Day Shootout in 2010 to include middle schools. This added to last year’s successful shootout and hopefully created a great program enhancement for the participants.
We have a waiting list of schools that want to be considered as an at-large team in case some of the programs with All-Stars decline their automatic invitation. We will draw those out of a hat and establish a ladder. If we do not get to you this year you will automatically move up the ladder for next year if you still are interested in participating. Email me at chall33@msn.com if you want to be put on the list for the Shootout.
The All-Star games this year are going to be at Bellarmine University on Friday, June 10 with a 5 p.m. girls start and the boys to follow. The game at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis will be on Saturday, June 11 with a 5:30 girls tip off. Exhibitions for the Junior-Senior All-Stars will be on Monday, June 6 and Wednesday, June 8 at sites to be determined.
-- Charlie Hall
Indianapolis Star Indiana All-Star Games Director
