My first year as Indiana All-Star games director was a wonderful experience. The 2019 Indiana All-Star teams did a quality job in representing the state of Indiana against the teams from Kentucky.
The Indiana boys’ team, led by coaches Criss Beyers, Aaron Garrett and Dave Milausnic, dominated their Kentucky foes by winning 97-64 at Bellarmine University and then beating them again 120-74 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. It was the first time in the series that one team beat the other by 30-plus points on consecutive nights. The Indiana boys’ team played unselfishly in both games and the squad’s defensive effort was played at a level that made basketball fans across the state very proud.
In the girls’ games, coaches Debbie Guckenberger, Mike McBride and Chris Seibert saw their squad split its games with Kentucky. Both games were decided in the last minute as Kentucky won 79-74 in the Bluegrass state and Indiana prevailed 76-71 in overtime the following night in Indianapolis. The young ladies from Indiana did a quality job throughout the week and, like the Indiana boys, played unselfish basketball in both contests.
As a first-year All-Star games director, it was a joy traveling the state and watching the best of the best play each weekend. In the 70-plus games I watched, it was encouraging to see the quality of coaches and players we have throughout the state. In addition, I also enjoyed seeing many commemorative All-Star jerseys displayed in prominent places throughout the hallways of many schools remembering their past basketball greats.
I want to personally thank the many people who helped me throughout the year. I believe I worked with more than 100 people who helped us stage the 2019 edition of this wonderful game.
As I prepare to roam the state of Indiana to find the best 26 players for the 2020 Indiana All-Stars, I can say only one thing: “In 49 states, it's just basketball, but this is Indiana!”
You may follow me this winter on the Indiana All-Star Twitter account @IndAllStars or at a gym near you.
Let the games begin!
--Mike Broughton, Indiana All-Star games director
