On a beautiful sun soaked day that was perfect for playing outdoors, it was indeed a treat to sit inside at Warren Central High School Fieldhouse and watch as some of the finest players in the metropolitan area showcased their skills in the Eric Gordon Super Shootout.
The talent pool was deep, as both the young women and men who participated showed why they were most worthy of the invite they received, and entertained us all with some high level basketball that can only be found here in Indiana.
The Women’s game went to the County squad by a score of 70-40 and featured a number of players who will be collegiate bound this fall. Samantha Hawk of Perry Meridian was chosen as the MVP and finished with 11 points. Alex Bentley of Ben Davis tallied 10 for the County squad, which cruised to victory in the second half. Adrienne Sahm of Cathedral paced the City with nine points, while Lindsey Shepherd of Arlington added eight points.
The Men’s contest was never in doubt as a trio of Cathedral players led by Jarrett Hamilton combined for 75 points and led the City to a convincing 128-77 victory over the County Squad.
Hamilton put on a dazzling display in the second half when he scored 29 of his game high 35 points, hitting seven three-point field goals along the way. Errick Peck who will attend Cornell University this fall tallied 22, while Kelsey Barlow added 18.
The County was led by IUPUI recruit Greg Rice of Ben Davis who scored 22 points. Pike’s Phillip Hogan added 17.
Notes: When asked about his passion for the event, Super Shootout President Chris Reeder smiled and offered some interesting and uplifting comments in regards to his commitment to the youth of our community and beyond.
“It pleases me greatly to know many of these young men will play basketball in college, but it is more fulfilling to know they will continue their education and pursue a college degree,” stated Reeder. “It is so important to keep that in perspective.”
Reeder, who’s been involved with the Super Shootout for 19 years, was a man in motion this day, tending to every last detail of the event, and clearly is pumped about serving the youth in our community.
Eric Gordon posed for dozens of pictures with adoring fans and seemed genuinely pleased to be involved with the event. He displayed his infectious smile throughout the day, and it never ceases to amaze me just how grounded this young man is.
Gordon will be conducting a series of basketball camps here in Indianapolis this summer that will include consultation on how to balance athletics, education, and upbringing.
Information can be obtained at www.jccindy.org.
Former Warren Central and IU standout Greg Graham is now coaching men’s varsity basketball at Warren Central.
Graham’s team won 10 games this past season playing one of the toughest schedules in the state. Look for Graham to be successful in the reclamation of Warren Central Basketball.
Danny Bridges encourages reader feedback and can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or Bridgeshd@aol.com.
