IHSAA’s 300-Mile Travel Limit Keeps Hoops Teams Close To Home

With the proliferation of high school basketball games on television — ESPN will show more than 20 this season — the opportunity occasionally comes for teams from Indiana.

But Indiana High School Athletic Association bylaws don’t allow schools to compete against programs located more than 300 miles from the state border.

ESPN’s lineup this year included the City of the Palms Tournament in Florida and the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass., two national tournaments that are outside the 300-mile limit.

New IHSAA commissioner Bobby Cox said he’s open to discussing the travel rule if member schools express an interest, but he believes there is no need to travel beyond the 300-mile boundary to find teams to play.

“We have plenty of schools in our own state to play, Cox said. When you travel farther than that, you’re probably going to compromise class time. We’re supposed to be out for education first and if we’re going to remove a restriction that would allow a team to leave during a school day, I think we’re compromising education. I don’t think we have to go 12 hours to find a game to play.”

Hamilton Southeastern participated in the “Flyin’ to the Hoop” showcase in Dayton, Ohio, last weekend. The Royals split games against two of the better teams in Ohio, defeating Cincinnati Taft 71-70 on Saturday and losing 63-61 in overtime to Westerville on Monday.

With 6-4 junior Gary Harris as a top draw, Hamilton Southeastern coach Brian Satterfield said he gets inquiries from interested tournament directors outside the state.

“I think the (travel limit) is probably a good idea, Satterfield said. I think the one thing I’d like to see changed is that you could play a team from Alabama or Georgia or wherever as long as you are playing at a venue within the limit.

“Seeing that type of competition and watching other top teams from across the country was great.”

Hamilton Southeastern (10-2, 4-0 Hoosier Crossroads Conference) is scheduled to play at Avon (11-1, 4-0) at 7:30 tonight for first place in the HCC. Avon junior and Notre Dame recruit Austin Burgett returned to the lineup in Tuesday’s 61-48 win over Decatur Central after missing three games because of illness.

IHSAA’s 300-Mile Travel Limit Keeps Hoops Teams Close To Home

IndyStar.com

With the proliferation of high school basketball games on television — ESPN will show more than 20 this season — the opportunity occasionally comes for teams from Indiana.

But Indiana High School Athletic Association bylaws don’t allow schools to compete against programs located more than 300 miles from the state border.

ESPN’s lineup this year included the City of the Palms Tournament in Florida and the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass., two national tournaments that are outside the 300-mile limit.

New IHSAA commissioner Bobby Cox said he’s open to discussing the travel rule if member schools express an interest, but he believes there is no need to travel beyond the 300-mile boundary to find teams to play.

“We have plenty of schools in our own state to play, Cox said. When you travel farther than that, you’re probably going to compromise class time. We’re supposed to be out for education first and if we’re going to remove a restriction that would allow a team to leave during a school day, I think we’re compromising education. I don’t think we have to go 12 hours to find a game to play.”

Hamilton Southeastern participated in the “Flyin’ to the Hoop” showcase in Dayton, Ohio, last weekend. The Royals split games against two of the better teams in Ohio, defeating Cincinnati Taft 71-70 on Saturday and losing 63-61 in overtime to Westerville on Monday.

With 6-4 junior Gary Harris as a top draw, Hamilton Southeastern coach Brian Satterfield said he gets inquiries from interested tournament directors outside the state.

“I think the (travel limit) is probably a good idea, Satterfield said. I think the one thing I’d like to see changed is that you could play a team from Alabama or Georgia or wherever as long as you are playing at a venue within the limit.

“Seeing that type of competition and watching other top teams from across the country was great.”

Hamilton Southeastern (10-2, 4-0 Hoosier Crossroads Conference) is scheduled to play at Avon (11-1, 4-0) at 7:30 tonight for first place in the HCC. Avon junior and Notre Dame recruit Austin Burgett returned to the lineup in Tuesday’s 61-48 win over Decatur Central after missing three games because of illness.