Best Indiana High School Basketball Players All-Time
Indiana is known as the "Hoosier State," where basketball is a way of life. The state has a rich history of high school basketball, producing some of the best players of all time. These players not only made a name for themselves at the high school level but also continued their success in college and the professional level. Here is a list of the best Indiana high school basketball players all-time.
Oscar Robertson
Oscar Robertson is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He played at Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, where he led his team to two consecutive state championships in 1955 and 1956. Robertson was a three-time All-State selection and earned Indiana High School Player of the Year honors in 1956. He went on to have a successful career at the University of Cincinnati and in the NBA.
Larry Bird
Larry Bird is another Indiana basketball legend who made his mark on the high school scene. He played at Springs Valley High School in French Lick, where he led his team to a 30-1 record and a state championship in 1974. Bird was named Indiana High School Player of the Year and went on to play at Indiana State University, where he led the Sycamores to the NCAA Championship Game in 1979. Bird was a three-time NBA MVP and won three NBA championships with the Boston Celtics.
Isiah Thomas
Isiah Thomas is a native of Chicago, but he played high school basketball at St. Joseph High School in South Bend, Indiana. He led St. Joseph to a 26-0 record and a state championship in 1979. Thomas was named Indiana High School Player of the Year and went on to have a successful career at Indiana University. He was a 12-time NBA All-Star and won two NBA championships with the Detroit Pistons.
Zach Randolph
Zach Randolph is a native of Marion, Indiana, where he played high school basketball at Marion High School. He led Marion to a state championship in 1998 and was named Indiana Mr. Basketball that same year. Randolph went on to play at Michigan State University and has had a successful NBA career, earning two All-Star selections.
Damon Bailey
Damon Bailey is a product of Bedford North Lawrence High School in Bedford, Indiana. He is the state's all-time leading scorer with 3,134 points and led Bedford North Lawrence to a state title in 1990. Bailey was named Indiana Mr. Basketball and went on to play at Indiana University. He never had a successful professional career, but his high school career is one of the best in state history.
Conclusion
Indiana has produced some of the best basketball players of all time, and these five players are among the best high school players the state has ever seen. They all went on to have successful careers in college and the professional level, proving that Indiana's basketball tradition is second to none. These players will forever be remembered as Indiana basketball legends.