By MIKE HUTSELL
NEW ALBANY — Both New Albany’s Donnie Hale and Jeffersonville’s Kegan Clark had their share of moments on Thursday. But ultimately, it was the Indiana All-Stars proving why they are considered the best in the state.
Mr. Basketball Jordan Hulls and Indianapolis Cathedral’s Errick Peck each scored 17 points, leading five players in double figures as the Indiana Senior Stars defeated the Juniors 109-94 at The Doghouse.
Hulls, bound for Indiana University after leading Bloomington South to the 2009 IHSAA Class 4A state title, drew a loud ovation from a few crimson-clad Hoosier fans during pre-game introductions and then went on to shoot 6-of-10 from the floor for the seniors.
Peck, who will play at Cornell next season, was 7-of-11 from the field and added four rebounds for the seniors, who will now begin their annual series against border rival Kentucky tonight at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The series finale will be Sunday at Bellarmine University.
Batesville’s Colt Ryan had 15 points, Louisville signee Stephan Van Treese added 13 and Purdue signee D.J. Byrd finished with 12.
Hale’s homecoming included a warm welcome from the New Albany faithful, and he opened the scoring for the juniors with a 3-pointer from near the top of the key — one of two the 6-foot-7 post player converted from downtown in the contest.
Hale had 15 points in the contest, shooting 6-of-9 from the field.
“It’s good being home and playing in front of the New Albany crowd,” said Hale. “I’ve had a lot of fun this week with the All-Star experience. Being on the junior team, I think I can get used to this. I’d like to come back and do it next year.”
Hale is a member of Indiana’s “Core” Junior Stars, meaning he ranks as one of the favorites a senior spot entering next season.
Clark, a member of the “South” Junior Stars, had 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting. His night was highlighted by a first-half dunk that led to a three-point play.
“I saw I had a chance at the dunk. I didn’t even see the defender,” Clark said. “I felt him bump me when I was up there. I was surprised, I got a little excited about that one.”
Both Hale and Clark commented on their current recruiting status after the game.
Hale said he has a visit planned to Oklahoma State University next weekend for the school’s Elite Camp. He said two local schools right now lead in the race for his services.
“Right now Xavier and Purdue are my leaders,” said Hale, who noted he would visit Xavier later this month and would play at Purdue’s Team Camp with New Albany in the summer. “I’ve looked at both at them pretty much from the start.”
Hale’s hopes the timetable for his commitment is by the end of the summer.
“I’d like to get it done and focus on my senior year, but I want it to be the right choice,” Hale said. “I don’t want to rush it, but I’m comfortable right now with the schools I’m looking at.”
Clark said he has drawn recent interest from Wright State and Eastern Illinois.
“I’ve looked at both of those two. I was at a shootout at Wright State recently and saw the campus,” Clark said. “I haven’t really made any official visits anywhere, but I’m going to keep looking and hope I find the right fit.”
Purdue commitment Teron Johnson led the Juniors with 25 points. DeShaun Thomas added 13 and Julian Boatner scored 10.
