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I've been catching up on the 2 game series between Indiana v Kentucky high school all-stars. It was the last high school hurrah for incoming BE freshman Kelan Martin, Jackson Davis, Trevon Blueitt & Tyler Wideman. 2 quick points:

1) I'm not familiar with this traditional series so I'm curious if anyone here could explain how these games are viewed locally (Indiana has won 29 of 32 games in the series since 1999)
2) Blackmon, Bluiett & Snyder were clearly the class of these game in rankings & play, but Wideman showed out regardless.

The 6-8 Wideman, a Butler recruit, was particularly helpful as 6-10 Mr. Basketball Trey Lyles (Tech/Kentucky) and 6-9 forward Mack Mercer (Plymouth/Belmont) were unable to play with injuries.

"His paint protection was great," said Benter, the Brownstown Central coach. "He protected the rim. He controlled the backboard. I think one possession in the first half said it all – he blocked a shot at one end and ran and got a layup at the other. That's the kind of effort we've seen out of Tyler for the last eight days. He's got a great motor."

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2014/06/14/indiana-stars-continue-winning-streak-kentucky/10542963/

More Wideman Hype:

@BUIrishdawg: Butler fans will like this - saw Tyler Wideman burying 3's before the girls came out to warm up. Nice stroke.
@THicksFRHC: #Butler commit Tyler Wideman finished with 13 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 assists vs. the IN Junior All-Stars.
@Tom101010: @ButlerMBB recruit Tyler Wideman playing like a man amongst boys, which when ur guarded by juniors in HS he is.
@nick_hinojosa: Tyler Wideman (butler) just had a chase down block that belongs on sportscenter.
@BUIrishdawg: Tyler Wideman's DR% has to be darn near 75% the last 5 minutes.
@INBBallSource: Tyler Wideman with a putback then sends two Kentucky shots back. Phantom foul called on the 2nd though.
‏@JeffRabjohns: Forward Tyler Wideman (Butler) making plays on both ends. Two very strong blocks. Indiana up 36-32, late 1st half.
@DustinDopirak: Blackmon goes to the rim for a layup after a very impressive sequence by Tyler Wideman that included a block and a layup. Indiana up 36-32
@RealRichTorres: Tyler Wideman (Lake Central/Butler) putting on a defensive display in #INvsKY boys All-Stars game. #thelaneisclosed #hoopsconfidence

Even More Wideman Hype:

@jkenny_ns: Butler signee Tyler Wideman is a shotblocking machine in the paint..can get up the floor in a hurry too
@mark_ambrogi: Jackson Davis (6-8, 220) on going against future Butler 6-8, 245-pound teammate Tyler Wideman “It was like running into a wall sometimes.”
@INBBallSource: Hard to argue with Blackmon/Bluiett as co-MVP. Blackmon with 41 last night and 23 tonight. Bluiett had 30 tonight. Tyler Wideman had a case.
@BUIrishdawg: The more I watch Tyler Wideman, the more I like him. Especially when he's working as hard as he is on the defensive end of the floor.
‏@THicksFRHC: Wideman: He was very good tonight. College ready body. Good timing blocking shots. Can he be Butler's JayVaughn Pinkston down the road?
@InsideDawgPound: Love the highlights of Tyler Wideman. Shows his big time potential on the glass and size to make an impact next year for #Butler.


@zjbphotography: Future Butler Bulldog Tyler Wideman scores inside during IHSAA all star game.

https://twitter.com/zjbphotography/status/478251389878300673/photo/1

These games used to be HUGE in Indiana and Kentucky. But for the last decade, Indiana has absolutely controlled the game and people have lost interest. There were maybe 1000 people in KY for the game, and you can tell from the photo, very few in attendance in Indiana. [Announced at 6,500.] In the past, Market Square Arena and Freedom Hall in Louisville would be SRO. Not anymore.

Years ago, before all of the HS All Star games that now exist, this was an elite showcase for KY and IN talent. Indiana's Mr. Basketball, Trey Lyles, didn't even play in the series. He was exhausted and dehydrated from other competitions.

Indiana is considering dropping this series with KY and perhaps substituting OH or MI or IL.


Here is an article about the series
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2014/06/15/indiana-stars-gave-fitting-climax-season/10561031/