The conversation over how Indiana’s state boys’ basketball tournament should be seeded has gathered steam among coaches, administrators and fans alike. The current blind‑draw system, mandated by the Indiana High School Athletic Association, keeps the format inclusive, allowing every team to qualify for the state championship.
Voices from the sidelines
Eric Gaff, who leads the South Bend Saint Joseph program, argues that a seeded sectional would give greater meaning to the regular season and produce more compelling matchups.
Scott Radeker, coach at Northridge High School, echoes the sentiment, suggesting that at minimum the top two teams in each sectional deserve recognition for their regular‑season work.
Barak Coolman of Penn High School, however, remains cautious, pointing out the logistical challenges of defining clear seeding criteria when sectionals vary in size and competitiveness.
Radeker has gone a step further, proposing a dual‑tournament model: one that includes the top 128 teams based on regular‑season metrics, and a second bracket for the remainder, thereby preserving participation while still honoring performance.
IHSAA commissioner Paul Neidig has noted that a seeded approach has yet to gain traction among principals and athletic directors, underscoring the institutional hurdles that any change would face.
The debate reflects a broader tension between inclusivity and competitive equity, a question that will likely continue to shape the governance of Indiana high school sports.