It’s not often that you get to play in famous stadiums.
Across the country, there are various stadiums, courts and rinks that have served as backdrops and settings for Hollywood movies. But one regional team treated themselves to an early Christmas present.
The Newton Falls men’s basketball team featured in the movie “Hoosiers” will travel across state lines to play in a gym.
“The gym looks exactly like it did in the movie. The gym is the same, the locker room is the same.” Newton Falls head coach Roy Semback said. “We had to go there, change in the locker room where the Hoosier team was, and sign our jerseys. They hang up the jerseys of every school that played there, and ours was there, too. It’s hung there.”
While the film has caught the attention of many hoops enthusiasts, some players needed a little education session the night before tipoff.
“Some of my kids hadn’t seen the movie, so we watched the movie ‘Hoosiers.’ Sembach said.
The Tigers ended up playing a co-team and varsity game. They played against Estill County, Kentucky, and Estill County won 57-50.
“There are two half-court lines.” Cameron Huff said. “The court is much smaller than a normal high school court. It was definitely a great experience.”
After the game, the Tigers packed up and headed to New Castle High School (Indiana). It is the largest high school gymnasium in the country. And before heading back, they stopped by the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.
A rural high school gymnasium. And before heading back, they stopped by the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.
The Tigers had been fundraising for a year for the trip. Funds were generated through the program’s golf outings and youth basketball camps.
“It doesn’t cost that much to play in a gym. I had to raise money to buy a hotel, and that’s how much it cost.” Ethan Powell said. “We’re very fortunate and it’s great because we know not a lot of other teams get to achieve this. We were really lucky to be able to go there.”