Anti-Ft. Wayne Bias in voting

[bassjones]

How in the hell is Eshaunte Jones a 2nd team all-state player?!?!?!? For that matter, how is DeShaun Thomas a 3rd team all-state player? Thomas was the no.2 scorer in the state and Jones was 3rd.

Jones, a Senior will be at IU in 2008 after a year in Prep School (due to grades, another argument for another day), and is clearly one of the best players in the state. He should have been in the running for Mr. Basketball, not given 2nd team leftovers.

I understand that Thomas is merely a freshman, but his scoring and rebounding, along with his massive structure and skill level - the kid is 6'8" tall and spent a good portion of the season and Luers' point guard - all but guarantee he will be a top 20 recruit (perhaps top 5 - yes, he's that good) nationally by the time he's done, and he could very well be Fort Wayne's first legitimate NBA prospect in a while.

Why are they 2nd and 3rd team? Simple - Fort Wayne Bias by the voters. "Can anything good come out of Fort Wayne?" Same reason James Hardy finished 3rd in Mr. Basketball voting his Senior year. Same reason Fort Wayne kids are left off all state teams in other sports.

I'm sure some people will argue I'm only being loyal to Bear (Eshaunte's nickname) since I know him personally - I do, and he's a great kid - but all it takes is a quick look at the numbers to realize he's a first team all-state player in any state. Watch him when it matters, at the end of a close game, as he hits big shot after big shot and no one could deny that.

Jones should have been first team and Thomas should have been at least 2nd team. Thomas' time will come, and by his Senior year, not even the Indianapolis dominated voters will be able to deny him first team honors, but I will be SHOCKED if he finishes higher than 2nd in Mr. Basketball voting. It would take 50 points and 20 rebounds a game and Luers (or whomever he's playing for by then) will have to win a state title, or they'll hand it out to the best player in Indy. Jones will just have to settle for playing at IU under the watchful eye of Kelvin Sampson...

[Sankofa]

Rod Woodson

DeMarcus Beasly (sp?)

[2tone]

has there ever been a time when the ihsaa didnt play fort wayne sideways?? if your not from indy all you can do is keep your fingers crossed.