On the court that displays his name at Broad Ripple High School, IPS legendary basketball coach William R. Smith was celebrated during the IPS Basketball Classic. Just like his coaching days, the doors of Broad Ripple were opened for high school basketball once again. Alumni from all generations were welcomed, & displayed their admiration for their school. Mike Woodson, Broad Ripple Alum & current Indiana University Basketball Coach; spoke highly of Coach Smith, shared his love for IPS, & threw up the honorary tip for our four o’clock boys game between the Blue Devils of Shortridge & the Tigers of Crispus Attucks.
The showcase featured four games, all involving our four IPS high schools, beginning at noon & ending at six. In the first game the boy Titans of Arsenal Tech battled the Continentals of George Washington. In a game of runs, the Titans, broke the game open headed into halftime & didn’t look back securing the victory.
The first of two girls games proceeded the George Washington & Tech game. It featured Shortridge & Arsenal Tech in a game that saw Tech gain control from the beginning until its’ end, getting them the huge neutral court victory.
Game three saw the boys back on the floor with Attucks battling Shortridge. The Tigers were hitting on all cylinders, playing suffocating defense on one end & efficient offense on the other. Shortridge was able to go on a few runs due to great perimeter shooting, but it was not enough as the Tigers were just too good on the Broad Ripple floor.
In the final game, the ladies of Attucks & George Washington wrapped up the night. It was a track meet, & Attucks was able to run away with it in the second quarter. They, like the boys team, got hot early & did not let up as they cruised to a comfortable & convincing win.
Four great games for a great event that honored a man who represented what IPS is all about. Thank you to the Broad Ripple Alumni Association, IPS personnel, & the community for making this event wonderful!
Take a look of some highlights from the event below!