27 of the Nation’s 35 Largest High School Gyms Are in Indiana

May my tongue turn into a carrot stick if what I'm about to write, in any way, leads you to believe that I am besmirching Kentucky's long and storied basketball tradition. Okay? Okay. End of disclaimer. (I'm a Kentuckian, by the way.)

Honestly, though, KENTUCKY'S hoops tradition is mostly about the Commonwealth's collegiate programs. The University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University, the University of Louisville, and Murray State University are all among the top 50 on a list of the winningest college basketball programs of all time.

As for Indiana, the Hoosier State can brag about having three of the top 11 on that list. And while the Indiana Hoosiers do possess one of the great traditions in college hoops, Indiana the STATE has a very deep HIGH SCHOOL basketball tradition that is not only comparable to any other state but might just trump the field. I mean, there is a reason Hollywood fell enough in love with the 1954 Milan High School hoops team to give us a box office smash called Hoosiers that still resonates to this day.

High school basketball is serious business in Indiana, so maybe it shouldn't come as a surprise that 27 of the nation's 35 largest high school gyms are here.

According to IndyStar, the numbers are even MORE impressive as Indiana, at one point, was home to 12 of the 13 largest high school gyms in the nation. Some have clearly been renovated; some maintain that wonderful old-school vibe. But they ALL look the part of gyms that have earned their way into the rankings we're discussing. And if you ever see a game in Richmond, West Gary, Columbus, Muncie, Washington, Southport, Lafayette, Seymour, or any of the others named, you'll see for yourself.

Basketball may not be the number one sport in America; that's probably football. But its history--especially at the high school level--does feel richer than all the others.